KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Leadership & Strategy Development

Act as a thought leader on catalytic transactions and financial product innovation, shaping strategy and policy to advance FSD Africa’s purpose of Making Finance Work for Africa’s Future:

• Continuously conduct ecosystem analysis and research to deepen understanding of Africa’s financial markets, identifying systemic barriers to investment and opportunities for transaction innovation.
• Lead the development and continuous refinement of theories of change that shape FSD Africa’s Catalytic Transactions strategies, incorporating insights from past interventions and performance monitoring.
• Engage with policymakers, regulators, development partners, and market stakeholders to conceptualise and advocate for interventions that drive transaction structuring, risk mitigation, and capital mobilisation.
• Act as a thought leader on structured finance, blended finance, and impact investment, providing expert insights on financial innovation and capital mobilisation at global and regional forums.
• Develop and publish high-impact research, market insights, and policy papers to position FSD Africa as a leader in catalytic finance and transaction development, influencing strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Programme Development & Implementation 

Lead the development and implementation of FSD Africa’s Catalytic Transactions strategy, ensuring the design and delivery of high-impact interventions that drive systemic market change:

• Lead the Pillar team in developing a comprehensive Catalytic Transactions strategy, ensuring alignment with FSD Africa’s five-year strategy and responsiveness to emerging market needs, including:
• Designing and structuring innovative financial transactions, including thematic bonds, blended finance vehicles, and aggregation instruments.
• Developing mechanisms to enhance liquidity, mitigate currency risks, and increase private sector participation in key investment sectors.
• Guide Principal-level staff in developing portfolios of interventions that deliver optimal Value for Money in the achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Oversee the design and execution of high-quality programmes, ensuring adherence to best practices in transaction structuring, investment facilitation, and risk mitigation.
• Monitor programme performance and lead the team in adaptive management, ensuring that individual investments and the portfolio as a whole deliver measurable impact and systemic change.
• Foster collaboration across pillars and Centres of Expertise to leverage expertise and amplify outcomes.

Financial Management & Fundraising 

Secure and manage financial resources to sustain and expand the Catalytic Transactions pillar, ensuring Value for Money, effective risk management, and compliance.

• With support from the Director Communications, Partnerships & Funding, lead resource mobilisation efforts to secure the funds required to deliver strategy.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and expenditure tracking to ensure optimal resource utilisation.
• Ensure rigorous risk management and due diligence for all transaction-based interventions.
• Maintain strong investor relationships and ensure compliance with financial reporting and accountability requirements.
• Lead the team to scrutinise Value for Money across the programme portfolio, continually innovating in pursuit of enhanced development impact.

Influencing, Advocacy & Communication 

Drive the transformation of Africa’s investment and capital mobilisation ecosystem through effective influencing, advocacy, and communication:

• Ensure that ecosystem analysis includes identification of key stakeholders, mapping out influential actors and market segments.
• Identify how achieving strategic outcomes depends on influencing mindset and behavioural change among various stakeholder groups and market segments.
• Collaborate with the Strategic Communications team to develop innovative communication, influencing, and advocacy strategies that support systemic change.
• Lead the Pillar team in implementing these strategies, ensuring alignment with FSD Africa’s objectives and market transformation goals.
• Take personal responsibility for delivering any aspects of the influencing and advocacy plan that are assigned, ensuring high-impact engagement with key market actors.

Implementing Partner Engagement & Capacity Building 

Develop and oversee strategic partnerships that enhance transaction structuring, investment facilitation, and risk mitigation, supporting the growth of sustainable financial markets:

• Identify and engage high-impact implementing partners capable of making a substantive contribution to the achievement of pillar strategies.
• Lead efforts to reach out to such partners, building relationships and convening strategy-development discussions.
• When selecting partners through a market-wide call for proposals, oversee the development of Terms of Reference (ToRs) that clearly define competency requirements, ensuring alignment with FSD Africa’s procurement procedures.
• Oversee technical assistance and capacity-building initiatives as required, ensuring that implementing partners are equipped to achieve project outcomes.
• Monitor partner performance, ensuring high standards of execution and long-term sustainability of interventions.

