Specialist, Sustainable Finance, Capital Markets

Job Summary

The Specialist leads the implementation of pillar strategies and interventions in green and sustainable finance. In delivering her/his role, the specialist will participate in the development of the pillars’ strategic and programme workplans, play a critical role in project management and implementation, and position FSD Africa’s contribution to market transformation.

Job Details

Reports to - Principal, Sustainable Finance, Capital Markets

Contract Type - Full-time, Permanent

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 African countries to understand the strategic priorities for the development of capital markets.
• Lead FSD Africa’s research into area of green and sustainable finance; developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of the financial systems in Africa and how to leverage beneficial change.
• Pay attention to personal professional development and learning in order to remain an expert in the field of Capital Markets Development.
• Contribute towards the development of strategy for the Capital Markets pillar; ensuring that insights in green and sustainable finance are incorporated into the design and development of relevant theories of change, programs and projects that span across transactions, tools and strategies relevant for private sector, sovereigns and sub-sovereigns as well as regulators and policy makers.
• Identify a portfolio of projects in the green and sustainable finances space that will enable us to have a transformative impact on the market; aligned to FCDO strategy and FSD Africa development goals.
• Develop tools, methodologies and approaches (IP) which will guide the team and stakeholders in implementing best practice in Capital Markets Development and Sovereign and Private Sector Financing.

2. Project Design & Implementation

Ensure the effective implementation of the Capital Market Teams projects; ensuring that the results anticipated in the Development Impact framework are achieved:

• Conceptualise, design and write investment proposals including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
• Develop and support a pipeline of demonstration transactions in green and sustainable finance together with both public and private sector project developers, issuers and investors (sustainable thematic bonds and blended finance).
• Deliver technical trainings and workshops on sustainable finance instruments and transactions for public and private including financial sector participants.
• 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 in alternative assets (including private equity and debt).
• Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.

3. Financial Management & Fundraising

Contribute to the management of the finances associated with the Capital Markets Pillar 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, Financial and Debt Markets through effective influencing, advocacy and communication strategies:

• Contribute towards stakeholder mapping for the pillar, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and develop innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets.
• Publish industry thought-leadership materials, particularly in alternative assets (including private equity and debt).
• 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 green and sustainable finance.
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders in order build awareness and influence the thinking around capital markets.

5. Implementing Partner Engagement & Capacity Building

Support the Principal Sustainable Finance, 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

• Master’s degree and 9 years of experience or bachelor’s degree and 11 years of experience; with a minimum of 9 years’ experience in the areas of technical specialism, at middle management in a financial markets’ environment.
• Postgraduate qualification in relevant subject preferred.
• Excellent written and spoken English.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• At least 9 years’ experience in the area of green and sustainable finance market building and investment transactions across private and public sectors. 
• Demonstrated experience providing transaction support for sustainable thematic bonds according to international standards, developing and closing blended finance transactions with public and private participants, delivering technical workshops and drafting technical guidelines on these topics. 
• Ability to manage a project portfolio with a middle-level budget.
• Successful track record of delivery of results in the area of technical specialism and provision of technical assistance.
•  Successful track record of independently managing complex projects and stakeholder relationships at middle to senior level management range.
• Experience in conducting and analysing research.
• Understanding of the development finance world and strategic development impact (preferred).

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment
• Good communication skills and track record of managing relationships and influencing key stakeholders at specialist level
• Knowledge of donor policies and procedures
• Previous experience of working in FCDO-funded projects
• Languages: English (required) French (desired)
   

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.