Principal/Chief Credit Officer

Build a career with impact. Working at the World Bank Group (WBG) provides a unique opportunity to help countries solve their greatest development challenges. As one of the largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries, the WBG is a unique partnership of five global institutions dedicated to ending poverty, increasing shared prosperity, and promoting sustainable development. With 189 member countries and more than 120 offices worldwide, the WBG works with public and private sector partners, investing in groundbreaking projects and using data, research, and technology to develop solutions to the most urgent global challenges. 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. We work in more than 100 countries, using our capital, expertise, and influence to create markets and opportunities in developing countries. In fiscal year 2025, IFC committed a record $71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit: https://www.ifc.org The successful candidate would join IFC's Investment and Credit Risk Department (CIRIC), part of the Risk and Financial Sustainability Vice-presidency. CIRIC is responsible for providing an independent risk-reward assessment for all new investment transactions and material portfolio events and providing clearance for such transactions at various stages of the investment cycle. Chief Credit Officers are specialized and experienced risk professionals that are part of the independent risk oversight system. They are responsible for reviewing and approving investment proposals and material portfolio actions submitted by IFC's investment teams. In addition, working with investment teams on identifying and mitigating credit and equity risk, they ensure that the investment transactions meet IFC's minimum investment standards as required by any applicable policies, procedures, or guidelines, as well as the risk appetite established by senior management. They also play an essential role in maintaining an investment culture within IFC by disseminating credit and equity expertise and best practice through various knowledge management activities. IFC is now seeking a Chief Credit Officer to join its Investment and Credit Risk Department. This professional will become part of a formal investment approval hierarchy, serving as "second pair of eyes" in IFC's checks and balances for all IFC investments. S/he will be responsible for providing credit reviews and approvals for new transactions and portfolio monitoring and representing CIRIC on different committees and working groups. This role requires deep expertise in emerging markets, transaction structuring, sector and macroeconomic dynamics, financial analysis, credit risk, equity valuation, legal structuring, and financial instruments to assess opportunities and risks across both new transactions and portfolio clients. Candidates should also demonstrate a strong track record in transaction execution and deep investment expertise. The Principal/Chief Credit Officer (CO) will be based in Nairobi, Kenya, and report to the relevant Regional Chief Risk Officer (RCRO). Duties and Accountabilities : • Provide objective and independent risk assessment for transaction approvals and portfolio monitoring, while meeting the Standard Level Agreements in the Credit Client Service Framework. • Serve as a second pair of eyes throughout the investment cycle, partnering with business teams from early review through post-disbursement on transaction structure, documentation, financial performance, covenant compliance, ratings, portfolio trends, and risk mitigation tools. • Ensure new transactions and portfolio actions comply with IFC policies, procedures, and best practices in support of IFC’s financial and development objectives. • Help maintain a sound risk-reward balance consistent with IFC’s risk appetite and portfolio quality standards. • Approve the initial credit risk rating and facility rating for new transactions and review sample portfolio ratings on an ongoing basis. • Visit transaction teams and/or clients in key office locations to get a first-hand understanding of market conditions and risks. • Contribute to knowledge sharing and staff development through training, investment FAQs, and other departmental initiatives, and mentor more junior staff. • Participate in reviews and discussions of credit standards, pricing, deal acceptance criteria, and business process improvement, and represent the department on relevant working groups. • Advise the RCRO and VP Risk on new transactions or portfolio developments, which could adversely affect IFC’s asset quality, developmental impact, or future performance. .