Team Leadership & Organisational Development 

Build and lead the Catalytic Transactions pillar team of staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to FSD Africa and deliver high standards of performance.

• Ensure the Catalytic Transactions team has the necessary expertise through strategic recruitment and consultant procurement.
• Provide team members with clear goals, expectations, and accountability structures.
• Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, professional development, and mentorship.
• Monitor and review performance, ensuring accountability for results and adherence to FSD Africa’s values.
• Deliver an engaging leadership style that motivates team members, fosters collaboration, and promotes FSD Africa’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 15 years of experience or Bachelor’s degree and 18 years of experience.
• Extensive experience and networks in structured finance, investment banking, blended finance, or transaction advisory.
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership role, with experience managing teams and large-scale programmes.
• Exceptional skills in written and spoken English

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Strategy & Programme/Investment Design

Contribute to the development of FSD Africa’s Carbon Markets strategy and portfolio, contributing personal knowledge and expertise in de-carbonisation, sustainable development and carbon market development:

• Stay abreast of local, regional and international developments, regulatory environment, trends, opportunities and risks in the Carbon Markets space to determine their potential impact on the programme’s strategy; includes undertaking personal professional development to keep up to date.
• Scope out existing research (and undertake additional research if agreed upon) to gain a deep and comprehensive understanding how Carbon Market development can accelerate Africa’s green market transition.
• Participate in strategy and business plan development for the Carbon Markets Programme, ensuring consideration of FSD Africa’s overarching goal of Making Finance Work for Africa’s Future, target geographies and other strategic priorities.
• Research and provide advice across FSD Africa pillars on technical aspects of programmes and investments including areas such emission reduction strategies, market mechanisms, financial and economic analysis and technology and innovation.
• In collaboration with Lead, Carbon Markets and colleagues across pillars, complete needs assessments and design programmes and investment opportunities with credible and convincing cases for submission and approval in accordance with the FSD Africa approval process.

Project Cycle Management

Coordinate the roll-out of a portfolio of projects so that results are achieved, risks are managed, and quality projects are delivered.

In the case of projects under direct management:

• Where applicable. lead the identification and onboarding of consultants and implementing partners involved in the projects under management; includes drafting Terms of Reference and other documentation for the procurement of external resources and supporting the procurement process.
• Work with the above stakeholders to refine project strategy and to develop detailed project plans, budgets and trackers, including risk management frameworks.
• Prepare financial models and risk/return projections, as may be required, in collaboration with other FSD Africa Pillars.
• Ensure that all stakeholders who will be involved in projects/investments are aware of expectations and properly equipped to deliver; this includes quality standards, risk management provisions and data reporting requirements.
• Work with implementing partners to assist them in implementing these projects according to the project plan and budget:
• Organise a regular schedule of visits or ‘monitoring touchpoints’ for both self and members of other pillars as appropriate
• Address delivery shortfalls with a coaching style in the first instance
• Negotiate assertively, with the administration of consequences, in case of persistent failure to deliver
• Ensure learnings from the projects are being used to build capacity across the organisation and also are incorporated into future programme planning.
• Manage the activities associated with project closure in line with FSD Africa’s policy; this includes ensuring that implementing partners have a plan for sustainability following FSD Africa’s exit.

In the case of projects managed by other pillar/cross-pillar colleagues:

• Support colleagues managing the delivery of Carbon Market projects if/as required, including identifying partners, reviewing TORs, plans and other project documentation, participating in project meetings, reviewing project deliverables etc.
• Maintain a detailed inventory of FSD Africa/FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) Carbon Markets projects for ongoing strategy refinement, development impact and communication purposes.
• Assist colleagues in identifying and developing concepts for integrating non-carbon projects into carbon markets. Ensure these concepts align with FSD Africa’s overall value proposition and strategic objectives.

