Associate Investment Officer - Creative Industries at International Finance Corporation (IFC)

International Finance Corporation (IFC) a sister organization of the World Bank and member of the World Bank Group, is the largest global development institution focused on the private sector in developing countries. The Bank Group has set two goals for the world to achieve by 2030: end extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity in every country.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Associate Investment Officer - Creative Industries

Job ID: req33089
Location: Lagos
Sector: Advisory Services
Grade: GF
Term Duration: 3 years 0 months
Recruitment Type: Local Recruitment

Role & Responsibilities

• The Associate Investment Officer will play a key role in IFC’s Creative Industries strategy by contributing to new business development, transaction execution with a particular focus on small and early-stage deals, and knowledge creation.

Key Responsibilities
Includes:
Business Development and Pipeline Creation:

• Originate high-potential investment opportunities in the Creative Industries sector, with a focus on scalable, innovative, and impactful businesses across subsectors such as film, music, animation, fashion, sports and entertainment and digital media.
• Actively engage with industry stakeholders, including private companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and public-sector entities, to identify emerging trends and business opportunities.
• Work closely with IFC’s regional and global teams to ensure alignment with IFC’s strategy and Africa-specific priorities.

Transaction Execution:

• Support the structuring, negotiation, and execution of complex transactions, including equity and debt investments, particularly for small ticket sizes and early-stage companies
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence, including financial modeling, valuation, credit analysis, and market assessments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, environmental, social, and governance (ESG), to address key transaction requirements and ensure compliance with IFC standards.
• Prepare high-quality investment proposals to IFC’s management and board for approval.

Upstream and Market Creation:

• Contribute to upstream efforts by working with nascent ecosystems and early-stage projects, and ecosystems to transform concepts into bankable opportunities.
• Identify barriers to growth in the Creative Industries sector and work with stakeholders, including governments and development partners, to design and implement solutions.

Knowledge Development and Dissemination:

• Develop and share deep insights into the Creative Industries sector, including market trends, business models, and emerging technologies.
• Contribute to thought leadership by producing knowledge products, participating in sector-specific forums, and representing IFC in external engagements.

Stakeholder Engagement and Advocacy:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including Creative Industries clients, industry associations, and government agencies, to promote IFC’s role in the sector.
• Advocate for the Creative Industries as a catalyst for economic diversification, job creation, and social inclusion, highlighting its alignment with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Collaboration with the World Bank Group:

• Coordinate with World Bank colleagues to leverage synergies, such as policy reform initiatives, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs that support the Creative Industries.
• Participate in joint World Bank Group initiatives aimed at enhancing the enabling environment for Creative Industries in Africa.

Selection Criteria

• A Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA)..
• A strong interest in Africa’s development and genuine passion for Creative Industries, with a demonstrated commitment to supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and cultural sectors.
• Willingness to travel extensively.
• At least 4 years of relevant experience in Creative Industries or adjacent/ sectors, performing in roles including roles in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, or development finance, with exposure to early-stage and small-sized transactions.
• Demonstrated skills in financial analysis and modeling, with experience supporting debt and equity transactions.
• Strong business judgment for screening and identifying investment opportunities and making sound go/no-go recommendations.
• Fluency in English and French, with Portuguese also desirable. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to convey ideas effectively.
• Strong interpersonal skills to work in multicultural, multi-location teams and collaborate across organizational boundaries.
• Proven experience working in or with African markets or clients.
• Ability to engage with entrepreneurs, SMEs, and creative sector leaders to unlock growth potential.
• Demonstrated ability to foster teamwork, encourage innovation, and contribute to a collaborative environment.

Application Closing Date
29th May, 2025 at 11:59pm UTC.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should:
Click here to apply online