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Sovereign Risk Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

SMS DevOps Manager

Reston, VA · On-site

$55.75 - $76.25/hr

... risk requirements into scalable, automated platforms. Key Responsibilities Cloud Platform & Architecture * Own the end-to-end cloud platform supporting sovereign and regulated workloads across ...

SMS DevOps Manager

Reston, VA

$55.75 - $76.25/hr

... risk requirements into scalable, automated platforms. Key Responsibilities Cloud Platform & Architecture * Own the end-to-end cloud platform supporting sovereign and regulated workloads across ...

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Sovereign Risk information

See Washington, DC salary details

$16

$34

$83

How much do sovereign risk jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for sovereign risk in Washington, DC is $34.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $22.07 and $43.85 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Sovereign Risk Analyst, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Sovereign Risk Analyst, you need strong quantitative analysis skills, a solid understanding of macroeconomics, and typically a degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Proficiency with financial modeling tools, databases like Bloomberg or Reuters, and risk assessment frameworks is essential. Outstanding critical thinking, attention to detail, and effective communication skills set top performers apart in this role. These capabilities are crucial for accurately assessing country-specific risks, supporting informed investment decisions, and safeguarding institutional assets.

What are the typical challenges faced by professionals working in Sovereign Risk analysis?

Professionals in Sovereign Risk analysis often navigate complex geopolitical environments, fluctuating economic indicators, and rapidly changing policy landscapes. A key challenge is staying updated on global events and interpreting their potential impact on a nation's creditworthiness. The role typically involves synthesizing large volumes of data and collaborating with economists, portfolio managers, and external analysts to provide timely risk assessments. Additionally, adapting to evolving regulatory frameworks and communicating nuanced findings to both technical and non-technical stakeholders are integral parts of the job.

What is sovereign risk?

Sovereign risk refers to the risk that a government might default on its debt obligations or otherwise fail to meet its financial commitments. This type of risk can arise from political instability, economic downturns, or changes in government policies that affect the ability or willingness to repay foreign or domestic debts. Investors, banks, and financial institutions assess sovereign risk when dealing with bonds, loans, or other investments tied to a country's government. Managing sovereign risk is critical for international lenders and investors seeking to minimize potential losses.

What is the difference between Sovereign Risk vs Credit Analyst?

AspectSovereign RiskCredit Analyst
Required credentialsTypically degrees in finance, economics, or related fields; certifications like CFA beneficialSimilar credentials; CFA often preferred
Work environmentFinancial institutions, government agencies, international organizationsBanks, investment firms, credit rating agencies
Industry usageAssessing country risk for investments and loansEvaluating individual or corporate creditworthiness
Comparison intentUnderstanding country-level risk factorsAnalyzing borrower risk at the entity level

While both roles involve risk assessment, Sovereign Risk focuses on evaluating the financial stability of countries, whereas Credit Analysts assess the creditworthiness of companies or individuals. The skills and credentials overlap, but their scope and focus differ significantly.

What are popular job titles related to Sovereign Risk jobs in Washington, DC? For Sovereign Risk jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Sovereign Risk job openings in Washington, DC as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 80% In-person, and 20% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $71,466 per year, or $34.4 per hour.
Credit Risk Officer

Other

Posted 29 days ago


Job description

The 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 2025, IFC committed a record 71.7 billion to private companies and financial institutions in developing countries, leveraging private sector solutions, and mobilizing private capital to create a world free of poverty on a livable planet. For more information, visit www.ifc.org.

IFC's Credit and Investment Risk Department (CIR) is looking to fill a Risk Officer (F2) position in the Credit Rating Quality Review Unit (CIRRQ).

The World Bank Group (WBG) is one of the world's largest sources of funding and knowledge for developing countries. It uses financial resources and extensive experience to help countries reduce poverty, increase economic growth, and improve quality of life. 

IFC is also a leading mobilizer of third-party resources for projects. Our willingness to engage in challenging environments and our leadership in crowding-in private finance enable us to extend our footprint and have a development impact well beyond our direct resources.

IFC's Credit Risk Department
IFC's Credit and Investment Risk Department (CIR) is responsible for providing an independent assessment of risks for all new investment transactions and material portfolio events. Being a part of the formal investment approval hierarchy, CIR serves as a "second pair of eyes". CIR works to strengthen IFC's credit culture, investment quality, and impact by working closely with investment and supporting departments across the Corporation.
The CIR department is composed of CIRIC (Investment and Credit Risk), which is divided into three major regional risk offices (Asia & Pacific, Latin America & Europe & Central Asia and Middle East & Africa) and five other units: CIREQ (Equity), CIRRQ (Credit Rating Quality Review), CIRIN (Insurance), CIRVA (Valuation) and CIRCT (Knowledge Management).

IFC's Credit rating Quality Review Unit (CIRRQ)
Reporting to the CIR Director, CIRRQ is responsible for (a) developing and maintaining the methodology for credit risk ratings, as well as providing training and guidance for its correct application by IFC staff; and (b) organizing and conducting reviews of IFC's business units as to the quality of their performance in relation to such credit risk ratings.
 
The mid-career professional position as a Risk Officer (F2) in CIRRQ will provide the selected candidate with an opportunity to:
  Develop a deeper understanding of IFC's investment business from a risk perspective and strengthening his / her credit analytical skills;
  Get broad-based exposure to the Investment and Credit Risk Department's approach to assessing partners and projects across a wide range of products, countries (including investment in FCS and IDA countries), and Industries (Financial Institutions, Infrastructure, Telecom & Technology, and Manufacturing, Agribusiness & Services);
  Develop unique experience in Emerging Market Countries and FCS and IDA countries, leverage lessons of IFC's experience operating in these markets, and apply globally recognized best practices and standards.
The selected candidate will be based in Washington DC.  

Duties and Accountabilities:
  Support the analysis rating models behavior, focusing on model functioning and results validation;
  Develop databases and data extraction and reporting of risk rating data in combination with data from portfolio and finance to support the analysis and monitoring of risk aspects of the IFC portfolio;
  Support development of rating process definitions and guidelines for new products and special situations;
  Support analysis of IFC's portfolio trends, focusing on early warning signals and integrating key findings and views into overall risk trends in discussions with CIR, Risk VPU and senior management;
  Manage and further develop functioning and controls around IRP central inputs, such as BICRA, CICRA, ICRA, Insolvency Regime Score, FC Sovereign rating, etc.
  Support and participate in the CIRRQ unit reviews;
  Support Credit Officers (COs) and Regional Chief Risk Officers (RCROs) across the department in the interpretation of risk rating rules and methodology;
  Selectively support COs in reviewing new business transactions for part of the time;
  Participate in key corporate or CIR initiatives as requested by the CIR Director or by the CIRRQ Head.