Industry Specialist

Job Description

Description

IFC — a member of the World Bank Group — is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in emerging markets. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities. Our mission is to leverage the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC is a leader in the Telecoms, Media, and Technology (TMT) sector. In FY24, IFC committed and mobilized over $2 billion for TMT projects. We support mobile network operators, particularly those in challenging and less-developed markets where the digital divide is particularly pronounced. We also finance digital infrastructure focusing on shared infrastructure models such as carrier-neutral, open-access broadband networks, independent tower operators, and data centers. These shared infrastructure models are examples of the most cost-effective, competition-enabling, and environmentally conscious solutions to the challenge of providing high-quality, affordable connectivity, a foundation of the digital economy. More recently, we have expanded our focus into emerging digital technologies, solutions, and media. Potential investments are made across the capital structure via equity, mezzanine, or debt instruments.

The Global TMT group is looking for a Dakar based telecommunications engineer, who will act as an Industry Specialist to support its investment activities globally. The selected candidate is expected to provide technical advice and guidance to project teams and serve on multidisciplinary teams in assessing projects and business opportunities from a technical/ operational perspective to ensure sound investment decisions.

Role & Responsibilities

The responsibilities of the Industry Specialist include but are not limited to:

Investment-related activities:

• Apply sector and engineering knowledge to evaluate Telecom, Media and Technology (TMT) projects from a technical, managerial, commercial and development impact perspective, working independently and / or supporting more senior specialists appraise new investment proposals and pre-investment engagements. TMT investments are typically in the following subsectors: Telecommunications Towers, Mobile, Broadband, and Datacenters and Cloud. Expanded / emerging subsectors include Media, Small Cells, Satellite, AI-enabled networks, Edge computing and Energy solutions for off-grid telecom infrastructure.
• Support investment teams in building financial models by providing them with i) technical, market and operational parameters ii) relevant benchmark metrics and iii) guidance / opinions on projections and risks.
• Provide market / regulatory assessment and identify potential for market development and revenue growth.
• Draft Terms of Reference, hire and supervise technical and market consultants as necessary.
• Prepare timely project appraisal reports or help more senior specialist develop them, including risk assessment, mitigation measures and impact evaluation. Project related responsibilities will include generation of (and /or co-ordination with subject matter experts to provide) required inputs on Cybersecurity assessments, Climate / Paris Alignment, Supply Chain risks and other sector related information.
• Participate in business development and market creation activities for the sector by using sector experience and expertise.

Portfolio-related activities

Apply in-depth sector expertise in monitoring sector portfolios with the aim of identifying potential issues and weaknesses and helping to find solutions, including the design of advisory support.

Other activities

• Review, direct and provide guidance on analytical and research work performed by team members.
• Support the development of the sector strategy and the creation of new business opportunities.
• Lead/ support corporate initiatives insofar they require Industry Specialist expertise.
• Document suitable industry knowledge to share within the unit, WBG and with external clients in a permanent format (lessons learnt, industry trends, basic technical knowledge, benchmarking, etc.)
• Contribute to cross-cutting WBG activities such as the Digitalization GCP and closely collaborate with the newly launch Disruptive Technologies VP unit within the WB on joint initiatives.
• Mentor and develop junior staff.

Selection Criteria

• Telecommunications, Electrical or Network engineer with a post graduate degree; Business degree a plus.
• Solid technical expertise in the Telecommunications sector based on at least 10 years of operational experience in the field, in-depth experience in sub-sectors mentioned above.
• Significant work experience in the private sector, particularly in emerging economies.
• Good understanding of market dynamics and business models, project management and construction models, network and service technologies, operations and economics, sub-sectors and key players within the telecommunications sector.
• Experience of a broad range of responsibilities within the industry in some of the following areas: development of commercial feasibility/market studies, business plans, commercial bids, network and solution design, project management and procurement, supply contract management, project commissioning, telecommunications network and service operations, licensing, tariffs;
• Experience as lenders’ or sponsors’ engineer and/or consultancy background would be a plus;
• Proficiency in French is a must. Proficiency in other languages relevant to IFC’s markets of operation would be a plus;
• Effective teamwork in multi-cultural and multi-location environment and ability/experience with providing guidance, supervision, professional development and quality control of work products and analyses of more junior team members;

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.