Gridworks Development Partners LLP (Gridworks) is a Transmission & Distribution(T&D) and Distributed Renewable Energy (DRE) platform formed, wholly owned, and supported by British International Investment (BII), the UK Government’s development finance institution and impact investor. BII has been investing to create more productive, sustainable and inclusive economies in Africa, Asia and the Carribean over 70 years and has assets worth over £8 billion. Established in 2019 to address a chronic under-investment in critical energy infrastructure on the Continent, Gridworks is a pioneering developer, investor, owner and operator of T&D and DRE assets across Africa.
About the role
The CEO will be responsible for all aspects of the next stage in Gridworks’ evolution, including accelerating its growth and building a long-term sustainable platform that is recognised as the leader in its field. The CEO will direct business development, investment execution, fundraising, risk management and organisational development. Furthermore, they will lead the business as its current pipeline of investment projects reaches financial close and moves into construction and operation. As the business scales and creates more investment opportunities, the CEO will play the principal role in raising additional capital from concessional and commercial sources.The CEO will be the primary spokesperson for Gridworks and will lead its management in delivering the business plan whilst ensuring the core values of the organisation are aligned with those of its shareholders.
Key dimensions of the role
- Leading the refinement, enhancement and implementation of the business strategy and plan
- Driving the overall growth of the organisation, including achieving investment targets and development impact goals
- Actively developing and maintaining strategic relationships in the African utility sector and international investment community
- Managing interactions with key stakeholders including the managing shareholder (BII), strategic partners, governments, and regulators
- Actively promoting and developing the brand and reputation of Gridworks in its target markets, including positioning Gridworks as the preferred partner for T&D and DRE investments in Africa
- Leading a high calibre, highly collaborative team of investment, development and technical professionals, ensuring their career and professional development
Skills and experience
- Demonstrable experience at a C-suite level and of formulating and executing strategies within limited budgets
- Deep knowledge and business understanding of emerging markets infrastructure investment, ideally in the power industry
- A proven track record of having raised capital from international concessional sources as well as commercial entities
- Demonstrable commercial acumen and negotiating skills, including in project origination, development, and operations. Exit experience would be a bonus
- Exposure to complex global organisations and multiple locations with the ability to prioritise time, resources and initiatives effectively
- Understanding of the reputational and stakeholder management issues inherent in dealing with governments, media, trade unions, civil society, etc.
- Demonstrable knowledge and expertise in infrastructure financing and management,and asset portfolio management
- A strong, established network of contacts across the power value chain, ideally in Africa, although experience in broader emerging markets is also relevant
- Diplomatic and statesman-like personality, with excellent communication skills and high levels of credibility and personal integrity. A natural networker and relationship builder, comfortable presenting at the highest levels
- Tactful and empathetic people manager and leader with an agile, determined and tenacious personality well suited to dealing with the challenges of emerging markets
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.