Principal Investment Officer - Infrastructure

Job #: req38798

Organization: IFC

Sector: Investment

Grade: GH

Term Duration: Open-Ended Staff (OPEN-OP)

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Location: Hong Kong, China

Required Language(s): English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date: 10/30/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

At the International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank Group (WBG), you’ll join a diverse, global community working across cultures, disciplines, and borders to address the world’s most pressing development challenges. With 1.2 billion young people reaching working age in the decade ahead, the challenge of job creation has never been greater. Through partnerships across 145 countries and more than 182 offices worldwide, we work with governments, private sector, development partners and other stakeholders to invest in people, strengthen markets, and deliver scalable, data-driven solutions that generate more and better jobs and improve lives. In fiscal year 2026, IFC committed a record $105.6 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

The infrastructure (INR) Industry is one of IFC’s key strategic priorities. The team delivers financial and technical support to clients in the power, transport, telecoms, municipal & environmental infrastructure, gas, and mining sectors, from IFC’s own Balance Sheet and through mobilization of other capital. The Department also seeks to maintain IFC, as part of the World Bank Group, at the cutting-edge of helping member countries find solutions to new and emerging infrastructure and natural resource issues.

IFC is seeking a Principal Investment Officer to lead the business development and relationship management for Infrastructure Funds. The position is based in Hong Kong. A systematic approach to these relationships would support origination across the infrastructure franchise. This role requires systemic coordination with FIG and Funds team for JV partnership, fund investments, LP relationships and other potential joint opportunities. She/he will also coordinate on a continuous basis with the Country Managers, the Asia Infrastructure Leadership team, as well as other relevant Departments/Divisions within WBG, such as Knowledge Bank, Treasury, the Equity Desk, Environmental & Social, etc. The Principal Investment Officer will report to the Director, Infrastructure and Natural Resources, Asia Pacific.

Duties and Accountabilities:

The candidate is expected to perform all the functions of a new business PIO at all material stages of the IFC deal cycle, from deal origination to portfolio management:

• Play a senior leadership role for the Asia Pacific Infrastructure team with a foreseen emphasis on INR Funds -sectors with added responsibilities for business development across all infra sectors, as determined;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Infrastructure Funds – both for Debt and Equity Funds - active/with plans to enter APAC region;
• Act as the focal person: (i) work closely and coordinate with Global and APAC Funds teams, APAC FIG, Global Equity, and wider APAC Infrastructure team; and (ii) develop strategy & combined business development and mapping efforts that will translate to JV Fund or direct Infra Investment mandates;
• Act as the Relationship Manager for selected Infra Funds and/or support and enhance IFC’s existing global & regional relationships for APAC. Build relationships with the Funds’ wider regional teams in APAC (Investor Relations, investment teams, MDs, Fund Heads);
• Develop an extensive mapping of the Debt and Equity Funds in the region (e.g. fund-raising strategy/plans for APAC, investment plans, portfolio of infrastructure assets). Understand Debt and Equity Funds’ structure & available products - work closely with Funds and FIG team to filter against IFC selection criteria;
• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities at Funds and Portfolio Company level for IFC across vehicles/products (e.g. LP or Co-Investor or direct investor through equity, senior debt, mezzanine to portfolio companies);
• Represent IFC in LPAC for selective Infra Funds;
• Develop and share knowledge about IFC Fund practice and Infrastructure Funds (e.g. internal limits, funds selection criteria, mobilization) and generate innovative ideas, products, or solutions to increase business volumes;
• Actively do business development with Infrastructure Funds based in the wider APAC region, monitor the market trends. Originate and selectively execute and supervise viable investment transactions that maximize development impact, mobilization as well as profitability;
• Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions, portfolio restructurings, capital increases, equity sales, etc.;
• Review and analyze business opportunities, synthesize information into internal reports for decision making purposes;
• Represent IFC in the sector by organizing/participating and speaking at the high profile Infra Fund and Infrastructure events and forums;
• Supervise a commensurate number of Infrastructure projects in the Asia Pacific region;
• Lead and manage project teams, mentor and develop staff in the team;
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to our clients' businesses, find pragmatic solutions to the specific sector challenges, and achieve sustainable development impact;
• Able to have difficult conversations with clients to set reasonable expectations and with team members on their accountabilities or to address performance issues.

Selection Criteria

• MBA or equivalent qualification;
• At least 15 years of experience with a development finance institution (DFI), a commercial and investment bank or a private equity firm with tasks related to private sector infrastructure financing;
• Strong preference for candidates with prior business development experience and proven track record of deal origination and commitments across multiple IFC financial products (LP, Co-Investments, debt and equity) in Infrastructure Sector. Having already served in Infra Fund LPAC is a plus.
• Proven and recent deal track-record of sourcing, structuring and closing investments, both debt and equity/mezz, in infrastructure sectors, including investments in the Asia Pacific region;
• Regional knowledge of countries and understanding of infrastructure challenges faced by countries within the region;
• Knowledge of one or more infra core sectors (energy, transportation, TMT, utilities);
• Understanding of climate change developments and their impact on the INR sector and project financing;
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo openly in order to build the business;
• Strong business development and client relationship skills, demonstrated network relevant for the team’s business, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively; strong sense of service to clients and demonstrated business development aptitude; proven success in developing client relationships;
• Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential clients, financial and technical partners as well as senior government officials;
• Financial skills: demonstrated ability to structure a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity); strong credit skills;
• Sound business judgment in identifying potential business partners; good “deal sense” based on demonstrated strong analytical skills;
• Ability to plan and manage staff to achieve high-quality results and encourage innovation in an open team-based environment, inspiring trust and influencing and resolving differences across organizational boundaries; experience in coaching staff and actively supporting staff professional development would be a plus;
• Demonstrated leadership skills and strong teamwork and communications in a highly diverse and dispersed team, and in a virtual environment;
• Excellent people management skills and openness to feedback; new ideas and ability to guide staff to solutions to problems; experience and comfort with lively debates and encouraging staff to speak up would be a plus;
• High energy and ability to deliver high-quality work within deadlines to meet team objectives;
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English;
• Highly motivated, committed to highest ethical standards;
• Genuine commitment to sustainable development.

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.

As the World Bank Group continues to evolve, we value candidates who: Demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively across teams, disciplines, cultures, and institutional boundaries. Responsibly leverage digital and AI-enabled tools to enhance productivity, learning, and decision-making. Bring experience working in fragile, conflict-affected, and violent (FCV) contexts and are encouraged to highlight relevant experience in their application materials, where applicable.

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.