Operations Officer - Gender Equality and Economic Inclusion

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: https://www.ifc.org

The Gender Equality and Economic Inclusion team is part of the GEID department at IFC. Our unit works with IFC’s investment and advisory teams to support private and public sector clients in providing all genders and underserved communities with equal economic opportunities as leaders, employees, entrepreneurs, consumers, and community members. Our team is united by core values of Impact, Integrity, Respect, Teamwork, and Innovation.

IFC is seeking Operations Officer, based in Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania to advance gender and economic inclusion initiatives in Tanzania and assigned countries in the sub-region. This role will support the design, implementation, and monitoring of projects that address barriers and foster inclusive economic growth. The role will work closely with internal teams, external clients, and stakeholders.

Duties and Responsibilities:

East and Southern Africa Portfolio Delivery and Business Development:
● Deliver gender and inclusion client projects and manage client relationships across select countries in the sub region.
● Collaborate with IFC country team in Tanzania and assigned countries to raise awareness of gender programs and identify entry points for integrating gender into pipelines and portfolios.
● Collaborate with investment and advisory teams to integrate gender considerations into project design, execution, and evaluation, ensuring alignment with IFC’s operational objectives.
● Ensure strategic alignment of activities with the overarching Regional Gender Action Plan objectives and country-specific priorities.
● Operationalize the Gender Country Umbrella Program in Tanzania in collaboration with IFC industry teams and clients.

East and Southern Africa Strategy, Communications and Partnerships:
● Support assigned country management (including in joint WBG representation countries) on gender and inclusion.
● Work with the Partnerships Team to identify and pursue funding opportunities to mobilize resources for the Tanzania country program and other flagship projects as assigned.
● Coordinate and provide assigned country management consistent inputs in regional, country, and industry/sector projects, programs and strategies.
● Organize internal and external visibility activities (e.g., forums, events) to promote gender initiatives and engage stakeholders.
● Represent IFC on gender and inclusion topics at external events and conferences, engaging with partners in-country and in other assigned locations.
● Managing the selection, onboarding, and performance of consultants assigned to the Tanzania County Gender Umbrella Program.
● Provide inputs to sub-regional, country, and industry/sector strategies and projects as required.

Qualifications and Competencies:
● Strong project management skills with experience in implementing multi-stakeholder initiatives.
● Knowledge of gender-focused programs and their integration into business and investment pipelines.
● Excellent collaboration and communication skills to engage with industry teams, donors, and stakeholders.
● Proven ability to monitor progress, address challenges, and deliver measurable outcomes.
● Experience in organizing visibility activities and engaging diverse audiences.
● Fundraising experience, including donor engagement and proposal development, is an advantage

Technical Skills:
● Strong understanding of gender and economic inclusion challenges and opportunities in emerging markets.
● Proven ability to analyze data, develop insights, and translate findings into actionable recommendations.
● Familiarity with IFC’s investment and advisory operations is an advantage.

Behavioral Competencies:
● Collaboration: Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and build strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.
● Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas clearly and persuasively.
● Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a proactive and results-oriented mindset.
● Adaptability: Capacity to work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and manage multiple priorities effectively.

Leadership and Influence:
● Ability to inspire and motivate others to achieve program goals.
● Confidence in engaging with senior management, development partners, and government counterparts.

The candidate should be a seasoned candidate with experience working with the private sector and across institutional structures to deliver impactful solutions. The candidate routinely leads staff, initiatives, programs, projects, and integrates the work of others (often multi-disciplinary). They confidently deliver quality output and can work and inspire others with a sense of urgency. They can proficiently interact with companies' senior management, development partners and communicate with senior government counterparts and other organizations with confidence on the topic at hand.

Selection Criteria

● Master's degree in economics, business administration, gender studies, international development, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
● Familiarity with IFC’s investment and advisory operations, including an understanding of private sector development and financial inclusion strategies.
● Strong project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and deliver high-quality results in a fast-paced environment.
● Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders, including government officials, private sector partners, and internal teams.
● Demonstrated ability to apply innovative approaches to address gender and economic inclusion challenges, leveraging global best practices and tailoring solutions to local contexts.
● Commitment to IFC’s mission and values, including promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of work.
● Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to think strategically and adapt to evolving priorities and challenges.
● High level of cultural sensitivity and emotional intelligence, fostering collaboration and trust across diverse teams and geographies.
● Minimum of 5 years of professional experience in gender and economic inclusion, preferably in emerging markets, with demonstrated ability to design and implement impactful programs.

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. If 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.