Operations Officer - Ukraine Country Operations

Operations Officer - Ukraine Country Operations

Description

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges.

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit: https://www.ifc.org.

IFC has demonstrated unwavering support for Ukraine amidst Russia's invasion, having delivered a $3 billion program to bolster the Ukrainian private sector. IFC provides both short-term liquidity and long-term financing as well as equity and advisory services for critical sectors such as energy, agribusiness, manufacturing, healthcare, financial services, and digital infrastructure. By working closely with partners and donors, IFC is committed to helping Ukraine rebuild and recover, ensuring economic resilience and supporting the country's reconstruction efforts.

IFC is seeking an Operations Officer to be based at IFC’s office in Kyiv, Ukraine. As a key member of the Regional Team, the Operations Officer will be responsible for supporting the Country Manager as a key member of the team. This is a dynamic role that will involve business development, management of relationships (particularly with public partners, donors and IFIs), writing and preparation of materials and briefs, and operational support related to IFC’s activities in the country.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Business Development and Support to Operational Teams
• Support business development efforts of Country manager and industry and advisory teams in priority areas for IFC in Ukraine.
• Provide input on project development and management to the Country Manager, project leads, and technical teams as needed.
• Assist the different project teams in coordinating missions, including managing relationships with key clients and stakeholders and follow-up after meetings.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen solutions offered to clients by involving other parts of the WBG based on a good understanding of the products of WBG. 
Client relations
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop investment opportunities in industry sectors with a high developmental impact.
• In consultation with the program managers, conduct engagements with clients, stakeholders, and donors.
• Provide on-ground support in monitoring the progress and impact of projects through regular project monitoring and evaluation of performance.

Strategic and Donor Coordination Support
• Assist in building and maintaining relations with other IFIs, DFIs and donor governments with special focus on joint mobilization of resources.
• Coordinate donor engagement activities, especially with the European Commission, and track follow-up actions.
• Support fundraising pipeline development in coordination with Partnerships and Blended Finance teams.
• Drafting talking points, briefs, and summaries for donor meetings.
• Tracking donor commitments and maintain engagement records, prepare donor engagement reports and knowledge products in close coordination with the DC-based teams.
• Facilitate information sharing among the WBG, development partners, and government counterparts.

Outreach and visibility
• Develop and maintain relationships with appropriate stakeholders (government, private sector, business associations, think-tanks, etc.) and identify business opportunities considering IFC’s strategy, priorities and products.
• Represent and provide visibility for IFC including through organizing/participating in high profile events (seminars and conferences).
• Prepare/coordinate any briefing material for the country; quality control of materials produced.
• Serve as a focal point in the Country Team for overseeing the timely production and delivery of communications materials (incl. Talking Points, presentations and other documentation as contributions to IFC’s external communication, marketing and outreach).

Selection Criteria

• Master’s degree from a reputable university; preferably with major in economics, business or finance.
• At least 7 years of work experience in banking, finance, consulting, or another fast-paced, knowledge-based work environment. Experience engaging with government, donor partners and the private sector in Ukraine preferred.
• Advanced Excel and Power-Point skills, solid experience in using AI-enabled tools.
• Strong analytical, critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent teamwork skills, with the ability to take initiative and work across organizational boundaries. High energy with strong professionalism, maintaining confidentiality and using discretion when required.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Ukrainian.
• Ability to thrive under pressure and function effectively in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines while working on multiple projects.

WBG Culture Attributes:

1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact.
3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results.

World Bank Group Core Competencies

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits, including a retirement plan; medical, life and disability insurance; and paid leave, including parental leave, as well as reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated and committed workforce, and do not discriminate based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC including our values and inspiring stories.