Financial Management, Risks & Resources

Ensure effective management of resources/budgets for projects under management, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and donor policies:

• Contribute towards the Pillar’s and FSD Africa’s fundraising efforts, for instance, by scoping prospective funding opportunities, writing sections relevant to Carbon Markets, developing detailed plans and budgets etc.; support the development of project proposals that meet Investment Committee standards.
• For projects under management, develop detailed implementation plans, budgets and cash-flow forecasts that will ensure project success; ensure that overall, Pillar plans and budgets are kept up-to-date with this information.
• Support investees/implementing partners through the due diligence process and the development of contractual agreements, ensuring that a quality risk assessment is carried out whilst minimising any negative impact on the investee.
• Liaise with FSD Africa support departments to ensure that resources are managed in line with policy and in compliance with relevant statutory requirements/legislation.
• Track and analyse project/portfolio performance through a Value for Money (VfM) lens, making recommendations or taking action to optimise Development Impact as a result of funds invested.

Development Impact & Learning

• Collaborate with the Development Impact team to ensure robust management of Development Impact for the projects under management; ensure accurate and timely reporting on project activities, milestones, outcomes and lessons learned:
• Ensure that each project under management has a quality Development Impact thesis that is periodically reviewed and refined, with learning fed into the design of future strategies/projects.
• Work collaboratively with the Development Impact team to develop tools and trackers that will provide evidence, learning and insights; liaise with project stakeholders to ensure that these will be easy to use and time/cost effective.
• Ensure the collection of all required quantitative and qualitative data from project stakeholders, in accordance with the project plan and Development Impact framework; following up as necessary to ensure accuracy and completeness.

Review periodic Development Impact reports and take appropriate action based on the results and analysis:

• If desired results have been achieved, initiate strategies for widespread awareness-raising and ‘crowding in’, focusing on applying leverage, replication of the project, and scaling
• If desired results have not been achieved, either manage performance of the implementation team or adjust the strategy/approach
• Liaise with the Lead, Carbon Markets to prepare periodic reports or to give presentations to senior managers, donors or the Investment Committee on individual projects and/or FSD Africa/FSDAi’s Carbon Markets portfolio as required.

Influencing and Communicating for Impact

Actively participate in development, and lead implementation, of advocacy and communications plans for projects under management and support FSD Africa/FSDAi-wide Carbon Markets communication efforts:

• Contribute to carbon markets stakeholder mapping, especially in priority markets, identifying key beneficiary groups and decision makers; assist in developing innovative ideas for influencing them.
• When developing project plans, consult and collaborate with the Communications team to identify how stakeholders need to be influenced to support the success of the intervention; for instance, by advocating for policy reform or stimulating market demand amongst potential beneficiaries.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications team to develop and implement work plans and budgets; ensuring that efforts are monitored and evaluated to ensure impact.
• Contribute to the implementation of the communication and advocacy strategy (e.g. by developing content for written materials/website; participating in campaigns etc); participate in and contribute to the development of annual and quarterly reports.
• Represent FSD Africa in public forums and networking opportunities; at all times behaving in a manner consistent with FSD Africa’s brand and values.

Relationship Management

Take initiative to build relationships and ensure effective collaboration with and between all project implementers and stakeholders and FSD Africa/FSDAi colleagues:

• Identify, engage and build relationships with key partners and market actors who have the capacity and motivation to effectively contribute towards Carbon Markets development and/or project success.
• Identify and pursue cross-pillar programming opportunities that align with the Carbon Markets strategy and intervention approach; work collaboratively with FSD Africa and FSDAi colleagues to leverage synergies.
• Ensure a good understanding of stakeholder requirements for information or capacity-building; develop and deliver (or organise) events or disseminate materials that meet their needs effectively.
• Design and deliver on knowledge sharing and capacity building sessions for both internal and external key stakeholders.
• Manage any colleagues or consultants who are engaged on the projects under management using an engaging leadership style to drive high performance and motivation.

