Principal Country Officer at World Bank Group

Istanbul, Istanbul, Turkey -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

11 Aug, 26

Salary

0.0

Posted On

13 May, 26

Experience

10 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Relationship Management, Business Development, Investment Transactions, Portfolio Management, Financial Analysis, Credit Assessment, Strategic Planning, Risk Management, Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Public Sector Relations, Private Sector Development, Administrative Management, Budgeting, Crisis Management, English Communication

Industry

International Trade and Development

Description

Principal Country Officer Job #: req36640 Organization: IFC Sector: Operations Grade: GH Term Duration: 3 years 0 months Recruitment Type: International Recruitment Location: Istanbul,Turkiye Required Language(s): English Preferred Language(s): Closing Date: 5/26/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC Description 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 www.ifc.org. The Principal Country Officer will play a critical role in developing and operationalizing IFC’s strategy at the country level, in coordination with stakeholders across the WBG. The Principal Country Officer will establish and maintain senior public and private sector relationships within Türkiye, carry out business development efforts, provide strategic oversight of IFC advisory, upstream and investment programs in the country as well as oversee the Istanbul office administratively. This position is based in Istanbul and will report to the Division Director for Türkiye, Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. Duties and Accountabilities: Strategy support • In collaboration with relevant IFC and WB teams, (i) support the Division Director in the formulation and execution of country strategies and diagnostics. • Oversee the implementation of IFC/WBG’s strategy (CPF) for Türkiye and integrated delivery of investment, upstream and advisory services to meet the needs of clients and advance the growth of IFC/WBG business in Türkiye. • Support the Division Director in advisory and upstream ADM decisions. Business Development & Representation • Cultivate and maintain high level relationships with key partners in Türkiye, including government agencies, private sector, industry organizations, multilateral and bilateral agencies, World Bank, MIGA, CSOs and other partners and represent IFC at key government, multilateral and business function. • Identify areas of new strategic engagement to be considered by IFC, in close coordination with regional industry colleagues, the World Bank, and other stakeholders. • Support IFC business development efforts; provide support during transaction execution and portfolio management, working closely with relevant IFC and Bank colleagues, as needed. Country/Market Intelligence • Keep abreast of macro-economic developments that can impact IFC’s activities in Türkiye and provide regular inputs to Country and Division Industry management teams as needed in coordination with CAT Economic Program Leader (within Regional Country Economics Unit). • Provide strategic input on local issues to investment, upstream and advisory teams. • Liaise with IFC investment teams to monitor progress and performance of IFC projects in Türkiye. • Identify, analyze, monitor, and help address key country and sponsor related reputational risks that may be associated with any IFC engagements in Türkiye. • Disseminate best practices and lessons learned and manages learning and knowledge flows, including full suite of IFC products and solutions related to IFC’s country program with various stakeholders. Corporate support • Analyze issues and make recommendations on matters requiring Division Director approval. • Directly supervise under the leadership of the Division Director administrative support staff, country office analysts and undertake quality control of key Country office outputs including strategies, monthly reports and briefs. • Develop and/or review memos and briefings for senior management approval and organize senior management visits to Türkiye. • Represent IFC and/or support the Division Director to represent IFC in key private and public sectors, donor, World Bank or other DFI-led events and meetings as appropriate. • Participate in targeted business events and conferences to support IFC’s activities in Türkiye. • Communicate key developments in Türkiye to relevant corporate stakeholders in coordination with the Division Director. • In partnership with the Division Director, Communications, and other relevant colleagues, develop and implement appropriate communications strategies for IFC in Türkiye. Istanbul Office Administration • Oversee day-to-day running of IFC’s Istanbul office, including being responsible for office budget, facilities, security, and logistics. • Oversee and approve budget for administrative needs, as well as office related expenses in SAP and E-service transactions. • Review and approve monthly accounting, bank and petty cash reconciliation reports for IFC Türkiye office. • Overall office administration and facilities management; space, vehicles, IT and security issues, office needs, expansion, relocation, and foreseen footprint requirements. • Review and provide inputs on compensation matters, office ecology, performance and talent review, appointment/assignment renewal and other HR matters for staff in the office. • Represents the IFC in the country-level UN Security Management System. • Participate in Crisis Management Team to manage current and potential security and crisis situations in the country, partner with Corporate Security Team in preparation and implementation of crisis management plan for the country. Selection Criteria • Advanced degree in Business, Economics, or a related field; • More than 14 years of professional experience in banking, consulting, relationship management in public and/or private sector/technical advisory services particularly related to private sector development and/or business environment. • Experience in investment transactions, with shown success in developing client relationships as well as sourcing, negotiating, structuring, and closing quality investments; Portfolio management experience is a plus. • Demonstrated strong country knowledge including politics, history, social dynamics, culture, economics, local markets, and regulatory framework. • Deep understanding of sector drivers, business/market development cycles within a country, as well as implications of environmental and social sustainability issues, and how sector dynamics may evolve. • Strong eye for identifying potential investment and advisory opportunities; capacity to identify and help address gaps and barriers for market creation opportunities in assigned country by tapping into relevant internal expertise and synthesizing information on local regulatory and economic context, industry/sector structure, and constraints clients are facing to grow their business. • Good business analytical, financial analysis, credit, and integrity assessment skills to recognize viable projects, what is bankable and what is not, and how to assess and approach risk/reward trade-offs. • Proven track record of developing and maintaining senior level public and private sector client relationship skills. Ability to focus on client needs effectively, and ability to operate independently with senior counterparts in a credible manner. Ability to initiate and guide collaborative efforts with WBG organizations to leverage their products and instruments, in close coordination with the Regional and Country Economics unit. • Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, ability to work successfully in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across IFC, including the ability to mentor and coach others to achieve results. • Excellent written, verbal communication and presentation skills in English. • Proven track record of excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills; ability to deliver in tight deadlines. • Willingness to travel. Note: This internal requisition is open to WBG and IMF staff only (including short-term and extended term consultants/ temporaries). External candidates are requested not to apply. In case an external candidate applies, their application will not be considered. WBG Culture Attributes: 1. Sense of urgency: Anticipate and quickly respond to the needs of internal and external stakeholders. 2. Thoughtful risk-taking: Challenge the status quo and push boundaries to achieve greater impact. 3. Empowerment and accountability: Empower yourself and others to act and hold each other accountable for results. 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.

Responsibilities

The Principal Country Officer develops and operationalizes IFC's strategy in Türkiye, managing senior public and private sector relationships and overseeing business development. Additionally, the role is responsible for the administrative management and day-to-day operations of the Istanbul office.