Senior Associate, Investment (Structured Product Solutions)

Background

The Structured Products Solutions Public Sector team delivers a broad suite of investment solutions designed to help sovereign and sub-sovereign clients access capital markets efficiently for their capital expansion and structured trade needs. The team’s mandate includes:
Providing debt financing and structuring solutions to sovereign and subsovereign entities
Designing innovative solutions that leverage AFC’s strong credit rating and Preferred Creditor Status to mobilize capital efficiently reduce borrowing costs and enhance investment returns

Job Summary

Working with the team lead for the Public Sector business the role involves supporting the origination execution and monitoring of transactions related to capital expansion and trade finance for sovereigns and sub-sovereigns across Africa. The objective is to deliver bespoke credit solutions while minimizing credit losses. Candidates should have experience analysing corporate balance sheets and sovereign macroeconomic indicators.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities
Support the origination and management of new clients and business opportunities across Africa
Participate in pitching structuring negotiating marketing executing and closing transactions
Assist with client coverage and relationship management for key clients
Support end-to-end transaction processes including engagement with legal and financial advisors
Collaborate with investment teams and cross-functional colleagues to facilitate transaction approval workflows
Build review and analyse financial models—including pricing valuation and other decision-support models—to assess transaction viability
Support technical reviews of infrastructure-related projects
Develop presentations and proposals including pitch books for new and existing clients
Prepare transaction documentation such as engagement letters proposals Information Memorandums term sheets and valuations
Conduct research and analysis on prospective clients and companies to identify financial trends and inform investment decisions
Perform financial analysis and risk assessments including financial statement interpretation and model development
Participate in deal meetings and help maintain strong client relationships
Conduct due diligence on prospective clients

Competencies

Skills
Origination. Excellent communication business writing and persuasive skills with the ability to engage senior client stakeholders effectively
Strong understanding of technical and financial considerations for sovereign and state-owned entity financing
Ability to assess investment risks and guide transactions through approval processes
Strong credit and investment memo writing capabilities
Ability to negotiate term sheets and participate in facility and investment agreement negotiations
Strong quantitative analytical and problem-solving skills
Experience with guarantees unfunded instruments commercial risk insurance export credit and complex structures such as asset- or commodity-backed loans will be an advantage.
Strong time-management skills and ability to thrive in fast-paced environments
Strong project management capabilities
Proficiency in English and French (oral reading and writing); additional languages such as Portuguese or Arabic are an advantage
Advanced Microsoft Excel financial modelling and PowerPoint presentation skills.

Attributes
Detail-oriented with strong organizational capabilities able to manage multiple tasks effectively
Self-starter with the ability to work independently and take initiative
Strong team player able to collaborate across divisions and support collective goals
Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to develop or refine transaction ideas for client engagement
Adaptable and able to manage shifting business priorities under pressure
Ability to originate and generate new business leads to support organizational growth

Knowledge
Deep experience in financial statement interpretation financial analysis and complex financial modelling including projections and valuation methods
Strong understanding of financial products such as project and structured debt mezzanine financing treasury instruments capital markets products and guarantees
Advanced credit and investment assessment expertise
Strong knowledge of African investment markets particularly the infrastructure sector
Strong research capabilities leveraging public sources networks and internal resources

Key Performance Indicator
Quality of investment memorandums
Effectiveness in managing client relationships
Quality and depth of sector and market research
Successful execution of assignments

Minimum Qualifications& Other Requirement

Education
Bachelor’s degree from a recognized institution
Strong mathematical aptitude; CFA accounting or related certifications are an added advantage
A relevant advanced degree (MBA Economics Finance etc.) is beneficial

Experience
8–10 years of professional experience in investment banking with relevant experience in deal origination and execution
Strong transaction modelling skills and understanding of transaction structures
Strong self-management skills

Language
Strong written and verbal communication skills
Fluency in English and French is mandatory

Others
Willingness to travel at short notice
Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team and potentially lead transaction workstreams