(Senior) Industry Specialist – Tourism (Hospitality)

Position: (Senior) Industry Specialist – Tourism (Hospitality)

Organization: IFC (International Finance Corporation), a member of the World Bank Group

Sector: Investment

Location: Washington, DC, United States

Term Duration: 3 years

Recruitment Type: International Recruitment

Closing Date: April 25, 2024, at 11:59pm UTC

Description: The Tourism Sector Specialist role at IFC involves evaluating project investments, advising on strategy, developing relationships, supporting innovation, and positioning IFC as a thought leader in the tourism sector. The specialist will work within the Tourism, Retail, and Property (TRP) team and will be based in Washington DC with a global focus, requiring travel to developing economies. Responsibilities include business origination, project assessment, portfolio management, strategy development, knowledge dissemination, and collaboration with colleagues across the World Bank Group.

Duties and Accountabilities:

Participate in business origination activities and maintain client relationships.
Assess technical and commercial feasibility of potential projects.
Provide expert advice to clients on operational aspects.
Support investment officers in financial projections.
Contribute to the development and implementation of IFC’s tourism sector strategy.
Engage with colleagues across the World Bank Group.
Extract lessons learned from projects and develop best practices.
Keep updated on sectoral and industry news, trends, and developments.
Hire and supervise consultants as needed.

Selection Criteria:

Master’s degree in a relevant field.
20+ years of practical experience in the hotel industry, preferably in hotel development/operations/asset management or consulting.
Knowledge of emerging trends and business models in the sector.
Ability to work across different geographies and cultures.
Flexible to meet global travel requirements.
Excellent communication skills in English; knowledge of French or Spanish is an advantage.
Strong business judgment and ability to evaluate technical, commercial, and managerial issues.
Ability to communicate clearly in verbal and written forms.

Application Requirements:

Applications should be sent in English, including a cover letter describing relevant results achieved in prior positions.
All applications will be treated confidentially, and only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

World Bank Group Core Competencies:

The World Bank Group offers comprehensive benefits and is an equal opportunity and inclusive employer.
Benefits include retirement plan, medical insurance, paid leave, and accommodations for individuals with disabilities.

This position seeks an experienced professional with a deep understanding of the tourism sector, strong analytical skills, and the ability to work effectively in a global context.