The key elements of the role comprise of: (i) Shaping and producing knowledge, tools and resources that allow IFC to replicate the WIN value proposition more broadly and across a diverse set of financial institutions (ii) supporting the regions in business development, diagnostics and project design (iii) Quality assurance and program monitoring (iv) leading and supporting the training and development of regional resources/staff.
The successful candidate is a determined and perseverant “go-getter”, ideally with Banking, SME development, training and leadership experience under her/his belt. S/he should have a positive attitude, be dedicated to excellence and the ability to translate insights from the “gender perspective” into broad strategy and concrete opportunities for IFC’s advisory and investment services. While s/he would need to be able to work independently and take initiative, s/he would have to be a strong team player, able to take leadership as well as supporting roles. S/he handles a variety of activities concurrently in a high-pressure environment and delivers consistently. S/he is open-minded, able to work in a fast-paced and multicultural environment and is used to exploring links between fields, disciplines and people which would not usually be related. S/he actively supports innovation and knowledge sharing in an open, team-based environment, and thrives through partnerships, teamwork, continuous learning and innovation.
Business Accountabilities
Strategy and Innovation:
• As part of the A2F SME program, collaborate with Financial Markets (FM) Banking on Women program to reach the IDG targets; include a women in business dimension in existing or new investment/clients; and supported with appropriate ME indicators.
• Identify new financial inclusion product areas within A2F to further the growth of women entrepreneurs in emerging markets. These could include areas such as supply chain finance, insurance, secured lending and others.
• Ensure innovative approaches are developed/ imported, tailored and applied in relevant markets.
Business Development:
• Support the regions in further development of a project portfolio in WIN/SME banking, identifying and vetting prospective clients in partnership with other SME banking and regional IFC AS operational staff, global specialist teams and investment teams;
• Develop partnership proposals for prospective clients on the basis of appraisals of their operations and on-going business development discussions;
Project development, technical support and quality assurance:
• Lead corporate initiatives relating to Access to Finance for women-owned SMEs, specifically working with IFC financial institutions clients to enhance their ability to profitably and sustainably address the needs of women entrepreneurs in emerging markets, as well as provide financial and management skills to enhance the bankability of the women beneficiaries;
• Provide knowledge expertise at project concept, design, manage consultant teams and support regions in overall implementation of the women in business components in all SME banking and other appropriate A2F products;
• Guide projects through IFC’s internal approval process, ensuring that lessons learned world-wide are appropriately taken into account in the design of new projects
• Strengthen the implementation and delivery capacity of the regions, mentor and train A2F staff in regions.
Knowledge Management:
• Work with KM officers across departments and business lines to ensure women in business-related knowledge is ‘streamlined’ into KM products and services, including practice groups, network efforts, etc.
• Contribute to IFC’s knowledge base through notes, papers, presentations, smart lessons, completion reports, KM notes, and workshops as needed
• Assist in developing further guidance on gender baselines and ME framework.
• Disseminate tools and training that enhance IFC’s staff ability to implement women in business A2F programs
• Collaborate with the Global Banking Alliance (GBA) members to keep abreast of experiences and lessons learned from developed and developing banks implementing women in business programs
Program Management and Development:
• Liaise with other experts in the gender field and assist in developing new partnerships and/or identifying areas for collaboration with internal / external stakeholders, partners, and specialists.
• Update development partners and management team as needed on the progress of the products.
• Interface with other product leaders and teams, field staff and other internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to G-20 mandate on access to finance for women owned businesses and provide research which may feed into major policy agenda such as G-20, Rio+20 and others.