Investment Director, Project Development (AGIA)

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.

Purpose of the Role

The Investment Director’s role is to originate, negotiate, develop, close and manage Africa50 PD projects. She / he is expected to provide leadership, management and technical support to the project teams to ensure the successful development of bankable projects.

Principal Responsibilities

Develop a strong pipeline of opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector / sponsor / country knowledge

Execute and supervise AGIA-PD investments with a strong focus on achieving bankable projects

Lead the structuring of complex transactions, including negotiations with sponsors, lenders, and public authorities

Set standards for thoroughness and provide quality control over the entire investment process

Lead the development and presentation of investment recommendations

Lead and manage project teams; mentors and develop junior staff.

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

Candidate Profile

Required background

Hold 10+ years investment and industry experience in project development, investment and / or project finance, in the power and / or transport sectors within :

a utility / concession companythe project finance / infrastructure / power departmentthe infrastructure department in a Development Finance Institutionthe infrastructure / PPP department of a transaction / financial advisory firman infrastructure private equity fund with significant exposure to project development

MBA, MSc or equivalent qualification

Demonstrated track record of closing complex infrastructure transactions

Prior experience of mentoring and managing investment staff

Essential qualities

Positive attitude

Integrity

Indefatigable work ethic

Self-starter / self-motivated

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 infrastructure sectors (which may include power, transport, ICT, water etc.)

Strong understanding of PPP project structuring and project finance (incl. Concession agreements, PPAs, EPC, O&M contracts)

Awareness of the latest trends and developments in financing infrastructure

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

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

Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact effectively at a senior level and create sufficient trust and confidence 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