(Senior) Industry Specialist

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.

IFC's Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Forestry department provides investment and advisory services across a range of sectors that include agribusiness, forestry, chemicals, fertilizers, construction materials, and manufacturing. Within the department, the Agribusiness and Forestry (A&F) team focuses on supporting investments in (i) the food production chain, from farm to fork", including suppliers of inputs (seeds, fertilizers, irrigation), crop plantations, sustainable animal protein and aqua-farms, food and bio-fuel processors, agri-commodity traders, and food distributors, and (ii) the forestry value chain, including plantations and downstream operations in the processed wood and paper sectors (pulp, paper, packaging, sawn wood, panelboards, biomass, etc.). We help clients to achieve their business goals and find solutions to new and emerging issues, with a focus on sustainability.

IFC's Agribusiness unit finances investments in many sub-sectors (crop inputs, primary agricultural, fruits and vegetables, vegetable oils, tree crops, livestock, dairy, animal feed, food processing, commodity trading, milling, and beverages) and provides technical support to the agribusiness sector in emerging markets.

Agribusinesses in emerging markets, including farmers, input suppliers, aggregators, and processors, face numerous challenges such as limited access to necessary inputs, fragmented supply chains, high transaction costs, underdeveloped logistics, and climate change impacts. IFC's Agribusiness unit is establishing an umbrella AgTech approach aimed at investing in innovative AgTech providers that address key areas such as access to finance, market linkages, farm-level productivity, supply chain management, post-harvest optimization, and climate.

The dedicated AgTech approach will assist IFC in developing deeper expertise in the sector, which will drive impactful, long-term growth, increase returns, and foster closer relationships with industry players, thereby enhancing its market presence and creating more business opportunities. This approach will also boost technology update for Small Holder Farmers which is critical for narrowing the yield gap and mitigate the climate impact of agriculture.

To support this work, IFC is seeking to employ a Senior Industry Specialist on AgTech, location would be in Washington (D.C., USA), specializing in all aspects AgTech investments including early-stage accelerators/incubators, climate-focused VC funds, venture debt, and direct equity investments. She/he will belong to the Agribusiness and Forestry Global Unit and focus on global emerging markets.

Assignment Objectives

The AgTech Industry Specialist will assist the Agribusiness unit in the identification, development and execution of the AgTech approach, ensuring alignment with IFC's broader strategy to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. When assessing investments, the specialist would be required to extensively travel and conduct due diligence on Companies being considered for an IFC investment. IFC Industry Specialists play a key role within the investment teams and provide broad and in-depth industry knowledge to assess new investment companies and conduct detailed on-site due diligence, as well as performing supervision and value-addition of portfolio investments. IFC's Advisory/Upstream teams might tap into the specialist's knowledge/expertise.

The employment contract will be on a renewable term appointment. However, if the selected candidate is a current Bank Group staff member with a Regular or Open-Ended appointment, s/he will retain his/her Regular or Open-Ended appointment.

Duties and Accountabilities

The AgTech Industry Specialist will report to the Sector Lead and will be accountable for the following tasks:
• Assist IFC's Agribusiness team in developing a comprehensive sector strategy for AgTech investments, building on lessons learned from IFC's current AgTech portfolio;
• Identify and map existing AgTech startups and relevant themes that align with WBG/IFC's investment mandate and strategic priorities;
• Working closely with the sector lead, Global subsector industry specialists, and regional investment teams, conduct due diligence to assess project strengths and weaknesses, and provide investment teams with an appraisal report and operational parameters to be built into financial models;
• Collaborate closely with Blended Finance and other stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance the AgTech ecosystem.
• Provide industry and best practice advice to internal - IFC and WBG colleagues - and external clients and add value to new business development activities and portfolio monitoring, as well as to advisory services projects;
• Assist in the selection, briefing and supervision of technical consultants, engaged on due diligence, as needed;
• Participate in conferences and seminars and other events representing IFC and as appropriate to maintaining and building sector knowledge.
• Participate in the investment committee meetings and respond to the committee's questions;
• Support the review of advisory/upstream services proposals;

Selection Criteria

• Commitment to IFC and the World Bank Group's mission, strategy, and values;
• 15 years + years of operational experience (10 years + experience focused specifically on AgTech with strategic multinational or Venture Capital fund);
• Minimum Master's degree in a related field;
• Proven experience (strongly preferred in the AgTech sector) in early-stage investments, venture capital, and/or private equity;
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in farming best practices, climate resilience and adaptation, and food security and/or sound knowledge and experience in delivering sustainability solutions to the agribusiness sector;
• Excellent written and spoken English skills and ability to write technical appraisal reports in a timely manner, also with French language a plus;
• Ability to work effectively in teams and build bridges across organizational boundaries;
• Passion for understanding use cases of technology in Agribusiness, and commodity markets and results driven with energy, initiative, and self-motivation;
• Willingness to undertake extensive international travel in emerging markets.

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.

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