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and six years of relevant experience or bachelor’s degree and eight years of relevant experience
• At least three years’ experience working on carbon market initiatives
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Leadership & Strategy Development

Act as a thought leader on how sovereign debt management and advisory can result in measurable benefits for African people, economies, and for the environment; developing a profound understanding of the sovereign debt landscape and potential change levers:

• Act as a thought leader on sovereign debt advisory, liability management, and investor relations, ensuring these areas drive financial market development and investment mobilisation in support of FSD Africa’s strategic goals.
• Lead the team in analysing market dynamics, synthesising existing research, and commissioning targeted studies to develop a deep understanding of sovereign debt frameworks, liability management structures, and financial market infrastructure; apply these insights to shape impactful interventions.
• Continuously monitor the sovereign debt market and institutional frameworks for emerging risks and opportunities:
• Provide strategic insights to inform FSD Africa’s debt advisory interventions and investment strategies.
• Develop actionable insights and recommendations for investment opportunities to enhance the performance of the Debt Advisory Programme portfolio.
• Develop and refine financial models for sovereign debt structuring, credit enhancement mechanisms, and liability management strategies; produce reports and presentations for the Chief Financial Markets Officer to support decision-making.
• Act as FSD Africa’s key advisor on sovereign debt structuring, market infrastructure, and credit enhancement mechanisms providing advice or support to Pillar Heads and Deal teams in line with FSD Africa’s / FSD Africa Investments (FSDAi) strategy.

Portfolio Development & Implementation

Drive the execution of the Debt Advisory Programme’s investment and project portfolio, in line with FSD Africa’s 5-year strategy; ensure that each individual investment, and the portfolio as a whole, achieves targeted results:

• In collaboration with the Chief Financial Markets Officer, develop the sections of the overall Pillar Strategy and Theory of Change that pertain to Debt Advisory; ensure a comprehensive understanding of the overall Pillar strategy, including the goals and targets for all thematic areas.
• Lead on scanning, prospecting, and evaluating potential investments for inclusion in the Debt Advisory’s portfolio; ensure that comprehensive Financial and Development Impact modelling is carried out to forecast investment returns.
• Lead the process of conceptualising, designing and writing high-quality investment proposals, integrating structuring of sovereign debt instruments and blended finance approaches to enhance financial sustainability and market resilience.
• Following approval, ensure that detailed implementation plans are developed, including budgets and procurement of consultants / implementing partners as required; as projects/investments progress, ensure that the accountability requirements of donors are met.
• Oversee the effective implementation of projects, holding the team accountable for implementing project plans, executing monitoring touchpoints and achieving project milestones on time and to standard; ensure that all required data entry and reporting is carried out on time and to standard.

Fund Management

Lead the financial planning and resource mobilisation strategy for the Debt Advisory Programme, ensuring financial sustainability and value for money in the deployment of resources:

• Identify potential donors and funding leads, building relationships and co-designing project concepts if appropriate; support the Director by leading the development of funding proposals for the Debt Advisory Pillar.
• Lead the analysis of both individual investment and overall portfolio performance; encourage the team to identify and implement opportunities for improvement and to explore possibilities for scaling up successful approaches.
• Track and monitor budget spend and associated activities ensuring cost-effective utilisation of resources and timely achievement of financial targets.
• Conceptualise how funds and other limited resources may be best allocated to achieve optimum impact; including supervising the work of consultants to optimise value for money.
• Work collaboratively with the Chief Financial Markets Officer and the Risk team to develop and role model a culture of effective risk and compliance management; take personal responsibility for managing risk and ensuring compliance of the projects being supervised.

 Relationships & Influencing

Lead the implementation of an influencing and engagement strategy to strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders, ensuring effective collaboration in sovereign debt management and policy reform.

• Ensure stakeholder mapping is integrated into market research and ecosystem analysis to identify key actors critical to sovereign debt reform and advisory.
• In collaboration with colleagues, play a leading role in the development of a Communication and Influencing Plan for the Debt Advisory pillar; lead the implementation of actions relevant for the projects being supervised.
• Engage with strategic partners and high-level stakeholders to advance debt advisory initiatives, contributing expertise in technical working groups and policy dialogues on sovereign debt management.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders, for instance, government debt management offices, central banks, and institutional investors; collaborate with them to implement FSD Africa’s Debt Advisory strategy and strengthen debt management practices.
• At all times represent FSD Africa in a manner that upholds FSD Africa’s brand standards and aligns with our Purpose and Values.

