Chief Investment Officer at the African Development Bank Group (AfDB)

African Development Bank Group (AfDB) - Established in 1964, the African Development Bank is the premier pan-African development institution, promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent. There are 80 member states, including 54 in Africa (Regional Member Countries). The Bank’s development agenda is delivering the financial and technical support for transformative projects that will significantly reduce poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Chief Investment Officer

Position Number: 50001312
Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Position Grade: PL3

The Complexes

• The main focus of the Vice Presidency for ‘Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization’ (PIVP) is on: (i) developing the private sector; (ii) deepening the financial sector; (iii) improving infrastructure (transport, urban, ICT; cross-cutting); (iv) accelerating industrialization; and (v) boosting intra-African
• trade.  PIVP plays the lead role in: (i) preparing and supervising Non-Sovereign Operations (NSO) in PIVP Sectors; (ii) coordinating NSO processes; (iii) developing and sharing relevant Sector Knowledge; (iv) support the Regions on Sovereign sector operations; and (v) managing Complex Sovereign operations. 
• PIVP combines analytical work and policy dialogue in its sector with financing of specific operations, be they loans or equity investments.

The Position

• The responsibility of the Chief Investment Officer is to ensure the technical strength of the Bank’s activities in support of transactions linked to private sector investments in sectors related to industries, manufacturing, services, information & communication technology.
• The main task of the job holder will be to identify business opportunities, originate, and execute transactions related to non-sovereign investments in sectors related to industries, manufacturing, services, information & communication technology as well as process various financing instruments including debt, guarantee, mezzanine, and equity up to Board approval, financial close and first disbursement.
• The job holder will also be expected to deputize in the absence of the division manager and provide operational and project support to junior staff.

Key Functions
Under the direct supervision of the Division Manager, the chief investment officer will:

• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector/country/region knowledge.
• Assess the attractiveness of specific investment opportunities with a strong focus on credit quality and development impact and make recommendations to management.
• Lead the execution of loan, guarantee, mezzanine, and equity financing including processing mandates, conducting due diligence, structuring deals, negotiating terms and documentation and arranging syndications.
• Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions.
• Lead the internal approval process including interface with credit, safeguards, integrity, legal, development impact, and other teams as well as the various committees and the Board.
• Lead/participate in negotiation of finance documentation, develop financial solutions and overcome bottlenecks in the transaction life cycle.
• Facilitate or lead active relationships with commercial lenders and other financial partners as well as with investors, and governments.
• Participate in and contribute substantially to relevant learning events, dissemination, and knowledge building in area of expertise.
• Develop strong knowledge of the Bank’s policies, guidelines, procedures, so as to exercise appropriate judgement in their application.
• Provide strategic and technical inputs on projects, policy, and other papers related to private sector operations and development across a range of key themes in the area of expertise.
• Lead/Participate and manage multidisciplinary project teams, mentor, provide technical expertise and guidance to junior investment officers working on projects.

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

• At least a Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Banking or related areas.
• Have a minimum of Seven (7) years of relevant senior professional experience in project finance, corporate banking and equity investment.
• Proven track record in originating, structuring, and executing debt, guarantee and equity transactions as deal lead in sectors related to industries, services, information & communication technology.
• Strong analytical and financial structuring skills, sound business judgment and demonstrated ability to creatively structure a variety of complex debt and equity investments.
• Working experience in multinational organization and specialized experience in knowledge of economic developments, sectoral and market trends in Africa.
• Strong client relationship skills and ability to initiate, effectively and independently interact with C-suite executive and senior management of potential clients.
• Excellent problem-solving capabilities, applies business knowledge to the resolution of problems, and identifies solutions to the benefit of the client (internal and external) and the organization.
• Excellent organizational, administrative, and time management skills
• Proven ability to work with limited supervision and efficiently, to deliver under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Willingness to travel extensively and geographic flexibility.
• Excellent presentation skills
• Ability to communicate orally and in writing effectively in French or English, with a good working knowledge of the other language.
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint), SAP, and general IT Literacy

Application Closing Date
6th July, 2024.