Operations Analyst – Business Developpmen

Operations Analyst – Business Developpmen

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 www.ifc.org.

IFC Western Europe (CWE) covers relations with companies, governments and Development Finance Institutions in 27 countries in the region, as well as with the European Union. These countries hold about a third of IFC's capital, while companies, financial institutions and investors in the region are strategic investment partners for IFC in emerging markets.

CWE works with Western European companies to help them expand their operations or start new ventures in emerging markets through mainstream and innovative financial products. In fiscal year 2024, IFC committed $5.5 billion in long-term investments with clients and mobilized an addition $3.2 billion from lenders in Western Europe. CWE’s business development includes a wide array of activities from research and mapping of target audiences for IFC investments, reaching out to establish contacts and following-up with companies and intermediaries such as business associations, speaking at events and organizing industry- and sector-specific knowledge-sharing ones for Western European companies interested in investing in emerging markets, to making introductions to and liaising with Mainstream Investment and Upstream colleagues, and following through to investment decision processes.

CWE is seeking an Operations Analyst to support Business Development activities in Italy and support the Business Development activity of CWE. The position is based in Rome, and reports to the Head of Western Europe and with will work and support private sector activity with the Joint Country Representative for Italy.

Responsabilities:

 The Operations Analyst support business development across a range of sectors. He/she will work closely with sector teams across IFC and Western Europe team to expand IFC’s client base and originate transactions. (S)he will contribute to managing relationships with existing and prospective clients, intermediaries and other parties, and raise IFC’s visibility, particularly in Italy. The overall goal of the position is to  contribute to IFC’s business development efforts and corporate objectives through high-quality analytical, coordination, and client support.

Duties and Accountabilities:

 • Conduct business development activities in several, mainly, MAS and INR sectors.
• Conduct industry and market research by extracting information from internal databases and external sources.
• Maintain a pipeline of projects with sponsors and prepare mapping of potential clients for IFC.
• Perform desktop reviews of potential prospective clients, including background checks and preliminary financial analysis.
• Identify relevant prospective clients; establish a contact with key executives; build and maintain relationships with potential clients.
• Support the identification and development of investment opportunities for IFC and provide client relationship support throughout the business development and transaction process, as needed.
• Coordinate with IFC industry teams to develop and maintain relationships with clients.
• Analyze operational and financial performance of potential client companies; review investment proposals, evaluate the benefits and risks of new transactions.
• Support the management of relationships with key partners and intermediaries and to position IFC on relevant private sector initiatives/events and conferences on the Italian market.
• Organize business development webinars, roundtables, and conferences.
• Assist in preparation and execution of IFC Management visits, and other activities as requested.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent qualification.
• 3-5 years of experience in finance, including project, structured or corporate finance..
• Understanding and working experience of the challenges of investing in emerging markets predominantly in MAS and INR sectors.
• Demonstrated interest in business development and client relationship management; ability to focus effectively on client needs.
• Knowledge of IFC products and services, risk appetite, and financing requirements.
• Financial and credit skills; ability to  analyze financial transactions and contribute to transaction structuring (senior/junior debt, equity, etc.).
• Sound business judgment to identify potential business partners.
• Ability to interact effectively with the management of potential clients, business partners, and other stakeholders under appropriate guidance, while progressively building independent relationships.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to collaborate effectively across IFC teams..
• Capacity to deal with conflicting priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule; facility to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Italian, French will be a plus.
• Genuine commitment to highest ethical standards and to sustainable development.

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.