Website World Bank Group
World Bank Group
Upstream & Advisory Manager – Manufacturing & Services (M&S), Africa
Organization: International Finance Corporation (IFC) – World Bank Group
Job Number: req37840
Sector: Advisory Services
Grade: GH
Contract Duration: 4 years
Recruitment Type: International Recruitment
Duty Stations:
- Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Cairo, Egypt
- Accra, Ghana
Required Language: English
Preferred Language: French
Application Deadline: 5 August 2026, 11:59 PM UTC
About IFC
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. IFC works across more than 100 countries, using investment, expertise, and partnerships to create markets, expand opportunities, and promote sustainable private sector development.
IFC is seeking an Upstream & Advisory Manager for Manufacturing & Services (M&S) in Africa to lead initiatives that create markets, strengthen private sector participation, support investment opportunities, and deliver measurable development impact across the region.
The position will play a key role in advancing IFC’s strategic objectives under IFC 3.0, working with regional industry teams, World Bank counterparts, MIGA, governments, investors, development partners, and private sector stakeholders.
Job Purpose
The Upstream & Advisory Manager will lead IFC’s upstream and advisory activities across Manufacturing & Services sectors in Africa by:
- Creating investment opportunities and improving investment conditions.
- Developing scalable market creation initiatives.
- Supporting private sector growth and economic transformation.
- Strengthening collaboration between advisory, upstream, and investment teams.
- Mobilizing partners, donors, development finance institutions (DFIs), sponsors, and private capital.
The role will oversee an Upstream and Advisory team and ensure effective delivery across IFC operations, from market creation and project development to investment support and portfolio value creation.
Key Responsibilities
1. People and Resource Management
- Lead and manage the Upstream & Advisory team to ensure strong performance and alignment with IFC priorities.
- Mentor and develop team members through coaching, learning, and career development opportunities.
- Participate as a member of the Africa Manufacturing & Services Management Team.
- Strengthen collaboration between upstream, advisory, and investment teams.
- Manage operational resources, budgets, and donor funding effectively.
2. Strategic Responsibilities
- Develop and implement upstream and advisory strategies for Manufacturing & Services sectors across Africa.
- Support IFC country strategies, sector plans, and World Bank Group priorities.
- Lead market creation initiatives that increase private sector participation and investment opportunities.
- Identify opportunities capable of attracting:
- Private investors
- Development partners
- Donors
- Sponsors
- DFIs
- Integrate upstream mobilization strategies into sector programs and country business plans.
- Develop scalable initiatives focused on:
- Job creation
- Productivity improvement
- Competitiveness
- Inclusion
- Climate resilience
- Economic transformation
- Advance strategic initiatives in sectors including:
- Tourism
- Gas-for-power
- Manufacturing competitiveness
- Value chain development
- Utilize IFC global expertise and innovative approaches to support African market development.
- Collaborate with global industry teams to apply international best practices and emerging business models.
3. Business Development Responsibilities
- Develop high-impact investment opportunities through upstream and advisory interventions.
- Lead efforts to mobilize co-investors, sponsors, donors, DFIs, and private capital.
- Convert upstream engagements into investable projects.
- Support development of:
- Investment platforms
- Partnership models
- Programmatic approaches
- Improve investment outcomes through advisory support and market interventions.
- Support sector reforms and activities that enhance private sector participation.
- Deliver measurable development impact through:
- Employment creation
- Industrial development
- Economic inclusion
- Private sector competitiveness
- Climate resilience
- Track mobilization outcomes, including:
- Partner commitments
- Donor funding
- Co-financing opportunities
- Private capital enabled
- Ensure quality project design, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
4. Client and Stakeholder Engagement
- Serve as a key point of collaboration with:
- World Bank (IBRD)
- MIGA
- Joint Country Representatives
- Government institutions
- Investors
- Industry associations
- Development partners
- Private sector organizations
- Build strategic partnerships to unlock investment opportunities.
- Convene stakeholders around priority sector initiatives.
- Develop integrated World Bank Group solutions combining:
- Policy reform
- Advisory services
- Investment opportunities
5. Knowledge Management
- Identify emerging trends, technologies, and business models with high development potential.
- Connect African operations with IFC’s global knowledge platforms.
- Share African market insights and operational lessons globally.
- Strengthen IFC’s reputation as a leader in market creation and private sector development.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Education
- Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in:
- Business
- Finance
- Economics
- Engineering
- International Relations
- Related fields
Professional Experience
- Minimum 12 years of relevant professional experience.
- At least 5 years in a managerial or leadership role.
Candidates should demonstrate:
- Strong understanding of IFC strategic priorities and business models.
- Deep knowledge of Manufacturing & Services sectors and their contribution to:
- Employment
- Productivity
- Economic transformation
- Ability to connect:
- Policy reforms
- Advisory interventions
- Investments
- Market creation initiatives
- Proven experience leading:
- Upstream programs
- Advisory operations
- Investment initiatives
- Strong commercial judgment and understanding of:
- Bankability
- Sponsor quality
- Scalability
- Private sector business models
- Experience converting advisory engagements into investment opportunities.
- Ability to mobilize:
- Partners
- Donors
- DFIs
- Investors
- Private capital
- Knowledge of upstream mobilization approaches, including:
- Partnership platforms
- Donor-funded programs
- Co-development models
- Investment pathways
- Investment experience is highly preferred.
- Experience in:
- Corporate finance
- Project finance
- Private equity
- Business development
- Transactions
is highly desirable.
Core Skills and Competencies
- Strong stakeholder management and partnership-building skills.
- Excellent leadership and team management abilities.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to innovate and develop new business opportunities.
- Ability to work across organizations and build consensus among diverse stakeholders.
- Commitment to diversity, collaboration, and talent development.
World Bank Group Culture Attributes
Sense of Urgency
- Anticipate and respond quickly to internal and external stakeholder needs.
Thoughtful Risk-Taking
- Challenge conventional approaches and pursue innovative solutions for greater impact.
Empowerment and Accountability
- Encourage ownership, responsibility, and results-driven performance.
Benefits
The World Bank Group provides comprehensive benefits, including:
- Retirement plan
- Medical insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Paid leave
- Parental leave
- Reasonable workplace accommodations for individuals with disabilities
Equal Opportunity Statement
The World Bank Group is committed to equal opportunity and inclusion. Recruitment decisions are made without discrimination based on gender, gender identity, religion, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit their application through the official World Bank Group recruitment portal.
Application Deadline: 5 August 2026
Apply through: World Bank Group Careers Portal
Job Number: req37840
Position: Upstream & Advisory Manager – Manufacturing & Services (M&S) – Africa
How to Apply:
To submit your application, please follow the link provided below.
To apply for this job please visit worldbankgroup.csod.com.