Program Manager, Cameroon

The Program Manager for Cameroon will lead the operationalization of IFC2030 at the country level, overseeing all IFC activities including investment and advisory portfolios. The role involves developing and implementing country strategies, fostering senior-level relationships, coordinating with partners, and leading a multidisciplinary team to position IFC as the partner of choice for impactful projects in Cameroon.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and ongoing refinement of IFC’s multi-year country strategy for Cameroon, incorporating upstream market development, sector priorities, and business targets.
• Build and manage high-level relationships with government, private sector, regulators, development partners, and civil society to position IFC as the partner of choice for high-impact projects.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive client engagement strategy for current and prospective clients.
• Coordinate and collaborate closely with World Bank Group institutions and other partners to design and deliver joint initiatives and strengthen the IFC/WBG brand at national and regional levels.
• Oversee IFC’s investment and advisory portfolio in Cameroon, ensuring high standards in project selection, structuring, supervision, and impact measurement.
• Review and approve sponsor eligibility, IFC value add, and alignment with strategic goals, with attention to risk mitigation in complex markets.
• Identify, monitor, and help address environmental and social risks as well as reputational risks related to IFC engagements.
• Lead, manage, and mentor a diverse team, fostering innovation, market-responsive solutions, and high performance.
• Serve as key member of Nigeria and Central Africa leadership team.

Requirements

• MBA or equivalent professional qualification.
• Minimum of 12 years of relevant work experience, including at least 5 years in a managerial/lead capacity.
• Demonstrated success in developing client relationships with an established network of senior public- and private-sector contacts in Cameroon or proven ability to build such networks.
• Outstanding track record in investment and advisory operations.
• Strong leadership and people-management capabilities with experience leading diverse, high-performing teams.
• Ability to represent IFC externally with government, media, clients, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking with ability to adjust country strategy to remain responsive to client and market needs.
• Experience in transaction processing and portfolio supervision is a strong plus.
• Work experience in Africa and strong interest in understanding Cameroon’s economy, markets, and regulatory environment.
• Ability to build effective relationships across IFC and WBG matrix structures.
• Strong written and oral communication skills; English and French are essential.
• Ability to develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to build IFC’s business and profile in the market.
• Meets WBG managerial selection criteria including courage of convictions, leading the team for impact, influencing across boundaries, fostering openness to new ideas, and building talent for the future.

Skills

• Client Relationship Management
• Investment Operations Support
• Advisory Operations
• Leadership
• People Management
• Strategic Thinking
• Transaction Processing
• Portfolio Supervision
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Country Strategy Development
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
• Business Development
• Market Analysis
• Regulatory Knowledge
• Bilingual Communication
• Team Leadership
• Innovative Solutions
• Public Sector Networking
• Private Sector Networking

Languages

English, French