Associate Director – lead for Sub Saharan Africa

Job Posting Organization:
The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) is a leading international financial institution established in 199

• The EBRD's mission is to foster the transition towards open market-oriented economies and promote private and entrepreneurial initiative in countries from Central Europe to Central Asia and beyond. The organization operates in over 30 countries, employing thousands of professionals dedicated to supporting sustainable development and investment in various sectors. The EBRD is known for its commitment to promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth, with a focus on environmental sustainability and social inclusion.

Job Overview:
The Associate Director for Sub-Saharan Africa will play a pivotal role in establishing a new regional hub for the EBRD’s Direct Equity team. This position involves originating, executing, monitoring, and exiting private and listed equity and quasi-equity investments in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Associate Director will be responsible for the overall performance of the equity portfolio in this region and will also have the opportunity to engage in equity investments in North Africa, depending on their experience. This role requires close collaboration with sector and country teams to formulate and implement the Bank's equity investment strategy, ensuring that all projects align with the Bank's objectives. The Associate Director will lead multi-disciplinary teams and represent the Bank in maintaining and expanding relationships with counterparties, companies, advisors, and co-investors, adhering to EBRD’s ethical and professional standards.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Business Development: Formulate the Bank’s equity investment strategy and business development approach in SSA. Lead deal generation and screening of proposals, ensuring alignment with the Bank's investment criteria.
• Structuring and Execution: Manage complex transactions, lead negotiations, and oversee the execution of deals, ensuring compliance with legal and internal standards.
• Portfolio Monitoring: Take responsibility for the performance of the SSA equity portfolio, ensuring attractive financial returns and timely reporting of critical investment issues.
• Staff Management: Recruit, train, and mentor junior investment professionals, fostering their development and ensuring quality project work.
• Relationship Management: Maintain and enhance relationships with stakeholders, ensuring effective communication and collaboration across teams.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s degree, with a Master’s degree preferred. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are desirable. Strong strategic thinking, investment judgment, and quantitative skills are essential. Candidates should demonstrate excellent stakeholder management, coaching, and leadership abilities, along with strong written and oral communication skills in English. A strong command of French is advantageous.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s degree is required, with a preference for candidates holding a Master’s degree. Professional qualifications such as ACA, CFA, ACCA, or CIMA are highly desirable, indicating a strong foundation in finance and investment principles.

Experience:
Candidates should have significant private equity experience, ideally over 10 years, preferably gained in a major private equity firm or the private equity arm of a significant investment, commercial, or development bank. Relevant experience and an active business network in Sub-Saharan Africa are essential, with previous experience in North Africa considered a plus. Practical experience in leading complex equity transactions through the entire project life cycle is also required.

Languages:
Fluency in English is mandatory, with strong written and oral communication skills. Proficiency in French is considered an advantage, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with stakeholders in the region.

Additional Notes:
This is a full-time position with a regular contract type. The role may require an initial induction period in London. The EBRD promotes a hybrid workplace that emphasizes flexibility and inclusivity, providing a comprehensive suite of competitive benefits to support employee wellbeing. The organization encourages applications from all qualified candidates, ensuring equal opportunities regardless of background.