Senior Industry Specialist

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 2023, IFC committed a record US$43.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging the power of the private sector to end extreme poverty and boost shared prosperity as economies grapple with the impacts of global compounding crises. For more information, visit

The Manufacturing, Agribusiness and Services Department ('MAS'), one of IFC's industry departments, supports investments in the real sector to fuel economic growth in client countries and enhance IFC's developmental impact. 

IFC's Lifesciences team within the Global Health and Education department supports the World Bank Group's aim of improving access to efficient, reliable and affordable drugs for the poor in emerging markets. The Global Lifesciences team is responsible for managing IFC's investment activities in the areas of production, distribution and retail of pharmaceutical, biological and other lifesciences products. The team works with a wide range of investment products, from project and corporate finance on the debt side, to equity and quasi-equity in private and listed companies. 

To support the growth of this business, IFC is seeking a Senior Industry Specialist – Life Science, with rich experience in the Lifesciences sector and sound business judgement, to be a part of the investment team and provide an expert opinion on the technical and operational aspects on the projects. 

Duties and Accountabilities

Specific responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Support the team as a Life Sciences technical specialist in assessing investment opportunities in companies involved in the manufacturing, distribution and retail of pharmaceutical/ lifesciences products;
• Work closely with the Lifesciences team in screening, appraising, and supervising the investment projects in this sector; 
• Provide an opinion on the viability on the technical and commercial merits as well as the quality of management and technical teams of potential investment opportunities the pharmaceutical/ lifesciences sector, as a part of the detailed due diligence of investment proposals; 
• Provide a detailed report on the findings as a part of the materials for making investment decisions; 
• Assist in monitoring and supervision of existing IFC financed projects, including periodic site visits, regular review of project progress, and coordination with the financiers/banks with whom IFC co-invests.
• Participate in business development to build a strong pipeline of investment opportunities; 
• Contribute to the Lifesciences sector team's knowledge management, through the development of case studies, preparation and leading of industry overviews and primers; 
• Coordinate closely with environmental and social specialists in order to identify and mitigate risks and add value to our clients' businesses; 
• Support sector-related initiatives by other IFC groups such as Upstream and Advisory units including associated analytics and documentation.

Selection Criteria

• Master's or advanced Degree in Chemical Engineering or Engineering field with specialization in pharmaceuticals or chemicals;
• 10+ years of technical experience in Quality, Manufacturing, Regulatory affairs in pharma companies. Branded generics, specialty pharma, and emerging markets experience is a plus. 
• 15+ years of international operational/managerial experience with pharmaceutical companies and familiarity with the processes/requirements of US-FDA and other similar regulators;
• Experience in the pharmaceutical and biopharma manufacturing operations, including engineering design, costing, planning, procurement, construction, implementation and operation;
• Understanding and/ or experience in quality control aspects of this sector; 
• Experience in the development of pharmaceutical business and product pipeline, commercial experience including sales and marketing, brand acquisition, strategic alliances; good understanding of various business models (domestic and export-based) of producers from the top emerging markets; 
• Hands-on experience in the dynamics of the main pharmaceutical markets in the developed and emerging countries and knowledge of regulatory requirements in such countries; 
• Understanding of the pharmaceutical distribution and retail markets in top emerging countries; 
• Qualifications must include computer literacy in relevant scientific/technical software, 
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal in English. 

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.

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Sector: Nonprofit/Community/Social Services/International Cooperation

Role: Other

Working hours (%): 80-100%

Job type: Staff (Permanent and Fixed Term)