Senior Education Specialist

Senior Education Specialist

Job #:
req19175

Organization:
IFC

Sector:
Investment

Grade:
GG

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):
Arabic, French, Portuguese, Spanish

Closing Date:
10/4/2022 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

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 in developing countries. In fiscal year 2022, IFC committed a record $32.8 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC's education program supports the World Bank Group's aim of improving access to quality affordable education. The Global Education team is responsible for managing IFC's investment activities and supporting initiatives in private education. The team works with a wide range of investment products, from project and corporate finance on the debt side, to equity and quasi-equity in private and listed companies. In addition, the team also supports development and deployment of relevant advisory tools (most notably in the areas of Employability and Digital readiness) and upstream activities.

To support the growth of this business, IFC is seeking a Senior Education Specialist, with rich experience in the Education sector and sound business judgement, to be a part of the investment team and provide an expert opinion on the technical and operational aspects on projects. Together with the rest of the Education team (including another Sector Specialist), the Senior Education Specialist will play a key role in helping IFC to evaluate project investments in certain geographies, plus advising on and implementing strategy and supporting initiatives. The successful candidate is expected to have rich strategic and operational experience in the private Education sector, including in emerging markets; have sound business judgment; and be able to work in investment teams by providing expert opinion on the technical and operational aspects of investment proposals from across our global network. The selected candidate will be based in Washington DC and will work under the oversight of the Global Health Services and Education Sector Lead. The position will have a global focus and ability to undertake regular lengthy travel commitments is expected.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The roles and responsibilities of the position will include but not be limited to:
• Work as part of investment project teams to assess technical/industry fundamentals of existing and new projects, understand and explain their justification in each education context and highlight main risks and issues
• Perform technical supervision of portfolio projects and provide required technical support to portfolio officers
• Provide thought and strategic leadership to a network of investment professionals seeking to promote IFC's investments in the education sector globally
• Develop relationships with education companies interested in investing in Emerging Markets with a view towards building a strong pipeline of potential transactions
• Play a lead role in supporting IFC's scoping and investment work in the Edtech space, particularly with global companies, and in coordination with IFC's Disruptive Technology team and other relevant groups within IFC
• Support education related upstream and advisory projects in countries of coverage
• Provide general overview of the education system in project countries and conduct demand/supply/competition analysis for a given product/service to evaluate market viability
• Establish networks with leading global and local education providers, financial institutions, and investors, including private equity firms, active in the education sector in emerging markets
• Conduct analysis of and follow up on new business opportunities and liaise extensively with colleagues worldwide.
• Originate, process, and share sector knowledge with network of education investment professionals across IFC.

Selection Criteria
• Deep practical based experience and knowledge of both the dynamics of private sector education organizations and the evolution of public and private education in emerging markets
• A master's or higher degree in a relevant field
• Ability to work across different geographies, cultures, and organizations
• Extremely flexible to meet the demanding global travel requirements of the job
• A minimum of 10 years' experience in a senior role within the private education sector. Background in operations/management of education companies is a plus
• Exposure to different segments of the education industry a plus (including ECD and education technology).
• Significant international exposure, including experience of working in developing countries, will be a key advantage. Significant operational experience (of universities and/or other education institutions) will also be a key advantage.
• Board level insight and experience of education companies would be desirable
• Excellent communication skills in English. Knowledge of another major business language is an advantage. Ability to clearly communicate verbally and in detailed written reports (for example, when assessing and appraising potential investment projects)
• A strong sense of curiosity and the ability to work both in teams and independently would be strong attributes

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.