Country Officer

international finance corporation

IFCa member of the World Bank Groupis 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 2024, IFC committed and mobilized a record $56.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The World Bank Group's strategic priorities in Oman are aligned with the country's Vision 2040, with a focus on promoting private sector–led growth and diversifying the economy beyond hydrocarbons. Key sectors targeted for development include tourism, logistics, light manufacturing, and digital services. The WBG aims to expand access to finance for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) while supporting reforms to enhance the investment climate, skills and employment. Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) are also a priority, aimed at mobilizing private capital for large-scale infrastructure and energy projects that contribute to fiscal sustainability and improved service delivery. In addition, the WBG is committed to promoting climate-resilient and low-carbon development through renewable energy, green infrastructure, and sustainable resource management. Targeted advisory services will further support institutional capacity building, skills development, public sector efficiency, and improve governance.

A critical role in advancing the World Bank Group's engagement in Oman is the newly established Country Officer position. This role will support the WBG Country Manager in overseeing and coordinating the Group's operations, investments, and programs across all WBG institutions. Based in Muscat - Oman, the Country Officer will play a key role in supporting the WBG's efforts to contribute to Oman's economic diversification, private sector–led growth, and sustainable development agenda. The position reports to the WBG Country Manager for Oman.

Roles and Responsibilities:

In his/her capacity, the Country Officer's responsibilities will include, among others, the following:

Stakeholder Management and Strategy

•  Under the guidance of the Country Manager, assists to develop, update, and implement country-level strategies, including the Country Partnership Framework (CPF), drawing on a synthesis of enhanced diagnostics and core analytics.

•  Help coordinate with operations units on business development, South-South investment, new projects, and development of a client engagement strategy for key clients- existing or targeted.

•  Liaison with private sector, Government and media to identify opportunities and priorities for IFC projects and thought leadership. Help build a strategy for positive and appropriate representation of IFC and World Bank Group in Oman, including through events and high level senior management missions and meetings. 

•  Assist on communicating the results of engagements internally and externally, in coordination with the communications team.

•  Maintain a good working knowledge of WBG strategy, IFC operations and India market to respond quickly to queries, briefing notes, and to identify opportunities for synergies. 

•  Prepare regular written briefs on country environment and IFC program for internal stakeholders. 

Program Delivery

•  Support the Country Manager and IFC operations teams in all investment, advisory, analytical and upstream activities in Oman. 

•  Contribute to increasing the speed, scale, and quality of results in the country aligned with the CPF and the WBG corporate scorecard in coordination with sectoral/industry colleagues and the country management team.

•  Assist the Country Manager across all sectors to complete sponsor checks and due diligence. 

•  Assist to facilitate and provide guidance to visiting missions including the preparation of briefing books and logistics.

•  Support documentation and communication to obtain government endorsement and approval for IFC projects.

•  Help the Country Manager with the oversight of portfolio management and quality, working with clients and advising operational teams to address implementation and performance issues, and working to ensure high quality results on the ground.

•  Fosters a culture of partnership and trust, whereby all internal and external parties appreciate the mutual benefits of working together. 

Selection Criteria

•  Master's degree in relevant field/s, including business, finance, economics, or an area of expertise specific to a sector or industry.

•  Between 5 to 8 years of professional experience in with demonstrated track record in country program, business consulting, investment banking, or operational experience in a sector relevant to the country.

•  Excellent understanding of the role, dynamics and interdependencies of the public and private sectors in achieving development goals at the country level in Oman.

•  Understanding of International Financial Institutions and global development priorities. 

•  Ability to connect the dots across corporate strategies and client business plans to generate innovative ideas and replicable solutions.

•  Analytical, financial, credit, integrity assessment, and technical skills to assist to identify project and program viability, assess sustainable development impact, identify portfolio risks, and determine how to approach complex risk-reward trade-offs.

•  Demonstrated track record in operations within complex, multi-stakeholder environments, particularly in development finance and international development.

•  Experience in assisting with integrating diverse institutional priorities into cohesive country strategies that leverage the unique strengths of each institution to maximize development impact.

•  Exceptional communication and negotiation skills to serve as part of the country team in interactions with external stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, and international organizations.

•  Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to speak persuasively and present ideas clearly and concisely.

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.

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.

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Sector:

Role:

Working hours (%): 80-100% / 100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)

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