Division Manager, Financial Solutions 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: Division Manager, Financial Solutions

Location: Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire
Employment Type: Full-time

The Complex

• The Vice Presidency for ‘Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth’ is a Sector Complex focusing on the Bank’s Ten-Year Strategy High 5s priority of “Light up and Power Africa”.
• The complex’s objectives are (i) to develop policy and strategy; (ii) provide deep sector technical expertise to the Regions by a gathering pool of experienced individuals who can be consulted for their expertise on complicated transactions; (iii) develop new financing instruments; (iv) represent the Bank with external stakeholders on all aspects of “Light Up and Power Africa”.
• The Complex focuses on areas of financial solutions, power systems development, policy and regulation, renewable energy as well as climate change and green growth.

The Hiring Department / Division

• The role of the Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation department is to: structure financing to support private sector investors, utilities and project developers; and provide technical assistance to national and regional institutions in the establishment of relevant policies and regulations to facilitate energy investments.
• The department comprises two divisions: the “Energy policy, Regulation and Statistics” Division and the “Energy Financial Solutions” Division.

The Position

• The “Energy Financial Solutions” Division Manager will manage a team of Investment Officers that will collectively have the overall responsibility for providing financial expertise and structuring investments across the full spectrum of the Bank’s financing instruments, covering debt, equity, guarantees and capital markets solutions.

Key Functions
Under the overall supervision of the Director, Energy Financial Solutions, Policy & Regulation Department, the incumbent will perform the following duties:

• Coordinate origination, due diligence and approval of investments to support delivery of the New Deal on Energy for Africa.
• Run the “Financial Solutions” Division to structure investments across the full spectrum of the energy sector and manage a team of investment officers and financial analysts.
• Engage with other departments (e.g. Power Systems Development and Renewable Energy & Energy Efficiency) during the preparation of projects and provide requisite expertise on financial and economic analysis involving both public and private stakeholders.
• Lead the appraisal of projects involving private sector participation such as Independent Power Projects, and corporate/project finance operations).
• Lead mobilization of resources (syndication, co-financing/blended finance) and design of new financing approaches to crowd in private sector participation in energy related investments.

Competencies (Skills, Experience and Knowledge)

• Have at least a Master's Degree in Engineering, Business Administration, Economics, Finance and/or a professional qualification such as: Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Chartered Accountant (ACCA), or related field
• Have at least eight (8) years experience (including three (3) years management experience) in project finance structuring, corporate finance, equity investments, guarantees and capital markets solutions...
• Experience of working across multiple institutions and ensuring collaboration across public, private, and civil society sectors is essential.
• Experience in a combination of the following areas will be essential: infrastructure development and policy; public-private sector partnerships; and/or regulatory / legal specializations.
• Understanding of the power sector value chain, including upstream, midstream and downstream activities. Ability to innovate and create financing solutions to meet clients’ requirements.
• Ability to communicate effectively and mobilize key actors to delivery (private sector, public sector).
• Proven ability to build and direct a high performing team to achieve visionary and challenging goals.
• Proven interpersonal skills demonstrated by the ability to work in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic environment, with sensitivity and respect for diversity and the ability to build trust and provide leadership to different team members.
• Highly developed negotiation skills proven to yield positive outcomes with counterparts, both internal and external.
• Ability to listen and communicate effectively with counterparts.
• Clear understanding of the drivers and barriers to success of energy projects and appropriate structuring.
• Deep knowledge of energy sector developments in Africa and familiarity with the work of different types of financial institutions.
• Highly developed strategic thinking skills allied to an ability to translate strategic concepts and direction into the implementation of workable and sustainable policies and regulations.
• Understanding of climate finance and track record of structuring and implementing blended finance solutions.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, with a working knowledge of the other.
• Competence in the use of standard Microsoft Office Suite applications and preferably SAP.

Application Closing Date
20th June, 2024.