Senior Specialist, Capital Markets

Job Summary

JOB PURPOSE

This Senior Capital Markets Specialist role will lead capital regulatory support, product development and transaction support interventions (referred to as ‘the area of specialism’) in the various Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) markets. The role will lead in the identification of SSA market priorities, appreciate market needs and requirements and determine opportunities for the Capital Markets Pillar to contribute to transformational change and improvement.

The job holder will be accountable for the development and implementation of projects working directly with implementing partners and consultants in the delivery of the projects and ensuring the successful management of FSD Africa Capital Markets strategic and operational interventions.

In addition, the role will provide thought leadership in the area of specialism providing strategic and tactical advice to partners and external stakeholders and driving the transformation of capital markets through effective influencing, advocacy and communication. He/she will be responsible for managing complex projects with a team of specialists and consultants and will be a credible coach for the external stakeholders.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE: Full-time, open ended

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS

• Reports directly to Principal, Capital Markets
• Management Oversight for Consultants engaged in projects

Job Details

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

1. Thought Leadership & Strategy Development

To participate in the development of strategy and programmes for the Capital Markets pillar:

• Ensure regular engagement with other experts & decision makers in SSA countries to understand the strategic priorities for the development of capital markets.
• Lead FSD Africa’s research into the area of specialism developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of the financial systems in SSA and how to leverage beneficial change.
• Pay attention to personal professional development and learning in order to remain an expert in the fields of Capital Markets Development and Financial Inclusion.
• Lead the development of strategy for the Capital Markets pillar; ensuring that insights in the area of specialism are incorporated into the design and development of relevant theories of change.
• Identify a portfolio of projects in the area of specialism space that will enable us to have a transformative impact on the market; aligned to FCDO strategy and FSD Africa development goals.
• Lead the development of tools, methodologies, and approaches (IP) which will guide the team and stakeholders in implementing best practice in Capital Markets Development.

2. Project Design & Implementation and Risk Management

Ensure the effective implementation of projects; ensuring that the results anticipated in the MRM framework are achieved:

• Conceptualise, design and write investment proposals including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
• Following approval, develop detailed implementation plans; including budgets and procurement of consultants / implementing partners as required.
• Ensure the effective implementation of projects so that milestones of the project plan are achieved on time and to standard.
• Lead monitoring, results management, and learning for all projects being implemented; ensuring objective analysis of results and appropriate corrective actions as required to optimise FSD Africa’s beneficial impact.
• Provide high quality technical advice and support to Implementing Partners, Consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.

3. Financial Management & Fundraising

Contribute to the management of the finances associated with the area of specialism, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and Donor policies:

• Identify opportunities for fundraising and co-funding for the work of FSD Africa & support with proposal development as requested.
• Conceptualise how funds and other limited resources may be best allocated to achieve optimum impact; including supervising the work of consultants to optimise value for money.
• Track and monitor budget spend and associated activities ensuring cost effective utilisation of resources and timely achievement of financial targets.
• Ensure that the accountability requirements of donors are met and that good relationships with funders are maintained at all times.

4. Influencing & Communicating for Impact

Drive the transformation of capital markets through effective influencing, advocacy and communication strategies:

• Take the lead in stakeholder mapping for the projects/programmes under your portfolio, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and develop innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets.
• Design and publish industry thought-leadership materials, particularly in your area of specialism.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of FSD Africa’s Communications Plan, building FSD Africa’s web presence, supporting thought leadership activities (publications, briefing notes, case studies, conference presentations), co-ordinating events, seminars etc.; establish us as a leading voice in capital market development thinking and knowledge.
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders in order build awareness and influence the thinking around how the area of specialism contributes to capital markets development.

5. Implementing Partner Engagement & Capacity Building

Support the Principal Capital Markets in identifying, engaging and empowering key implementing partners; so that they are equipped to operate effectively and contribute to the development of their respective Capital Markets:

• Ensure appropriate selection of partners; ensuring optimal combinations of partners to bring out their synergies for the programmes e.g., political economics, due diligence, influence, etc.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in chosen implementing partners, leveraging new opportunities that may arise and dealing promptly with relationship difficulties.
• Engage partners in joint strategizing and the development of projects that will leverage change and have a positive impact on capital markets development.

Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management.

COMPETENCIES
Competencies describe the key behaviours that drive success in all of FSD Africa’s roles, regardless of technical specialism. They have been derived from systematic research correlating performance with personal attributes. 

Competency Levels 

• Level 1: Basic
• Level 2: Foundation   
• Level 3: Specialist
• Level 4: Senior Specialist      
• Level 5: Leading Expert          
• Level 6: Executive

This position requires competency at Senior Specialist Level for all the competencies listed below:

ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS
Commitment & Alignment
Demonstrates commitment to serving our partners and alignment with the values and vision of FSD Africa
Change & Challenge
Has a strong sense of ownership that leads to learning, self-starting, taking initiative, driving change and leading development
 

ACHIEVEMENT COMPETENCIES
Situational Awareness & Thinking
Thinks clearly and intentionally, analysing information objectively, understanding issues, solving problems, and making decisions
Drive for results
Is keenly motivated to achieve goals & act with accountability to deliver quality results
 

PEOPLE COMPETENCIES
Relationships & Collaboration
Discerns and appreciates the values, viewpoints, or abilities of others; effectively reconciles different interests and displays emotional intelligence
Communication & Influencing
Deliberately adjusts behaviour to accommodate others; communicates clearly, confidently, and appropriately to influence others
 

Requirements

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• Masters degree and 11 years of experience or Bachelors Degree and 12 years of relevant experience including at a senior level, in a financial markets environment.
• Exceptional skills in written and spoken English.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• Demonstrated ability to manage a portfolio of projects with diverse scopes, significant complexity, and high conceptual sophistication.
• Proven track record in delivering results across capital regulatory support, product development, transaction support interventions, and the provision of technical assistance.
• Track record of managing relationships and influencing key stakeholders at leadership or specialist level.
• Strong analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to identify market opportunities, and design impactful solutions.
• Understanding of the development world and strategic MRM (preferred)

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment
• Knowledge of donor policies and procedures
• Previous experience of working in FCDO-funded projects 
• Languages: French, local African languages
   

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusivity: 

FSDAi is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of equity and inclusivity.  We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal.

Equal Opportunity Employer: 

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability status. We will ensure that all applicants are provided a fair chance to compete for available job opportunities.

About Company

FSD Africa

https://fsdafrica.org/

FSD Africa is a specialist development agency working to help make finance work for Africa’s future. Based in Nairobi, FSD Africa’s team of financial sector experts work alongside governments, business leaders, regulators, and policymakers to design and build ambitious programmes that make financial markets work better for everyone. FSD Africa Investments, provides early-stage, risk-bearing, catalytic and patient capital to inventive commercial organisations in order to stimulate capital flows in support of green economic growth benefiting people and planet. Established in 2012, FSD Africa is incorporated as a non-profit company limited by guarantee in Kenya. It is funded by UK aid from the UK government.