Job Opportunity: Regional Industry Director – Infrastructure & Natural Resources (INR), East & Southern Africa

Job #: req35458
Organization: International Finance Corporation (IFC), World Bank Group
Grade: GI
Term Duration: 4 years
Recruitment Type: International
Location: Johannesburg, South Africa / Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Required Language: English
Preferred Languages: French, Arabic
Closing Date: 2 April 2026, 11:59 PM UTC

About IFC

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), part of the World Bank Group (WBG), is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. IFC operates in over 100 countries, leveraging capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities that reduce poverty and promote sustainable development.

IFC Strategy 2030 focuses on mobilizing private capital at scale to create more and better jobs, deepening collaboration across WBG, supporting MSMEs, and proactively designing upstream interventions to address regulatory and sector bottlenecks.

The Infrastructure & Natural Resources (INR) Industry is a strategic priority, providing financial and technical support in power, transport, municipal & environmental infrastructure, telecommunications, oil & gas, and mining sectors. IFR’s objectives include scaling climate-aligned infrastructure, improving energy access, digital connectivity, and municipal services, particularly in IDA and FCV contexts across East and Southern Africa.

Position Overview

The Regional Industry Director (RID) will lead INR activities across East and Southern Africa, delivering strong profitability and sustainable development impact. This is a senior leadership role requiring significant strategic, managerial, and technical expertise.

Reports to: Regional Vice President, Africa
Functional Reporting Line: Knowledge Bank
Team Membership: Africa Core Leadership Team (ACLT)

Key Responsibilities

Business Leadership

Develop and execute INR strategy in East and Southern Africa.
Grow and manage INR business and portfolio in compliance with risk and ESG standards.
Ensure geographic balance, including FCV and low-income countries.
Collaborate across global industries to develop multisectoral solutions.
Strategically position INR in regional country strategies.

Client & Stakeholder Management

Lead business development and client portfolio management.
Build and maintain strong long-term client and stakeholder relationships.
Identify opportunities for joint ventures, resource mobilization, and knowledge transfer.
Support delivery and execution of the regional equity strategy.

Resource & Team Management

Supervise INR Managers and other dedicated INR staff.
Implement corporate initiatives to enhance efficiency and client service.
Lead and manage a large, dispersed, and multicultural team.

Selection Criteria

Education:

PhD, Master’s degree, or equivalent in Economics, Finance, Business, or related fields.

Experience & Competencies:

Minimum 15 years of relevant experience in investment, business delivery, policy dialogue, or financial institutions.
Demonstrated strategic thinking, problem-solving, and leadership in complex environments.
Strong track record in investment and portfolio management.
Superior communication skills; fluency in English required; French/Arabic a plus.
Ability to drive organizational change, foster innovation, and deliver results under pressure.
Commitment to WBG and IFC mission, strategy, and values.

WBG Culture Attributes:

Sense of urgency: anticipate and respond quickly to stakeholder needs.
Thoughtful risk-taking: challenge the status quo for greater impact.
Empowerment and accountability: enable others to act and hold self/others accountable.

Benefits

Competitive retirement plan, medical, life and disability insurance, paid leave (including parental leave).
Inclusive and equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity across gender, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, and disability.

Learn More: IFC Careers

To apply for this job please visit www.linkedin.com.

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