Lead Risk Specialist 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: Lead Risk Specialist

Position Number: 50093519
Location: Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire
Position Grade: PL2

Responsibilities
Under the overall guidance and direct supervision of the PISD Director, the role will perform the following, but not limited to: 

• Proactively engage with NSO Originating departments, Regional NSO Leads and relevant industry/sector specialists to review existing pipeline with a view to identifying challenging projects that require further improvement in terms of structure and financing solutions to improve bankability and quality at entry in line with the Bank’s policies and procedures for Non-Sovereign Operations (NSOs).
• Develop solutions to complex/innovative and transformational projects to inform proactive deal structuring to address credit risk challenges/concerns.
• Early and close engagement with the Credit Risk Management Function (PGRF) to better understand and address credit concerns to complex, innovative and transformational transactions and /or unlock deals being tentatively considered by CRC.
• Work with origination departments to build/promote a culture that strikes a balance between taking more risk and minimizing and/or mitigating the impact thereof on the Bank’s key prudential ratios.
• Advise the VP, PIVP on general strategic issues that may impact processing of transactions from a credit perspective.
• Participate in high level discussions between the VP, PIVP and Senior Management of the Credit Risk Management Function (PGRF) and other complexes as may be required to discuss key considerations of select complex or transformational projects, or to have strategic discussions around risk considerations of projects based on market trends, etc.
• Actively support the process of reviewing the Bank’s Non-Sovereign Operations policies and processes to ensure internal consistencies and where possible, propose amendments taking into account emerging trends, benchmarking with other DFIs and best practices.
• Early engagement with FIST/PSF where credit enhancement may be required.
• Work closely with FIRM to seek available Trust Funds/Resources that can be blended with Bank resources for co-financing.
• Participate in high level Bank engagement and assist in designing appropriate facilities or interventions to provide bespoke support in Regional Member Countries as required.
• Support originating departments through knowledge sharing on lessons learnt from previous transactions, coaching and mentoring to improve the overall credit risk culture.

Requirements

• A minimum of a master’s degree in Risk Management, Finance, Business, Economics, Law, International Development, or any other discipline relevant to the position.
• A minimum of eight (8) years of relevant professional experience in credit risk analysis and management, preferably in a development finance institution or private sector banking environment.
• Proven experience in guiding business units and senior management in implementing risk management frameworks and initiatives.
• Strong knowledge of risk assessment, internal capital adequacy framework and risk appetite, deal structuring, and risk management techniques in emerging and underdeveloped markets, including Africa.
• Expertise in credit risk management products, tools and techniques, hedging, derivatives, capital adequacy standards and structured credit instruments.
• Proven ability to enhance portfolio quality using risk tools and methodologies, syndication, collateral management, structured financial products and risk derivatives
• Familiarity with risk strategies, policies, procedures and practices of multilateral development institutions, in particular the AfDB.
• Strong ability to structure NSO transactions, develop innovative solutions and challenge the status quo to develop the Bank’s private sector image and business in the region and its markets.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record of influencing decision-making at a senior level and fostering collaboration across multidisciplinary teams.
• Excellent spoken and written English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other language.

Application Closing Date
8th February, 2025.