(Associate) Operations Officer
Job #: req33560 Organization: IFC Sector: Economics Grade: GF Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment Location: Kyiv,Ukraine Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Ukrainian Closing Date: 7/4/2025 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTCDescription
IFC — a member of the World Bank Group (WBG) — 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, please visit .
The IFC 3.0 strategy aims to stimulate more investment activity across emerging markets, especially in Low Income Countries (LICs) and Fragile and Conflict affected States (FCS). Our goal is to create, deepen, and expand markets and design and develop impactful investment projects. This strategy is, in part, premised on improved country/sector diagnostic, strategic, and public sector engagement capabilities, which seek to: 1) resolve obstacles to private sector growth via diagnostic and strategic work that informs both IFC operations and relevant IBRD/IDA policy operations; and 2) overcome the shortage of investable projects in priority markets by proactively improving the private sector ecosystem at the country and regional level.
IFC’s Country Advisory and Economics unit for Europe (CEUAE) is seeking to recruit an (Associate) Operations Officer to be based in Kyiv, Ukraine and reporting to the unit’s Paris-based manager.
The CEUAE team is responsible for:
• Leading/Collaborating with other WBG teams to prepare core strategic and analytical products (., Country Private Sector Diagnostics, Country Partnership Frameworks, Country Climate and Development Reports) and sector-specific studies.
• Leading advisory projects supporting governments, regulators, the private sector and other relevant stakeholders to address key bottlenecks to private sector development.
• Contributing to the delivery of other IFC and World Bank operations by providing analytical and/or advisory inputs.
Duties and Accountabilities:
Working closely with other members of the CEUAE, IFC and WBG teams, the selected candidate will be responsible for identifying, preparing and delivering IFC’s market-creating solutions in Ukraine. The (Associate) Operations Officer will help ensure that CEUAE’s programs address key opportunities and challenges to mobilize private capital, aligning with the strategic priorities of IFC and the Government of Ukraine.
The (Associate) Operations Officer will be involved across all CAE functions with a particular focus on the delivery of advisory projects. Key responsibilities include:
• Contribute to the operationalization of key strategic and diagnostic recommendations by designing and implementing client-facing advisory projects advancing regulatory reforms (cross-cutting and sectoral), building public and private sector capacity, and otherwise supporting market creation.
• Help develop and implement sound theories of change and results frameworks to strengthen projects’ development impacts and sustainability.
• Engage and communicate with public and private sector stakeholders on topics related to private sector development.
• Contribute to sector diagnostics, working with CEUAE economists and IFC industry specialists, to identify opportunities for private sector development and practical solutions to address bottlenecks.
• Supporting other IFC advisory/upstream projects and World Bank operations as needed.
• Monitor, analyze and report legal, regulatory and institutional developments in relevant areas for IFC’s investment and advisory priorities.
• Actively participate in relevant sectoral governmental and non-governmental working groups as appropriate.
Selection Criteria
• Master’s degree in business, law, economics or a closely related field.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience in private sector development, especially government-facing policy and regulatory advisory or technical assistance projects.
• Demonstrated experience in policy analysis, analyzing and drafting legal and regulatory documents, preparing explanatory notes to proposed or adopted legislation, proposing and justifying necessary legislative amendments (both in writing and verbally).
• Ability to identify changes in markets, business climate, regulations and interpret how they may create new opportunities for IFC to accelerate its mandate in each thematic area.
• Deep knowledge of Ukraine’s private and public sectors, and relevant contact network.
• Previous experience on private sector development reforms in priority sectors for Ukraine’s reconstruction (., energy, construction, manufacturing), is an advantage.
• Familiarity with IFC and WBG products/ instruments is an advantage.
• Excellent written and spoken English and Ukrainian.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, proven ability to work effectively as a team member, build and maintain relationships with colleagues, and maintain collaborative relationships with stakeholders.
WBG Culture Attributes:
1. Sense of Urgency – Anticipating and quickly reacting to the needs of internal and external stakeholders.
2. Thoughtful Risk Taking – Taking informed and thoughtful risks and making courageous decisions to push boundaries for greater impact.
3. Empowerment and Accountability – Engaging with others in an empowered and accountable manner for impactful results.
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.