(Senior) Industry Specialist - AgTech

Job #:
req38010

Organization:
IFC

Sector:
Agribusiness

Grade:
GG

Term Duration:
3 years 0 months

Recruitment Type:
International Recruitment

Location:
Washington, DC,United States

Required Language(s):
English

Preferred Language(s):

Closing Date:
8/27/2026 (MM/DD/YYYY) at 11:59pm UTC

Description

Agribusinesses in emerging markets, including farmers, input suppliers, aggregators, and processors, face numerous challenges such as limited access to necessary inputs, fragmented supply chains, high transaction costs, underdeveloped logistics, and climate change impacts. We are establishing an umbrella AgTech approach aimed at investing in innovative AgTech providers that address key areas such as access to finance, market linkages, farm-level productivity, supply chain management, post-harvest optimization, and climate.

The dedicated AgTech approach will assist IFC in developing deeper expertise in the sector, which will drive impactful, long-term growth, increase returns, and foster closer relationships with industry players, thereby enhancing its market presence and creating more business opportunities. This approach will also boost technology update for Small Holder Farmers which is critical for narrowing the yield gap and mitigate the climate impact of agriculture.

To support this work, we are seeking to employ a (Senior) Industry Specialist on AgTech, location would be in Washington (D.C., USA), specializing in all aspects AgTech investments including early-stage accelerators/incubators, climate-focused VC funds, venture debt, and direct equity investments. She/he will belong to the Farming and Agribusiness, Solutions & Impact Unit and focus on global emerging markets.

Assignment Objectives

The (Senior) Industry Specialist will assist the Agribusiness unit in the identification, development and execution of the AgTech approach, ensuring alignment with WBG/IFC's broader strategy to build resilient and sustainable agrifood systems. When assessing investments, the specialist would be required to extensively travel and conduct due diligence on Companies being considered for an IFC investment. Industry Specialists play a key role within the investment teams and provide broad and in-depth industry knowledge to assess new investment companies and conduct detailed on-site due diligence, as well as performing supervision and value-addition of portfolio investments. IFC's Advisory/Upstream teams might tap into the specialist's knowledge/expertise.

Duties and Accountabilities

The (Senior) Industry Specialist will report to the Sector Lead and will be accountable for the following tasks:
• Assist the Agribusiness team in developing a comprehensive sector strategy for AgTech investments, building on lessons learned from IFC's current AgTech portfolio;
• Identify and map existing AgTech startups and relevant themes that align with WBG/IFC's investment mandate and strategic priorities;
• Working closely with the sector lead, Global subsector industry specialists, and regional investment teams, conduct due diligence to assess project strengths and weaknesses, and provide investment teams with an appraisal report and operational parameters to be built into financial models;
• Collaborate closely with Blended Finance and other stakeholders to mitigate risks and enhance the AgTech ecosystem.
• Provide industry and best practice advice to internal - IFC and WBG colleagues - and external clients and add value to new business development activities and portfolio monitoring, as well as to advisory services projects;
• Assist in the selection, briefing and supervision of technical consultants, engaged on due diligence, as needed;
• Participate in conferences and seminars and other events representing WBG/IFC and as appropriate to maintaining and building sector knowledge.
• Participate in the investment committee meetings and respond to the committee's questions;
• Support the review of advisory/upstream services proposals;
• Replicates/ scales high-impact projects & innovations across all WBG products;

Selection Criteria
• Minimum Master's degree in a related field;
• 15 years + years of operational experience (10 years + experience focused specifically on AgTech with strategic multinational or Venture Capital fund);
• Commitment to the World Bank Group's mission, strategy, and values;
• Proven experience (strongly preferred in the AgTech sector) in early-stage investments, venture capital, and/or private equity;
• Strong understanding of the challenges and opportunities in farming best practices, climate resilience and adaptation, and food security and/or sound knowledge and experience in delivering sustainability solutions to the agribusiness sector;
• Excellent written and spoken English skills and ability to write technical appraisal reports in a timely manner;
• Ability to work effectively in teams and build bridges across organizational boundaries;
• Passion for understanding use cases of technology in Agribusiness, and commodity markets and results driven with energy, initiative, and self-motivation;
• Willingness to undertake extensive international travel in emerging markets.

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.