Vice President Investment, Trade at CA Global

About the job

• This role offers the opportunity to develop and build Trade & Working Capital solutions across AFCs client base.
• This is an exciting chance to combine origination & product-development expertise with the opportunity to influence growth and shape outcomes across a diverse client & geographical base.

The successful candidate will:

• Lead the development of the strategy and originate and execute Trade & Working Capital solutions across the full product set.
• Play a key role in delivering income and balance sheet growth across all of AFCs key infrastructure segments and will play a pivotal role in innovating new product offerings and leading the end-to-end products life cycle.
• Discharge responsibilities with specific focus across the trade finance entire value chain (excluding financial institution counterparts) from deal origination through market network, to deal structuring and deal execution up to approval and financial close.

Responsibilities:

• Develop the strategy and lead the execution of the strategy for trade finance opportunities (excluding financial institutions) and exporters of commodities in the infrastructure sector (oil & gas, mining, transportation & logistics, power, heavy industries and telecommunications) across Africa, recognizing that AFC is not a typical commercial bank and does not, for example, issue LCs.
• Pitch, structure, negotiate, market, execute and close trade finance transactions.
• Evaluate transactions with a view to providing financing, including the ability to analyse financials statements and construct or evaluate detailed cash flow projections using MS-Excel.
• Structure, advance and close transactions by obtaining the relevant internal approvals for the transaction and actively participating in the successful conclusion of negotiations.
• Prepare transactions documents (engagement letters, proposals, presentations, Information Memorandums, term sheets, etc.) for transactions being contemplated by AFC.
• Conduct due diligence on prospective clients.
• Undertake research and analysis, including prospective clients and companies, to identify financial trends and issues to provide a sound basis for investment decisions.

Requirements:

Skills

• Trade and Working Capital origination experience with large international clients.
• Track record of proven client relationships
• An advanced knowledge of Trade & Working Capital Solutions, working with non-bank led partners is desirable
• Strong knowledge of Trade and Working Capital products, related legal documentation, and working capital structures.
• Proven background in Corporate Banking Coverage and/or Product, with the ability to navigate complex global client relationships and transactions.
• Demonstrated entrepreneurial drive with a track record of new business development and successful deal origination.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build trusted relationships.
• Strong research, analytical, and presentation skills with attention to detail.
• Highly proficient in the development of Microsoft Excel financial models and analysis, and the development and review of Microsoft PowerPoint Presentations for marketing purposes.
• Ability to write credit and investment memoranda and defend transactions at investment committee.
• Ability to negotiate term sheets and participate in negotiations of facility agreements.
• Strong quantitative analysis and problem-solving skills.
• Well-developed communication and business writing skills, power of persuasion as well as to interface directly and effectively with senior officers of a variety of potential clients
• Strong time management skills and ability to work under pressure in a fast-moving environment
• Excellent project management skills

Attributes

• Business development mindset with a network of contacts and relationships with entrepreneurs, banking and development finance institutions, private equity and corporates with a focus on infrastructure development in sub-Saharan Africa.
• Ability to originate and generate new business leads towards enhancing the overall business development efforts of the organization
• Detail oriented with strong organisational skills. Must be able to manage a wide variety of tasks and requests competently on a daily basis.
• Flexibility and ability to work with limited supervision. A self-starter, able to assume the initiative following basic leads provided by senior colleagues and team members.
• Strong teamwork capabilities, and able to work seamlessly with staff within the Division and across the Corporation. Willingness to support other staff to achieve corporate goals.
• 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.

Knowledge

• In-depth experience in financial analysis and ability to develop & manipulate financial models including financial projections.
• Experience with trade transactions in the infrastructure asset class and conversant with the most current international trade finance rules and practice.
• Good credit and investment review capacity. Ability to analyze transactions.
• Good market knowledge of the investment sector in Africa generally, and the infrastructure segment specifically, with basic knowledge of the key markets, sponsors and competitors.
• Some trade finance client base across Africa.
• Strong research skills, with a clear capacity to develop research material using publicly available information, and by leveraging various networks and internal resources available.
• Specific experience in trade finance.
• Commitment to staying up to date on trends in trade finance.

Education

• A strong record of academic achievement at the undergraduate level from a leading university.
• Relevant advanced degree, e.g. Master’s Degree in Business Administration, Civil engineering, Finance, or a related field of study, is desirable.
• Relevant certifications related to finance and/ or project management will be advantageous.

Experience

• 12 - 14 years working experience with a minimum 8 years professional experience in trade finance – deal origination and execution. Prior trade finance deal experience in Africa will be an advantage.
• Proficient in transaction modelling and understanding transaction structures.
• Must be able to read, understand and interpret annual financial statements.
• A working knowledge of the law of contracts.
• Excellent client origination and management skills.