Investment and Trade Facilitation Lead at Welcome2Africa

Job Summary: 

• The Investment and Trade Facilitation Lead will play a crucial role in fostering relationships and facilitating investment and trade activities within W2A’s growing ecosystem.
• The individual will oversee the development and execution of strategic initiatives to attract, secure, and facilitate investment deals and trade opportunities.
• This position requires strong analytical skills, extensive knowledge of the investment landscape in Africa, and the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Deal Sourcing and Pipeline Development

• Identify and source potential investment opportunities across key sectors.
• Develop and maintain a robust pipeline of deals, ensuring alignment with W2A’s strategic goals.

2. Business Advisory and Investment Structuring

• Provide comprehensive business advisory services to potential investees and partners.
• Structure, negotiate, and close investment deals, ensuring optimal terms for W2A and its stakeholders.

3. Investor Relations and Mapping

• Build and maintain relationships with potential investors, including donors, early-stage investors, and angel investors.
• Conduct detailed mapping of the investor landscape to identify and engage with suitable investment partners.

4. Opportunity Diligence

• Conduct thorough due diligence on potential investment opportunities, assessing financial, operational, and strategic viability.
• Prepare detailed investment proposals and reports for presentation to the investment committee.

Trade Brokerage and Commodity Sourcing

• Facilitate trade deals, leveraging W2A’s network to connect buyers and sellers of commodities.
• Manage trade brokerage activities, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

Ancillary Support Services

• Provide ancillary support services including market research, feasibility studies, and investment readiness training for potential investees.
• Oversee the development and implementation of trade and investment facilitation initiatives such as the W2A Sustainable Agriculture Fund and the Diaspora Agri-Financing Initiative.

Event Coordination and Participation

• Coordinate and participate in relevant investment and trade events, trade missions, and bespoke programs.
• Represent W2A at industry conferences, seminars, and meetings to promote the organization’s objectives and initiatives.

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field
• A Master’s degree or relevant professional certification (e.g., CFA) is preferred
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, or a similar role, with a focus on the African market.
• Proven track record of successfully sourcing, negotiating, and closing investment deals.
• Strong understanding of the investment and trade landscape in Nigeria and broader Africa.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strategic relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in agribusiness, energy, solid minerals, or maritime sectors is a plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Strategic Thinking and Problem Solving
• Financial Analysis and Modeling
• Negotiation and Deal Structuring
• Project Management Relationship Management