The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution dedicated to the private sector in emerging markets. Operating in over 100 countries, we leverage our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to harness the private sector’s power to eliminate extreme poverty and foster shared prosperity on a sustainable planet. For additional information, please visit www.ifc.org.
The World Bank projects that by 2030, half of the world’s extremely poor population will reside in nations grappling with fragility, conflict, and violence. In these contexts, the private sector can play a crucial role in transforming livelihoods by generating employment, providing goods and services, creating tax revenues, and rebuilding infrastructure. Addressing fragile economies demands innovative approaches that transcend national, regional, or sectoral strategies.
In light of this, IFC has prioritized supporting stability and growth in fragile and conflict-affected environments, pledging to allocate 40% of its annual commitments to International Development Association (IDA)-eligible countries and fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS) by 2030.
IFC’s Africa Fragility and Conflict-Affected Situations Program is based in Nairobi and is focused on piloting innovative tools to enhance IFC’s investment and advisory efforts within fragile countries across Africa. This team aids IFC in fulfilling its commitments regarding fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) as part of the World Bank Group’s overarching strategy and the 2018 capital increase program.
The FCS Africa team focuses on three key thematic areas: (1) engaging with the national private sector; (2) devising strategies for economic inclusion in contexts involving forcibly displaced persons (FDP); and (3) addressing conflict sensitivity by developing tools, piloting projects, and integrating conflict sensitivity into regional projects. Additionally, it is responsible for creating and disseminating knowledge on private sector development in fragile situations across Africa.
To expand its on-ground presence in essential markets, the FCS Africa team is seeking an enthusiastic Operations Officer to bolster conflict sensitivity approaches. This position will report daily to the FCS Africa Thematic Manager for Conflict Sensitivity and will be based in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, or Bamako, Mali.
The Operations Officer will collaborate closely with the Conflict Sensitivity Thematic Manager and the Country Management Units (CMUs), and will be responsible for:
Product research and development:
• Facilitating the integration of conflict and fragility perspectives into core diagnostics, strategies, and analyses, as well as in the design, due diligence, and monitoring of targeted advisory and investment projects.
• Supporting and promoting client conflict sensitivity tools for projects aimed at FCS markets.
• Assisting in the development of conflict sensitivity screening tools for projects in coordination with other World Bank teams, including IFC’s Environmental, Social, and Governance teams and World Bank FCV teams focusing on risk and resilience assessments.
Staff enrichment:
• Contributing to the development of lessons learned from conflict sensitivity approaches, tools, and the application of the fragility lens for internal World Bank audiences.
• Contributing to training and building capacity among internal teams in conflict sensitivity.
• Providing thought leadership in collaboration with partners.
• Assisting in the development of shared approaches, tools, and learning with International Finance Departments (IFDs) and partners on conflict sensitivity.
• Contributing to internal and external knowledge products.
• Assisting in creating external guidelines and learning materials to inform the application of the private sector fragility lens and sector best practices, in collaboration with other World Bank teams and external partners.
• Supporting reporting and broader knowledge sharing on FCS Africa and FCV.
Basic skills
• Demonstrated knowledge and leadership in conflict sensitivity concepts and their application to IFD private sector investments in FCS.
• Familiarity with quantitative data for conflict analysis and contextual risk indices, accompanied by a keen attention to detail. Proficiency in social science research methods and the ability to produce high-quality analyses using credible qualitative and quantitative data sources.
• Operational experience in implementing conflict sensitivity practices and project-based methodologies.
• Understanding of IFC and World Bank conflict sensitivity products and approaches (such as dashboards, analytical tools, and operational methods).
• Ability to support design and implementation efforts for clients that embody a profound understanding of conflict sensitivity, as well as the capability to develop a business case for clients.
• Capability to assist in research and analysis projects aimed at credibly producing new insights into conflict sensitivity or uncovering potential opportunities for client engagement.
• Proven ability to collaborate with Environmental and Social (E&S) teams and regional teams in crafting client solutions that create lasting impact and incorporate lessons learned.
Selection criteria
• Master’s degree in a relevant field or expertise specific to a sector, subject, or industry specialty.
• A minimum of five (5) years of experience in data analysis, social science research, and project operations, including the competence to conduct complex country and conflict risk research and apply findings to field projects.
• Preferred experience working with development finance institutions, with a solid understanding of IFC performance standards and business requirements.
• Expertise in analyzing contextual trends related to risk, fragility, and conflict in FCS markets, and the ability to translate these insights for private sector stakeholders, particularly in African countries.
• Proficiency in English and French.
