President, Africa Energy Bank at the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO)

The African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO) (formerly called the African Petroleum Producers’ Association, APPA) was established on January 27, 1987 in Lagos, Federal Republic of Nigeria, to serve as a platform for cooperation and harmonization of efforts, collaboration, sharing of knowledge and expertise among African oil producing countries.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: President, Africa Energy Bank

Reference: PRE-AEB-2025
Location: Abuja
Job type: Full-time

Description

• The Africa Energy Bank (AEB), a strategic initiative jointly promoted by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank) and the African Petroleum Producers’ Organization (APPO), is seeking a visionary and experienced leader to serve as its founding President.
• This is a landmark opportunity to pioneer and lead the full establishment, strategic direction, and long-term success of a pan-African financial institution focused on delivering innovative energy financing solutions that will support Africa’s energy security and facilitate a just transition to sustainable energy.

About the Africa Energy Bank (AEB)

• The Africa Energy Bank is a multilateral financial institution established under a treaty-based agreement among African member states and governed by a Charter signed by its shareholders. 
• Created in response to global energy financing constraints and the retreat of international banks from oil and gas projects, the AEB fills a critical gap in energy financing for African nations.
• The Bank will serve as a vehicle for accelerating Africa’s access to reliable, affordable, and sustainable energy, supporting both traditional and renewable energy sectors, while ensuring alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the African Union’s Agenda 2063.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership and Strategy:

• Lead the full physical and legal establishment of the Africa Energy Bank.
• Design and implement the strategic vision, governance, policies, and systems required for effective operations.
• Drive innovation and digital transformation to develop impactful energy financing solutions.
• Expand the Bank’s membership by facilitating the signature and ratification of the Establishment Agreement by additional eligible African States.
• Ensure the Bank supports energy security, financial sovereignty, and Africa’s industrialization agenda.

Stakeholder & Institutional Relations

• Maintain high-level relationships with the promoters (Afreximbank and APPO), governments, regulators, DFIs, and other partners.
• Serve as the principal representative of AEB in global forums, promoting the Bank’s mandate and value.

Operational Oversight:

• Oversee resource mobilization, fund disbursement, and risk management in line with shareholder expectations.
• Ensure effective compliance with AML, anti-bribery, governance, and operational frameworks.
• Manage the Bank’s financial performance, governance systems, and staff development.

Innovation and Impact:

• Develop innovative products and funding models across the energy value chain.
• Lead the financing of both fossil and renewable energy projects, ensuring balanced support for development and sustainability.
• Design mechanisms to improve access to energy infrastructure and enhance resilience against climate risks.

Requirements
Educational Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Finance, Banking, Law, Management, Engineering, Economics, or other relevant disciplines.
• Professional certification (e.g., CFA, CPA) may substitute for a Master’s degree.

Experience

• Minimum of 18 years of relevant experience in development finance, energy finance, or investment banking, particularly within Africa.
• Strong background in resource mobilization, portfolio management, and deal structuring for energy sector investments.
• Extensive leadership experience in multilateral development institutions, energy-focused banks, or similar high-level institutions.

Sector Expertise:

• Deep knowledge of Africa’s energy markets, including fossil fuels and renewables.
• Track record in developing financing solutions for energy infrastructure and transition strategies.
• Understanding of climate-related investment dynamics and energy security challenges in African contexts.

Leadership and Interpersonal Competencies:

• Visionary leadership, strategic planning, and change management expertise.
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills across political, regulatory, and financial landscapes.
• Excellent communication in English; working knowledge of French and/or Arabic is an added advantage.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work in complex, multicultural environments.

Performance Metrics:

• Volume of energy projects financed (traditional and renewable)
• Return on equity (ROE) and net interest margin (NIM)
• Strategic initiative implementation rate
• Stakeholder satisfaction index
• Governance and compliance ratings
• Innovation in financial product development
• Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) outcomes.

Application Closing Date
17th May, 2025; 23:59 GMT

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV to: responses@russellreynolds.com using "P2504-036L" as the subject of the mail.