Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialist (2 Positions) – World Bank – Nairobi & Singapore – Apply by 18th April 2025

Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialist (2 Positions) – World Bank – Nairobi & Singapore – Apply by 18th April 2025

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

• Position Title: Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialist

• Number of Positions: 2

• Locations Available: Nairobi, Kenya and Singapore

• Recruiting Organization: The World Bank

• Sector: Infrastructure (Finance, PPP, Policy)

• Grade: GG

• Contract Duration: 3 Years (Renewable)

• Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

• Application Deadline: Friday, 18th April 2025 at 11:59 PM UTC

• Required Languages: English (French preferred)

• Job Reference Number: req32659

INTRODUCTION

Are you passionate about transforming global infrastructure and mobilizing private capital to solve pressing development challenges? The World Bank invites applications for two strategic positions as Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialists, to be based in Nairobi, Kenya and Singapore respectively.

As the world’s largest development bank, the World Bank plays a pivotal role in accelerating infrastructure development in low and middle-income countries. These roles are embedded within the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF)—a flagship G20 initiative hosted by the World Bank—which drives the preparation of bankable, sustainable, and impactful infrastructure investments in emerging and developing economies.

The selected candidates will lead regional portfolios, supporting client governments in structuring Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), delivering risk mitigation instruments, and enabling private sector participation in infrastructure finance.

ABOUT THE WORLD BANK

The World Bank Group (WBG) is a global development cooperative owned by 189 member countries. It comprises two main institutions: the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA). Together, they provide funding, risk management products, policy advice, and capacity building for governments seeking to eliminate extreme poverty and promote shared prosperity.

With an active portfolio exceeding $110 billion, the World Bank’s Infrastructure Vice Presidency (INF VPU) leads operations in transport, energy, urban development, digital infrastructure, and land management—focusing on resilient, climate-smart, and inclusive infrastructure.

To learn more, visit www.worldbank.org.

ABOUT THE GLOBAL INFRASTRUCTURE FACILITY (GIF)

Established in 2014 under the G20 mandate, the Global Infrastructure Facility (GIF) is a multi-donor trust fund hosted by the World Bank that serves as a global collaboration platform to mobilize private investment in infrastructure.

GIF has three core functions:

1. Upstream Advisory Support: Working with governments to bring bankable, quality infrastructure programs to market

2. Downstream Risk Mitigation: Designing financing solutions that crowd-in private capital

3. Global Knowledge and Partnership Coordination: Hosting collaborative forums, disseminating best practices, and engaging private sector partners

The GIF Management Unit (MU) oversees project screening, funding allocation, knowledge sharing, trust fund operations, and partnership coordination with multilateral development banks (MDBs), donors, and private stakeholders.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The World Bank is recruiting two Senior Infrastructure Finance Specialists to deliver on the core functions of the GIF Management Unit and lead the delivery of regional infrastructure finance portfolios.

• Position 1: Based in Nairobi, Kenya – Leading the Sub-Saharan Africa Portfolio

• Position 2: Based in Singapore – Leading the Asia Portfolio

Applicants are expected to indicate their preferred location and demonstrate regional experience aligned with their application.

KEY DUTIES AND ACCOUNTABILITIES

The selected candidates will be expected to:

Project Portfolio Development

• Lead pipeline identification and structuring of PPP and privately financed infrastructure projects

• Evaluate bankability, risk allocation, regulatory context, and government commitment

• Guide Technical Partners and country teams in preparing GIF project applications

• Provide quality assurance for project documentation, feasibility studies, and structuring models

Transaction Advisory and Structuring

• Support the design of financial and risk mitigation instruments

• Guide governments in optimal project contracting and financing modalities

• Coordinate advisory services across energy, transport, urban, and digital infrastructure sectors

• Integrate sustainability and climate resilience metrics into project structuring

Portfolio Management and Monitoring

• Oversee a portfolio of active GIF-supported projects and ensure timely delivery

• Manage project milestones, reimbursements, and performance evaluations

• Maintain reporting systems for monitoring development impact, private capital mobilization, and financial sustainability

• Support knowledge capture from portfolio lessons for dissemination and learning

Donor and Partner Coordination

• Represent GIF in regional partnership forums, MDB meetings, and global PPP summits

• Liaise with Technical, Funding, and Advisory Partners to align country support programs

• Contribute to the organization of GIF Governing Council meetings and donor events

• Support operational coordination with the World Bank, IFC, MIGA, and regional development banks

Knowledge Management and Advocacy

• Lead the generation and dissemination of knowledge products on infrastructure finance

• Contribute to GIF-hosted research, training, and global learning events

• Represent GIF in G20 infrastructure discussions, roundtables, and knowledge forums

• Promote best practices in PPP structuring, blended finance, and bankable project preparation

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Minimum Academic Requirements

• A Master’s degree or equivalent in Finance, Economics, Public Policy, Engineering, or Infrastructure Management

Experience Requirements

• Minimum of 8 years of experience in infrastructure project finance, PPP structuring, or policy development

• Prior engagement in developing country infrastructure transactions

• Hands-on experience with MDBs, DFIs, government institutions, or the private sector

• In-depth exposure to project development lifecycle, from strategic planning to tendering

• Practical familiarity with blended finance, trust fund operations, or risk mitigation frameworks

Technical Competencies

• Demonstrated ability to structure bankable infrastructure projects in complex regulatory environments

• Deep understanding of contractual models, financial instruments, and legal frameworks for PPPs

• Track record of delivering infrastructure finance advisory in emerging markets

• Strong knowledge of regional infrastructure needs in either Africa or Asia, depending on the post applied for

• Familiarity with World Bank Group operational systems and trust fund policies is a plus

Soft Skills and Attributes

• Excellent interpersonal, negotiation, and diplomatic skills

• Clear and effective verbal and written communication abilities

• Ability to manage cross-cultural teams and work independently under pressure

• Strong organizational and leadership capabilities

• Proficiency in French is an added advantage, especially for the Africa-based role

WORKING AT THE WORLD BANK GROUP

The World Bank Group is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunity. Employees enjoy access to:

• Competitive compensation and benefits

• Medical, life, and disability insurance

• Retirement plans

• Generous leave policies including parental leave

• Learning and development support

• Career progression within a global development ecosystem

The World Bank offers reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities during the recruitment process and throughout employment.

HOW TO APPLY

Qualified candidates are invited to apply online via the official World Bank Group careers portal:

👉 Click here to submit your application

Deadline for submission:
Friday, 18th April 2025 – 11:59 PM UTC

Ensure you upload all relevant documents and indicate your preferred duty station (Nairobi or Singapore) in your application.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

WORLD BANK GROUP CORE COMPETENCIES

• Deliver Results for Clients

• Lead and Innovate

• Collaborate Within Teams and Across Boundaries

• Create, Apply and Share Knowledge

• Make Smart Decisions

• Demonstrate Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

WHY JOIN THE WORLD BANK’S INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE TEAM?

• Work at the intersection of global finance and development

• Influence transformative infrastructure projects across Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia

• Gain access to state-of-the-art tools, global experts, and innovative financing solutions

• Collaborate with MDBs, donors, and private investors on high-impact deals

• Contribute to the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and SDGs

• Shape policy and delivery models for climate-smart and inclusive infrastructure

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