This internship-based thesis elaborates a localised operational perspective on how the aspiration of the World Bank Group’s (WBG) gender strategy is actualised through business processes at the International Finance Corporation (IFC). It reports on a critical analysis of implementation, specifically tension between: (1) the outlook of binary targets and systems accuracy, (2) meeting corporate targets and ensuring the quality of engagements, and (3) the knowledge and data gaps and meaningful implementation.

The thesis poses that the Facility for Investment Climate Advisory Services (FIAS) Program has a key role in driving the effect on implementation beyond the use of evidence in standalone operations. A specific research gap that this paper addresses is analysis and recommendations in relation to the SDGs, and SDG 5 in particular, with specifics informed by the candidate’s distinct responsibilities in developing and implementing a far-reaching process: the model and procedure for assessing strategic adherence of new projects and allocating funding, also referred to as the allocations procedure.

Drawing on the highlighted constraints, the paper puts forward recommendations that the FIAS Program management team could apply to accelerate the translation of IFC’s gender priority into projects. In doing this, the FIAS Program would enhance the contribution it makes to advancing the overall IFC agenda. The recommendations propose the use of existing mechanisms and corporate processes in order to: (1) enhance system accuracy and strategically relevant applications, (2) communicate to bridge staff and gender gap data and knowledge, and (3) strengthen synergies and assurances of country-driven approaches.

The critical analysis and recommendations are limited to an internal operations focus, specifically the allocations procedure, and do not consider an external market or client focus. An integrated lens and intersectionality are vitally important in the subject of gender equality, and some findings are applicable to strategic priorities for the FIAS Program besides gender-related work.