Senior Investment Director, Project Finance
- Location : Casablanca, Morocco
Description
Africa50 is an infrastructure investment platform that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalyzing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding.
Africa50 has raised over US$885 million so far from 28 African governments, the African Development Bank, and institutional investors, and intends to reach a target capitalization of US$3 billion. Africa50 has an independent investment process and seeks to generate commercial risk adjusted returns for its investments across four core infrastructure sectors : energy (including power generation and related parts of the value chain), midstream gas, transportation, and ICT.
The Project Finance Investment team makes private equity investments into late stage projects, growth companies and platform businesses, alongside lead sponsors and entrepreneurs.
Purpose of role
The Senior Investment Director role is to provide leadership on investment execution, portfolio management and corporate initiatives.
Principal responsibilities
Work across all the infrastructure sectorsDevelop a strong pipeline of investment opportunities through anticipation of market trends and employing sector / country knowledgeExecute Africa50’s equity investments into financially closed projects as well as platforms and growth opportunities, with a strong focus on achieving high IRRsHave a good understanding and the ability to structure investments across the financing spectrum with deep knowledge of infrastructure equity investingCandidate should have extensive experience in executing multiple private equity and infrastructure investments dealsCandidate should also have had exposure and complete comfort with project finance debt from the point of view of equityLead negotiation for investment documents (SHA, SPA, and project debt and other agreements)Have a thorough understanding of the infrastructure sectors, including power, transport, midstream, ICT etc, including markets, major operators and technologiesHave a good understanding of project and concession financing, policy issues, license conditions, tariff regimes and privatizationsBuild and maintain strong relationships with local / regional / global infrastructure companies, banking and multilateral partners, suppliers and government officials to further develop the sector, and to build consensus around project proposalsLead and manage project teams, mentor and develop junior staff.Supervise development and check complex financial modelsInitiate and lead due diligence process and commercial, strategic, operational, financial and legal due diligenceDevelop clear high conviction investment hypothesesManage transaction documentation negotiationAssess social and ecological benefit / impact of investmentsDrive transaction execution and deal structuring for investmentsSupervise preparation of deal presentations and investment memos including management structures, competitive landscape, and growth strategies within the value creation plan and other plans to meet investment opportunity goalsManage portfolio-management activitiesAssist in evaluating strategic options and exit scenariosSupervise presentations for strategy, collateral etc.Help develop institutional processesCandidate Profile
Required background
Focused and rigorous 8+ years experience at a top-ranked Investment Bank, Bank, Private Equity firm or DFISuccessful candidate will have bulk of experience in making / advising on equity investmentsDemonstrated academic excellence. Undergraduate degree from top UniversitiesMBA Finance from similar top school. Also open to MSc FinanceStrong relationship to Africa - by origin or a demonstrated long-term interest / commitment. Existing relationships in Africa are a plusEssential Qualities
Positive attitudeIntegrityIndefatigable work ethic – this role will regularly require late nights / weekends / travelAbility to monitor juniors’ work for defect free output. Candidate will take full responsibility for the juniors’ workA self-starter / high sense of initiativeHigh sense of urgencyClarity of thought and actionExcellent written and verbal communication skillsKnowledge, Skills and Experience
Interest in Africa50’s mission, strategy and valuesStrong connection to Africa and intent to have Africa focused careerSignificant relevant work experience : at least [8] years of experience of infrastructure equity investing experienceKnowledge of overall infrastructure sector trends; experience in emerging markets, especially Africa is a plusStrong business development and client relationship skills, track record and ability to focus on clients’ needs effectively and identify potential business partnersExcellent organizational and deal management capabilities. Ability to multitask is criticalAbility to negotiate with multiple counterparties in a forceful yet polite mannerAbility to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential sponsors, developers and partners, as well as senior government officialsStrong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with sponsors, partners and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; living experience in emerging countries is a plusStrong experience of successfully mentoring and developing junior investment staff.Culturally sensitive and able to relate to people of diverse backgroundsGenuine commitment to sustainable developmentDeep understanding of how investments are structuredStrong understanding of project and concession financeSound knowledge of legal, policy, tax and regulatory mattersFluent English (French is a plus)Technical understanding of the power, transport and utilities sectors.Location
This position will be based in Casablanca, Morocco.
