Investment Officer - Creative Industries - GF

international finance corporation

Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet.

Creative Industries encompass those industries that have their origin in individual creativity, skill and talent and have the potential for wealth and job creation through the monetization of such creative talent. Creative Industries include media and entertainment, sports, fashion, and music, to name a few.

Creative Industries represent between 2% and 7% of GDP in emerging markets, given their economic multiplier and spillover effects into other sectors such as tourism, real estate and manufacturing. Furthermore, they represent a highly inclusive set of sectors that support income generation, foster innovation and employ a disproportionately large share of youth and women.

Duties & Accountabilities:

The Investment Officer will play a key role in IFC's Creative Industries strategy by contributing to new business development, transaction execution, and knowledge creation. Key responsibilities include:

• Originate high-potential investment opportunities in the Creative Industries sector, with a focus on scalable, innovative, and impactful businesses across subsectors such as film, music, animation, fashion, sports and entertainment and digital media.
• Actively engage with industry stakeholders, including private companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and public-sector entities, to identify emerging trends and business opportunities.
• Work closely with IFC's regional and global teams to ensure alignment with IFC's strategy and regional priorities.

• Lead or support the structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex transactions, including equity and debt investments.
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence, including financial modeling, valuation, credit analysis, and market assessments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), to address key transaction requirements and ensure compliance with IFC standards.
• Prepare and present high-quality investment proposals to IFC's management and board for approval.

• Contribute to upstream efforts by working with early-stage companies, projects, and ecosystems to transform promising concepts into bankable opportunities.
• Identify systemic barriers to growth in the Creative Industries sector and work with stakeholders, including governments and development partners, to design and implement solutions.
• Explore innovative financial models and instruments that can unlock private sector participation in Creative Industries.

• Develop and share deep insights into the Creative Industries sector, including market trends, business models, and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to thought leadership by producing knowledge products, participating in sector-specific forums, and representing IFC in external engagements.
• Train and mentor junior staff, fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration within the team.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Creative Industries clients, industry associations, and government agencies, to promote IFC's role in the sector.
• Advocate for the Creative Industries as a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and social inclusion, highlighting its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Coordinate with World Bank colleagues to leverage synergies, such as policy reform initiatives, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs that support the Creative Industries.
• Participate in joint World Bank Group initiatives aimed at enhancing the enabling environment for Creative Industries in LAC and Asia.

• A master's degree in economics, finance, business, or other relevant discipline.
• A strong interest in international development and Creative Industries, and willingness to travel extensively.
• At least 6 years of relevant experience in Creative Industries or adjacent/ related sectors, performing in roles including investment banking, private equity or venture capital, with a proven track record in sourcing, structuring, and closing deals, including early-stage project development.
• Demonstrated expertise in financial analysis and modeling, with experience designing, implementing, and successfully closing complex transactions involving both debt and equity instruments.
• Strong business judgment for screening and identifying investment opportunities and making sound go/no-go recommendations.
• Fluency in English, with Spanish or Portuguese also desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey ideas effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work in multicultural, multi-location teams and collaborate across organizational boundaries.
• Proven ability to build relationships with senior management, clients, and government officials.
• Capacity to guide, supervise, and mentor junior team members, ensuring quality and professionalism in their work.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, encourage innovation, and contribute to a collaborative environment.
• International exposure, particularly in emerging markets, with cultural sensitivity and adaptability.
• Capacity to identify and develop market-creation opportunities with a long-term, innovative perspective, leveraging the instruments and programs of the World Bank Group.

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.

• Application and Interview Preparation: Whether you're preparing your application documents or getting ready for an interview, you can book a Job Application Support session to receive tailored guidance.
• For Swiss nationals invited to the first round of the selection process (e.g., written test, interview, assessment center): Notify us at recruitment@cinfo.ch, and we will inform our HR partners in the respective organization and the Swiss Government to help increase your visibility.

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)