The African Finance Corporation (AFC) is Africa’s leading multilateral financial institution, created by African sovereign states to provide pragmatic solutions to Africa’s infrastructure deficit and challenging operating environment.
It actively pursues solutions by developing and financing infrastructure, natural resources and industrial assets for the enhanced productivity and economic growth of African states. Its mission is to create economic growth and industrial development whilst also delivering a competitive return to shareholders.
About the role
Reporting to Sameh Shenouda, AFC’s Chief Investment Officer (CIO), the Head of Power will drive, manage and grow the power sector business within AFC’s investments division. They will be responsible for the successful identification, development and close of investments that support AFC’s strategic goals in the sector. Working with AFC’s Development and Portfolio Management teams, the Head of Power will also ensure asset creation, revenue and other targets are achieved.
Key dimensions of the role
- Leading the Power sector team’s origination activities, setting origination and investment strategy and ensuring quality control.
- Developing the overall Power sector strategy.
- Managing the investment approvals process from management to Board.
- Managing the Power sector balance sheet, market positioning and financial performance.
- Providing leadership in the structuring and execution of innovative investments across the Continent, leveraging the full portfolio of AFC’s products.
- Representing AFC in various international Power and investment fora.
- Chair or contribute to key internal governance committees and sit on the Boards of investee companies.
- Developing the Power sector team’s capability, efficiency and reputation.
Skills and experience
Candidates for the Head of Power will be of a demonstrably high calibre and intellect with an entrepreneurial outlook and a focus on finding innovative investment solutions to power sector opportunities. They will have the following -
Experience:
- A proven track record of successfully sourcing, structuring, managing and divesting investments across the Power sector in Africa.
- Extensive experience in private equity, project finance, project management and financial analysis of transactions in the Power sector.
- Knowledge of a wide range of financial structures including equity, debt, project and structured finance, trade finance, sovereign and mezzanine debt, and credit enhancements such as political risk insurance and guarantees.
- A track record of leading transactions, with the experience and gravitas necessary to deal collaboratively with governments, counterparties, lenders, advisors and colleagues.
- Proven people/team leadership experience with a clear focus on high quality core investment skills – analysis, modelling, structuring etc.
- A track record in entrepreneurial, public and/or private sector environments.
Skills & Attributes:
- Well-developed origination, project development and investment skills with a creative, solutions-based approach to deal structuring. Tenacious and innovative, willing to go the extra mile to get the deal done.
- Detailed knowledge of the Power sector, its business and investment models, key players and personalities.
- Proven negotiation, presentation and communication skills with the presence, stature and charisma to represent AFC at the highest levels.
- Accomplished relationship builder with an established international network of relevant contacts investing in, developing or financing Power & Infrastructure assets in Africa.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are dedicated to supporting our Clients in building and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces and culture, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.