Associate, Syndications (Investments / Investment Banking / Advisory) at CA Global

Job Description

• Our leading DFI client is currently recruiting an Associate, Syndications. The incumbent will provide support in AFC’s mobilization efforts through the entire execution process of syndication mandates.
• The job holder shall also be involved in deal origination, investor/lenders engagement, execution and through to internal approval and financial close.
• The key areas of responsibilities are: market & clients research, due diligence, financial models development, credit and financial analysis, presentation and syndication marketing materials writing, business performance tracking and reporting, and investment approval documentation.

Responsibilities
Strategy

• Assist in the development and implementation of strategy and business development plan for the business unit.

Market Research

• Conduct industry and bank market research and pricing data analysis, including secondary market pricing; prepare regular pricing reports for syndicated deals in various regional markets
• Undertake research and analysis on prospective transactions, clients, investors, companies and industries to identify financial trends , potential deals and target investors/lenders.
• Assist with all due diligence related activities as required.

Loan Syndication

• Lead, working with senior Syndications staff, in managing syndicated loans throughout the syndication process from origination to financial close
• Development of pitch book, presentations and proposals to potential clients for syndicated Mandated Lead Arranger (MLA) roles.
• Drafting of syndication materials including, Mandate letter, Teasers and PIM
• Conducting deal specific market soundings and development of lists of prospective investors/banks for syndicated deals.
• Coordinating and managing all transaction-related Q&A / due diligence questions from investors/lenders
• Assist with negotiating commercial and legal documentaion for syndicated loans
• Setting up, managing and maintaining data sites for syndicated transactions
• Develops and maintains effective relationships with counterparts in investment departments, treasury departments, legal, financial operations, and with external investors
• Maintain and proactively update the database of syndication pipeline deals and syndication loan portfolio
• Managing and coordinating the Interface between lenders/investors and lender's counsel/consultants for syndicated deals.
• Lead and actively participate in any syndication and/or other related initiatives within the Corporation.
• Actively assist in the negotionations, queries, placement, and binding of insurance related policies and/or activities.
• Ensure compliance with the Corporation’s credit policies to minimize the incidence of bad and/ or non-performing loans.

Financial Modelling

• Developing and/or interpreting financial models , including conducting of the relevant financial analysis and risk assessment on projects being contemplated by AFC.

Deal Origination, Appraisal and Execution Support

• Conduct KYC, credit checks and/or other required due diligence on prospective counterparties and/or projects.
• Review and ability to undertake an assessment on the sponsors, economic and financial information for new transactions.
• Preparation of transactions related documents including Mandate letters , investment Memorandums, engagement letters, proposals, term sheets etc.) for Syndication transactions being contemplated by AFC.
• Evaluation of the feasibility of infrastructure projects including the ability to construct and evaluate detailed cash flow projections using excel for project-finance type transactions
• Develop and/or interpret financial models, financial analysis of corporates, commodity trading firms and banks and risk assessment) for projects being contemplated by AFC.
• Provide required input for negotiating risk fees and to appropriately price transactions.
• Provide support to the team as required.

Relationship Management

• Liaise with other relevant units within the Corporation such as Finance, Legal and Investments in the review of legal documents and due diligence in order to achieve successful marketability and closure of transactions.
• Develop and maintain solid professional relationships with existing and potential clients in financial institutions, corporates, commodity firms, investors and other key stakeholders.

Market Intelligence and specialist knowledge

• Develop and regularly update the syndication unit’s pitch book/ brochure
• Keep abreast of external trends and developments relating to syndication loans and DCM.
• Develop a quarterly bulletin as a means of keeping the organization aware / informed of the external market trends and the syndication unit activities.
• Provide support during all phases of develoing new syndication product(s) and other new debt mobilization initiatives.

Ad-Hoc

• Carry out additional ad-hoc duties from time to time

Competencies

Skills

• Proven experience in managing syndicated loans.
• Excellent knowledge of project finance,corporate and the Financial Institutions sector.
• In-depth knowledge of structuring and execution of transactions.
• Sound relationship management skills.
• Strong business networks across Africa and/or globally
• Excellent financial modelling and valuation skills.
• Superior business communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with cross-functional teams.
• Commitment to staying up to date on industry issues.
• Advanced Excel and PowerPoint skills.
• Excellent negotiation skills.
• Strong quantitative, analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to details and work quality
• Experience and knowledge of dealings with International Financial institutions.
• Deep knowledge of environmental and social issues in deal origination and execution. Attributes
• Business development mindset with a wide network of contacts and relationships with entrepreneurs, banking and development finance institutions, private equity and corporates with a focus on infrastructure development in Africa.
• Strong team work mindset, and able to work seamlessly with staff across the organization. Willingness to support other staff to achieve corporate goals.
• Self-starter with a proven ability to show initiative, shoulder responsibility and be proactive and to work with limited supervision.
• Charismatic, outgoing, engaging personality. Confident but humble with exceptional work ethic, drive and leadership.
• High level of creativity and capacity to develop innovative ideas or work with other team members of build up transaction ideas for onward marketing to clients
• Ability to manage multiple business priorities within a regularly changing landscape.
• Able to work under pressure and meet challenging deadlines regularly

Key Performance Indicators

• Mobilization Amount
• Syndication Fee Income/revenue-generation
• Quality of syndication marketing materials, investment memos and research reports

Requirements: Qualification and Skill

• A strong first degree in finance/ engineering/economics from a recognised university
• Relevant advanced degree e.g. Masters Degree in Business Administration, Finance, Investment or a related field of study is an added advantage
• Relevant certifications related to finance is an added advantage Experience
• 5-8 years cognate and deep experience in deal structuring and loan syndication
• Proven track record of loan syndication experience in an international organisation.
• Operational / back office experience will be an advantage Language
• Fluency in writing and speaking English is mandatory..
• A good command of French, and/or one or more other regional languages would be a major advantage. Others
• Willingness to travel “out-of-station” with minimal prior notice

Benefits And Contractual Information

• 3 Year renewable employment contract
• Willing and able to relocate to Nigeria, Lagos.
• Suitably qualified candidates are encouraged to apply.