IFC Opens Senior Leadership Role to Drive Infrastructure Investment Across East and Southern Africa

The International Finance Corporation (IFC) has announced a high-level global leadership opening for Regional Industry Director, Infrastructure & Natural Resources (INR) for East and Southern Africa, signaling a major push to scale private-sector investment in infrastructure, energy, and natural resources across the continent.

The position, open under international recruitment, will be based in Johannesburg, South Africa, or Nairobi, Kenya, with applications closing on 11 February 2026.

A Strategic Leadership Role at the Heart of Africa’s Development

As part of the World Bank Group, IFC is sharpening its focus under IFC Strategy 2030, prioritizing private capital mobilization, climate-aligned infrastructure, energy access, and digital connectivity. The Regional Industry Director will lead IFC’s Infrastructure & Natural Resources portfolio across East and Southern Africa—one of the most dynamic yet complex development regions globally.

The role sits at the intersection of investment leadership, policy dialogue, and market creation, supporting countries facing rapid urbanization, infrastructure gaps, climate vulnerability, and financing constraints.

Why This Role Matters Now

East and Southern Africa are central to IFC’s ambition to:

• Scale renewable energy and climate-resilient infrastructure
• Expand transport, telecom, municipal, and environmental services
• Mobilize private capital in IDA and Fragile & Conflict-Affected (FCV) countries
• Strengthen regional value chains and energy access

In FY2025 alone, IFC committed a record USD 71 billion globally, underscoring the scale and urgency of its private-sector development mission.

Key Responsibilities of the Regional Industry Director

The selected leader will oversee IFC’s INR strategy and operations across multiple countries and sectors, with responsibilities including:

Business & Strategy Leadership

• Defining and executing IFC’s INR strategy for East and Southern Africa
• Growing a balanced, high-impact portfolio aligned with ESG and risk standards
• Building strong pipelines in low-income and FCV countries
• Driving cross-sectoral and One World Bank Group collaboration

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Acting as IFC’s senior representative to key public and private sector clients
• Developing long-term partnerships with regional and global investors
• Catalyzing foreign investment and mobilizing B-loans and parallel financing
• Supporting scalable, replicable sector and country-level solutions

People & Resource Management

• Leading and mentoring a large, geographically dispersed team
• Implementing institutional reforms to improve efficiency and client service
• Serving on the Africa Core Leadership Team (ACLT)

The Director will report directly to the Regional Vice President for Africa, with a functional reporting line to the newly established Knowledge Bank, reinforcing IFC’s integrated solutions model.

Who IFC Is Looking For

This is a senior executive role designed for seasoned leaders with deep investment and regional experience. Ideal candidates will bring:

• A PhD, Master’s degree, or equivalent qualification in economics, finance, or business
• 15+ years of relevant experience in infrastructure, finance, or investment leadership
• Proven track record in private-sector investment, portfolio management, and policy dialogue
• Strong leadership experience managing large, multicultural teams
• Fluency in English (French or Arabic is an advantage)
• Demonstrated integrity, decisiveness, and ability to lead under complexity

A Defining Opportunity in Global Development Finance

This role offers a rare chance to shape Africa’s infrastructure future—from renewable energy and digital connectivity to transport and natural resources—while mobilizing billions in private investment with measurable development impact.

For leaders seeking to operate at the highest level of global development finance, this position represents both influence and responsibility on a continental scale.

Key Job Details

• Position: Regional Industry Director – Infrastructure & Natural Resources
• Organization: International Finance Corporation (IFC)
• Grade: GI
• Region: East & Southern Africa
• Locations: Johannesburg (South Africa) or Nairobi (Kenya)
• Contract: 4 years (International Recruitment)
• Languages: English (French/Arabic preferred)
• Deadline: 11 February 2026 (11:59 PM UTC)