Head, Guarantees & Specialised Finance (Structured Debt & Balance Sheet Optimisation) at the African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank)

African Export Import Bank (Afreximbank) was established in Abuja, Nigeria in October, 1993 by African Governments, African private and institutional investors as well as non-African financial institutions and private investors for the purpose of financing, promoting and expanding intra-African and extra-African trade.

The Bank, headquartered in Cairo, the capital of the Arab Republic of Egypt, commenced operations on 30 September, 1994, following the signature of a Headquarters Agreement with the host Government in August, 1994. It has branch offices in Harare, Abuja and Abidjan and will open an East Africa branch office shortly.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title:  Head, Guarantees & Specialised Finance (Structured Debt & Balance Sheet Optimisation)

Reference: H-GSF-SDBSO-2025
Location: Cairo, Egypt
Working time: Full-time

Job Summary

• The Head, Structured Debt & Balance Sheet Optimisation will lead the development and execution of structured debt solutions and balance sheet optimisation strategies. This includes creating innovative instruments such as repacks and secondary transfer structures to support Afreximbank’s strategic goals in trade finance, financial sustainability, and private sector mobilisation.
• The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in structured credit placement, securitisation, risk mitigation, and balance sheet optimisation, particularly in development finance or investment banking settings.

Key Responsibilities
Structured Debt Origination & Execution

• Lead origination, structuring, and placement of innovative structured debt transactions, including repackaged assets, securitisation, and other credit solutions.
• Mobilise institutional and alternative debt investors such as pension funds, insurance firms, asset managers, and DFIs.
• Establish and manage investment ecosystems/platforms to facilitate access to private debt funding for African trade and development.
• Oversee deal execution from structuring through to investor onboarding and transaction close.
• Manage relationships with trustees, placement agents, and payment agencies to meet ongoing investor requirements.

Balance Sheet Optimisation & Risk Solutions:

• Design and implement strategic balance sheet optimisation initiatives, including:
  • Captives
  • High-impact, low-probability risk solutions
  • Enhanced callable resources
  • Risk mitigation-linked securities
• Develop and manage a robust pool of risk mitigation partners, including insurers and reinsurers.
• Lead implementation of insurance and guarantee structures to support transaction creditworthiness.

Stakeholder Engagement & Market Development:

• Act as specialised finance champion, identifying and developing new business opportunities in structured finance.
• Manage relationships with investors, industry associations, and thought leadership organisations.
• Promote Afreximbank’s Exim-plus strategy by supporting the adoption of specialised finance tools across Africa.
• Coordinate closely with internal teams including Legal, Risk, Origination, and Banking Operations to support deal flow.

Thought Leadership & Team Development:

• Share insights and drive internal awareness of structured debt and optimisation trends.
• Coach and mentor junior colleagues, supporting knowledge transfer and skills development across the team.
• Deliver technical guidance across departments and represent the Bank in relevant industry fora.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience
Educational Qualifications:

• Master’s Degree in Finance, Economics, Banking, or Management.
• A professional qualification in International Trade Finance, Risk Management, or Accounting is an advantage.

Experience:

• Minimum 12 years in structured finance, investment banking, or development finance, with:
  • At least 5 years in structured credit design and placement.
  • Demonstrated success in securitisation, private debt mobilisation, and risk mitigation.
• Knowledge of global and African capital markets, private credit, and credit insurance instruments.
• Experience working with DFIs, ECAs, and risk solution providers.
• Proven ability to win and close mandates with minimal supervision.

Key Competencies:

• Subject matter expert in structured finance, asset packaging, and balance sheet management.
• Advanced leadership in strategic planning, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Strong financial modelling and deal structuring capabilities.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, particularly with senior institutional investors.
• Ability to function in multicultural, high-performance environments with extensive travel.

Behavioural Attributes:

• Passion for Africa’s development and private sector transformation.
• Integrity, flexibility, innovation, and excellence.
• Teamwork, professionalism, and responsiveness.
• Respect for diversity and inclusion.

Application Closing Date
8th May, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: Afreximbank@robertwalters.com using “Head, Guarantees & Specialised Finance (Structured Debt & Balance Sheet Optimisation)” as the subject of the email.