Associate Vice President - Power (Investments)

Africa 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 Yezdan Akcacakir, the Head of Power Investments, the AVP – Power will be responsible for managing the end-to-end investment cycle from origination to disbursement of funds. Working with a small team of high calibre Associates and Analysts, they will be expected to build client relationships, originate, evaluate and execute deals across the African Power sector to meet sector targets.

Key responsibilities

Originating and managing new client relationships, pitching, screening, structuring, negotiating, executing and closing bankable debt, equity, and equity-like transactions.

Coordinating internal resources across functional disciplines as well as managing external technical, financial or legal advisors to close transactions.

Driving the opportunity cycle through the necessary administrative, risk and investment committee approval processes.

Developing, reviewing and analysing key aspects of financial models - including financial analysis, pricing, valuation, capital allocation, and other decision-making frameworks - to assess the financial viability of transactions.

Preparing transaction documents, including pitch books, engagement letters, proposals, presentations, information memorandums, term sheets, and valuations.

Undertaking research and analysis on prospective clients and companies to identify financial trends and key issues, in to support informed investment decisions.

Skills and experience

Candidates for the AVP - Power position will be of a demonstrably high calibre with a proactive, innovative and results-driven approach. They are likely to have at least 12 years of professional experience supported by a relevant engineering, economics or finance degree and ideally a Masters qualification. Specifically, candidates will have the following:

Experience:

A proven track record of successfully sourcing, structuring, and closing investments across the Power sector in Africa, ideally gained with a leading investment bank, Development Finance Institution, private equity or infrastructure fund.

Knowledge of a wide range of financial structures primarily in equity, debt, project/structured finance, corporate finance, mezzanine or convertible loan notes, and credit enhancements such as political risk insurance and partial risk guarantees.

Demonstrable experience in shaping, structuring and presenting propositions at Investment Committee and Board level.

Extensive experience in negotiating term sheets, facility agreements and investment documentation.

Demonstrable knowledge of financial analysis, with expertise in developing and interrogating complex financial models, including financial projections, valuations etc.

Experience of leading cross functional teams to deliver projects from end to end with minimal supervision.

Skills & Attributes:

Detailed understanding of the key sponsors, competitors, transaction drivers, structuring parameters and technical considerations for investments in the African Power sector.

Proven ability to assess investment risk effectively and drive transactions through the investment approval process.

A highly effective and logical communicator both in person and in writing. Capable of preparing cogent, compelling and precise credit and investment memorandums and effectively defending transactions at Investment Committee.

Strong quantitative analysis and problem-solving skills with an innovative approach and creative mindset. Proficient in developing, analysing and reviewing financial models using Excel.

Persuasive personality with the capacity to engage effectively with senior AFC executives, clients and external stakeholders.

Self-motivated, results-orientated, and collaborative, capable of working to tight deadlines.

Measures of Performance:

Asset creation and revenue generation.

Originated, closed and disbursed transactions.

Quality and extent of client relationships, analysis and investment proposals.

Thought leadership and market knowledge.

Don’t meet every single requirement? Research shows that individuals from underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every listed qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are committed to supporting our clients in building diverse and inclusive teams. If you’re enthusiastic about this role but don’t meet every requirement, we still encourage you to apply - you could be exactly what our client is looking for, either for this position or another.

Please note that due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are only able to respond to candidates who are shortlisted for the next stage of the process. We sincerely appreciate your interest and the time taken to apply.

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.