Equity Portfolio Management Officer at African Development Bank - AfDB

Location: Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire / Pretoria, Republic of South Africa

Position Grade: PL4

Position Number: 50105396, 50105397

THE COMPLEX:

The Vice Presidency for Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialization is central to the Bank’s mission of developing the private sector, improving infrastructure and accelerating industrialization. The complex main functions are to (i) strengthen the enabling environment for private sector [and financial sector] development conducive to inclusive growth and sustainable development, (ii) support the development of reliable and sustainable infrastructure, including cities and urban development, and (iii) place renewed emphasis on industrial and trade performance in support of structural transformation across Africa. The Complex leverages knowledge, co-financing, and partnerships to attract private capital and work with governments on delivering the Bank’s development agenda.

THE HIRING DEPARTMENT:

For effective, coherent, and harmonized Private Sector Operations performed by the 5 sectoral departments of the Bank (Energy, Infrastructure, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Social Services, Financial services) a Central Support Department for NSOs-related activities (PINS) was recently put in place. The primary role of PINS is to: (i) assist Sector Departments to efficiently design and monitor NSOs, in a coherent manner, in line with the best market practices and in consistency with the Bank’s related Strategies, Policies and Guidelines, including the Bank’s Private Sector Development Strategy and Policy, (ii) manage the corporate portfolio which comprises equity, debt and guarantee instruments.

THE POSITION:

The main responsibilities of the Equity Portfolio Management Officer are:

• Supervise and monitor active equity investments of the Bank (identifying risks, proposing mitigants),
• Review, analyse and report on the quarterly valuation of equity portfolio assets,
• Contribute to corporate Equity portfolio management reporting,
• Ensure dissemination of lessons learnt and knowledge sharing on Private Equity development.

KEY FUNCTIONS:

Under the supervision of the Division Manager, the Equity Portfolio Management Officer will perform the following duties:

• Analyze and monitor the Bank’s equity investment portfolio assigned to him/her, carry-out the Supervision related activities of the Bank’s Private Equity Investments and periodically report on activities.
• Prepare mandatory portfolio reports namely the Quarterly Project Status Report (PSRs), Annual Supervision Reports (ASRs), and/or Extended Supervision Reports (XSRs) on the assigned equity investments.
• Review proposed valuations by Fund Managers for equity investments in terms of appropriateness of methodology, assumptions and accuracy throughout the investment life and participate in the process of validation of the quarterly and annual net asset value adjustment of the Bank’s equity investment portfolio.
• Process recommendation for clearance of resolutions, waiver requests including restructuring, and other changes in the terms of investment agreements, lead discussions (internal and external) and prepare the internal documents required to obtain relevant approval in line with the Delegation of Authority Matrix of the Bank.
• Initiate and Participate in calls / virtual meetings pertaining to the assigned equity investment portfolio with Fund Managers, other investors, or co-investors and ACs members, etc.
• Review and clear with AC Representatives, capital calls / distribution notices from Funds and Companies before recording on system and payment processing.
• Prepare Briefs on assigned projects or other matters related to the portfolio as and when requested.
• Contribute to the analysis of equity investments and portfolio trends and report on portfolio quality in terms of financial performance, operational performance, environmental impacts, and development effectiveness.
• Assist in the implementation of internal and external audit recommendations related to equity portfolio management.
• As part of Project Appraisal Team (PAT), contribute lessons learned and input to the origination teams at screening stage and through the appraisal process and negotiation of investments.
• Work closely with the Advisory Committee members of Private Equity Funds to ensure homogenization of practices and strong governance.
• Attend seminars/conferences/workshops dealing with Private Equity development on the continent to enhance PE industry knowledge.
• Contribute to Capacity Building seminars as applicable.
• Handle other ad hoc assignments as requested by the Management of PINS.

COMPETENCIES (skills, experience, and knowledge)

• At least a Master’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting, Law or Economics or related fields.
• A minimum of six (6) years of relevant professional experience in the Bank or a similar institution and/or in strategic consultancy, Private Equity Fund, or Asset Management.
• Professional certification such as the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) or Certified Public Accountant (CPA) would be considered favorably.
• Experience and understanding of direct equity investment and private equity funds management.
• Good knowledge of equity valuation methods.
• Experience in equity investment appraisal.
• Proven ability to acquire new skills (particularly in legal, investment, risk capital, technology, and innovative sectors).
• Capacity to adapt to the rapidly evolving needs of the Bank’s Non-Sovereign Operations ecosystem.
• Knowledge of international economic development issues is not essential but would be an asset.
• Sense of initiative and innovation in proposing solutions to clients and partners’ needs.
• Ability to respond swiftly to new situations and to anticipate new issues.
• Ability to communicate effectively (written and oral) in English or French, preferably with a working knowledge of the other.
• Strong interpersonal skills and agility to communicate at all levels of the organization. 
• Competence in the use of Bank standard software (Word, Excel, PowerPoint). Knowledge of SAP and eFront is desirable.