• Strong skills in Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and the ability to manage data-driven dashboards.
World Bank Group Core Competencies
The World Bank Group provides a comprehensive benefits package, including a retirement plan, medical, life, and disability insurance, in addition to paid leave, including parental leave, and reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities.
We take pride in being an equal opportunity and inclusive employer with a dedicated workforce, and we do not discriminate based on sex, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
Find out more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our values and inspiring stories.
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IFC and its Role in Supporting Stability and Growth in Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations
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. Operating in over 100 countries, IFC utilizes its capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. With a mission to leverage the private sector’s potential in eradicating extreme poverty and fostering shared prosperity, IFC aims for a livable planet. More information can be found at www.ifc.org.
The Challenge of Fragility and Conflict
As the World Bank forecasts that by 2030, half of the world’s extremely poor will reside in countries grappling with fragility, conflict, and violence, it becomes imperative that innovative solutions are brought forth. In these environments, the private sector can play a pivotal role by creating jobs, providing essential goods and services, generating tax revenues, and rehabilitating infrastructure. Nevertheless, fragile economies require multifaceted strategies that transcend national, regional, and sectoral boundaries.
IFC’s Commitment to Fragile and Conflict-Affected Situations
In response to these pressing challenges, IFC has prioritized support for stability and growth in fragile and conflict-affected situations (FCS). By 2030, IFC commits to directing 40% of its annual investments toward International Development Association (IDA)-eligible countries and those experiencing fragility and conflict.
FCS Africa Program
The IFC’s Africa Fragility and Conflict-Affected Situations Program, headquartered in Nairobi, is a dedicated advisory team that pilots innovative tools aimed at enhancing investment and advisory efforts in fragile countries across Africa. The team’s objectives align with IFC’s commitments in dealing with fragility, conflict, and violence (FCV) as part of the World Bank Group’s broader strategy and the 2018 capital increase initiative.
Thematic Focus Areas
The FCS Africa team has three primary focus areas:
- Engagement with the National Private Sector: Strengthening local businesses that can stimulate economic growth.
- Economic Inclusion in Forcibly Displaced Persons (FDP) Contexts: Developing tailored approaches to support vulnerable populations.
- Conflict Sensitivity: Creating tools and piloting projects that incorporate conflict sensitivity into the design and implementation phases, ensuring that projects remain viable in complex environments.
Opportunity for an Operations Officer
To further its mission, the FCS Africa team is currently seeking a motivated Operations Officer. This role is integral to supporting the strengthening of conflict sensitivity approaches within projects and initiatives. The successful candidate will report to the FCS Africa Thematic Manager for Conflict Sensitivity, based in either Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso or Bamako, Mali.
Key Responsibilities
The Operations Officer’s responsibilities include:
- Product Research and Development:
- Integrate conflict and fragility considerations into diagnostics, strategies, and analyses for private sector projects.
- Provide conflict sensitivity support tools tailored for FCS market initiatives.
- Collaborate with the World Bank’s Environmental, Social and Governance teams to create conflict sensitivity screening tools.
Staff Enrichment Initiatives
- Document and share lessons learned regarding conflict sensitivity approaches and tools.
- Facilitate training sessions aimed at enhancing internal understanding of conflict sensitivity.
- Develop collaborative tools and approaches with International Finance Institutions (IFDs) regarding conflict sensitivity.
- Contribute to internal and external knowledge-sharing products and guidance materials.
Basic Skills Required
The ideal candidate for the Operations Officer position will possess a range of skills, including:
- Thematic knowledge in conflict sensitivity, particularly regarding private sector investments in FCS.
- Expertise in quantitative data analysis and knowledge of social science research methodologies.
- Proven experience in implementing conflict sensitivity practices within a project context.
- Understanding of IFC and World Bank conflict sensitivity products, including dashboards and analytical tools.
- Ability to design client solutions with a focus on sustainable conflict-sensitive strategies.
Selection Criteria
Candidates should meet the following criteria:
- Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- A minimum of five years of experience in data analysis, social science research, and project operations.
- Familiarity with development finance institutions, including Germany’s IFC Performance Standards.
- Experience analyzing risk, fragility, and conflict trends in African markets.
- Fluency in both English and French.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
Core Competencies of the World Bank Group
The World Bank Group offers an array of benefits including:
- Retirement plans
- Medical, life, and disability insurance
- Paid leave, including parental leave
- Supportive accommodations for individuals with disabilities
As an equal opportunity employer, the World Bank Group is committed to building a diverse workforce free from discrimination based on sex, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. Learn more about working at the World Bank and IFC, including our principles and inspiring success stories.
