Principal / Chief Credit Officer

The International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group, is seeking a seasoned Principal / Chief Credit Officer to join its Investment and Credit Risk Department (CIRIC) based in Nairobi, Kenya. This is a senior, high-impact role within the Risk and Financial Sustainability Vice-presidency — one of IFC's most critical functions — where the successful candidate will serve as an independent risk authority in IFC's formal investment approval hierarchy.

IFC is the largest global development finance institution focused exclusively on the private sector in emerging markets, committing a record $71.7 billion in fiscal year 2025. In this role, you will be the essential 'second pair of eyes' on investment proposals — ensuring that every transaction meets IFC's rigorous risk standards, aligns with its investment policies, and reflects the risk appetite defined by senior leadership. You will work at the intersection of development impact and financial discipline, helping shape markets across Sub-Saharan Africa and beyond.

• Review, assess, and approve investment proposals and material portfolio actions submitted by IFC investment teams across sectors and regions.
• Provide independent, risk-reward assessments for all new investment transactions at various stages of the investment cycle, including early review, commitment, and post-commitment events.
• Identify, evaluate, and recommend mitigation strategies for credit and equity risks inherent in IFC's private sector financing operations.
• Ensure all investment transactions comply with IFC's minimum investment standards, applicable policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Act as a senior member of the formal credit approval hierarchy, exercising delegated authority to clear transactions at designated approval levels.
• Collaborate with investment teams across industries — including infrastructure, financial markets, manufacturing, agribusiness, and services — to structure bankable, risk-appropriate deals.
• Contribute to knowledge management initiatives by disseminating credit and equity expertise, mentoring junior risk professionals, and promoting best practices across IFC.
• Monitor portfolio performance, flag material risk events, and provide clearance or guidance on restructurings, waivers, and other significant portfolio actions.
• Engage with senior management and investment committees to communicate risk positions and recommendations clearly and confidently.

• Demonstrate 10+ years of progressively senior experience in credit risk, investment banking, private equity, or development finance — with a proven track record of independently approving complex transactions.
• Apply deep technical expertise in credit analysis, financial modelling, and equity risk assessment across multiple asset classes and emerging market contexts.
• Exercise sound independent judgment on risk-reward trade-offs in ambiguous, high-stakes environments without excessive reliance on precedent.
• Communicate complex risk positions to senior stakeholders and investment committees in clear, structured, and persuasive written and verbal form in English.
• Navigate cross-cultural, multi-sector investment environments — demonstrating sensitivity to the development context of Sub-Saharan African and global emerging markets.
• Lead knowledge-sharing sessions and mentor junior professionals, contributing to a culture of credit excellence and disciplined risk-taking.
• Manage multiple concurrent reviews under tight timelines, balancing thoroughness with the pace required in an active deal-making environment.
• Hold a relevant advanced degree (MBA, CFA, or equivalent postgraduate qualification in finance, economics, or a related field).

IFC offers internationally competitive compensation aligned with World Bank Group salary scales for Grade GH international appointments. While the exact figure is not publicly disclosed, senior international professional roles at this grade in Nairobi typically attract monthly packages equivalent to KES 700,000–1,200,000 or above, inclusive of allowances. Benefits include comprehensive medical insurance, education allowances for dependants, relocation support, and access to World Bank Group retirement and pension schemes. This is a 3-year term appointment with potential for renewal.

Ideal candidate: A seasoned credit or investment risk professional with deep emerging markets experience, a strong track record of independent deal approval or credit committee participation, and a genuine commitment to private sector development. You thrive in a fast-paced, intellectually rigorous environment and are comfortable exercising authority while collaborating constructively with investment teams. Experience in Sub-Saharan Africa is a strong advantage.

Do NOT apply if: You have fewer than 8–10 years of relevant senior experience, have not worked in credit approval or independent risk oversight roles, are not comfortable with international relocation requirements, or are seeking an entry-to-mid-level credit analyst position. This role requires substantial delegated approval authority and is not suitable for candidates still building foundational credit skills.

• Visit the IFC/World Bank Group careers portal at https://www.ifc.org or search for Job Requisition req36904 on the World Bank Jobs portal.
• Create or log in to your World Bank Group career account and submit a complete online application including your CV and cover letter.
• Ensure your application clearly highlights your credit risk approval experience, emerging markets exposure, and relevant qualifications.
• Applications close on 26 June 2026 at 11:59 PM UTC. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further assessment steps.