Investment Associate, Project Development (AGIA)

• Location: Casablanca, Morocco

Description

AGIA is a project development fund managed by Africa50, which aims to support the development of green infrastructure projects across Africa. It mobilizes public and private sector investments to support projects in renewable energy, climate resilience, sustainable urban development, and other sectors that promote economic growth and environmental sustainability.

Africa50 is an infrastructure investor and asset manager that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalysing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding. Africa50 has raised over US$1 billion so far from 33 African countries, the African Development Bank, two African Central Banks and Africa’s largest pension fund. Africa50 has an independent investment process and seeks to generate commercial risk adjusted returns for its investments across key infrastructure sectors.

Principal Responsibilities

The Investment Associate role is to identify and execute on project development investments.

• Participate in the development of a strong pipeline of opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector/sponsor/country knowledge

• Lead the structuring of project development and equity investments

• Lead financial modeling and valuation of potential investments

• Coordinate and drive various workstreams across due diligence (financial, commercial, legal, technical, ESG)

• Participate and/or lead negotiations with sponsors, lenders, and public authorities

• Lead Africa50’s contribution to the development of projects in the portfolio with a strong focus on achieving bankable projects

• Have a good understanding of project and concession financing and policy issues

• Prepare project-related documents for internal and external audiences

• Build and maintain strong relationships with local/regional/global/infrastructure companies, banking and multilateral partners, and government officials

• Develop a thorough knowledge of the power and transport sectors, including major market operators and technologies

• Contribute to supervising portfolio companies

• Mentor and supervise analysts and interns on modelling, research, and analysis

Candidate Profile

Required background

• 6 to 10 years’ investment and industry experience in project development, investment and/or project finance in the power and/or transport sectors within:a utility / concessions companythe project finance / infrastructure / power department of a Tier 1 international investment bankthe infrastructure department in a Development Finance Institutionthe infrastructure / PPP department of a transaction / financial advisory firman infrastructure private equity fund with exposure to early to mid-stage project development
• Project management experience
• Solid understanding of Concession agreements, PPA, EPC, O&M contracts
• Demonstrated track record of closing transactions
• Awareness of the latest trends and developments in financing infrastructure
• Bachelor’s degree from a Tier 1 university/Business school/Engineering school. MBA or MSc would be a plus.

Essential Qualities

• Positive attitude

• Integrity

• Indefatigable work ethic – this role will regularly require late nights/weekends/travel

• Self-starter. High initiative

• Clarity of thought and action

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

• Interest in Africa50’s mission, strategy and values

• Strong connection to Africa and intent to have Africa-focused career

• Strong understanding of the power and transport sectors

• Strong understanding of PPP project structuring and project finance

• Strong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively and identify potential business partners

• Advanced financial modelling skills and deep understanding of capital structures

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English, Fluent in French, Portuguese a plus

• Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively with sponsors, partners and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; living experience in emerging countries is a plus

• Prior knowledge of African infrastructure and relationships in Africa are a strong plus

Location

Position is based in Casablanca, Morocco, with flexible working arrangements.

Application