Implementing Partner Selection & Engagement

Lead the identification, engagement, and capacity-building of implementing partners to ensure effective collaboration and contribution to the Debt Advisory Programme strategy, particularly in sovereign debt management.

• Select partners strategically, ensuring complementary expertise in areas such as sovereign debt structuring, fiscal policy, and financial regulation.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with senior leaders of implementing partners, fostering collaboration on sovereign debt solutions and addressing any challenges proactively.
• Engage partners in joint strategy development and project design to drive impactful reforms in sovereign debt management and financial stability.
• Ensure each initiative has a robust performance monitoring framework, integrating due diligence findings and contractual provisions, with capacity-building measures as required.
• Provide high-quality technical and advisory support to implementing partners, consultants, and government bodies, strengthening sovereign debt management strategies, institutional capacity, and financial stability.

Team Leadership 

Build and lead the Debt Advisory team of staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to FSD Africa and deliver high standards of performance.

• Ensure that the Debt Advisory team is resourced with the expertise necessary to effectively build and manage the portfolio – through a combination of recruitment and management of staff and procurement of consultants.
• Provide clarity on roles, expectations, and performance standards for all team members.
• Foster a high-performance culture through coaching, professional development, and mentorship.
• Monitor and review performance, ensuring accountability for results and adherence to FSD Africa’s values.
• Deliver an engaging leadership style that motivates team members, fosters collaboration, and promotes FSD Africa’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles.

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 12 years of experience or Bachelor’s degree and 14 years of experience.
• Extensive experience in sovereign debt management, liability management, capital markets, or public finance.
• At least 5 years in a senior advisory or leadership role, with expertise in sovereign debt markets, liability management, and policy reform.
• Exceptional skills in written and spoken English.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Leadership & Strategy Development

Act as a thought leader on how catalytic finance and transaction structuring can result in measurable benefits for African people, economies, and the environment, developing a profound understanding of the blended finance ecosystem and potential change levers:

• Contribute to the development of the Catalytic Transactions pillar strategy, collaborating with the Director and Senior Specialists to shape strategic direction and investment priorities.
• Lead the development and delivery of a portfolio of catalytic finance interventions, applying structured and blended finance expertise to achieve FSD Africa’s objectives.
• Monitor market dynamics, product innovation, and systemic barriers in the blended finance landscape, generating insights to inform programme and transaction design.
• Build and apply financial and business models to assess transaction structures and investment targets, working closely with the Development Impact team on forecasting and learning.
• Provide technical guidance to staff and stakeholder in support of high-impact transaction design, execution, and delivery.

Project Origination & Planning

Develop a portfolio of Implementing Partners and Projects to drive impact and systemic change in catalytic finance:

• Work with the Director to define the Pillar Strategy and Theory of Change, ensuring the strategic selection of implementing partners and alignment with FSD Africa’s five-year strategy.
• Identify and curate a transformative portfolio of catalytic transactions and projects that mobilise private capital, address market barriers, and deliver measurable development outcomes.
• Lead the design and structuring of catalytic transactions, including thematic bonds, blended finance vehicles, and aggregation instruments, ensuring strategic fit and feasibility.
• Develop high-quality proposals for Investment Committee approval, embedding appropriate risk mitigation and aligning with FSD Africa’s catalytic finance principles.
• Support early-stage engagement with donors and investors to co-develop projects, shape financial instruments, and ensure delivery capacity and resource availability.

Team Leadership

Lead project teams composed of FSD Africa staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value and deliver high standards of performance:

• Provide clear guidance, accountability structures, and performance expectations for the Associate and any consultants supporting portfolio delivery.
• Ensure the portfolio is resourced with the appropriate technical expertise, working closely with Procurement to identify and engage high-quality external support.
• Foster a high-performance working dynamic through coaching, mentorship, and collaborative problem-solving.
• Review team and consultant performance regularly, offering developmental feedback and ensuring alignment with FSD Africa’s values.
• Coordinate effectively with implementing partners and co-investors, ensuring shared objectives, smooth delivery, and strong working relationships.

Qualifications and Education

• Masters degree and 11 years of experience or Bachelors Degree and 12 years of relevant experience.
• Exceptional skills in written and spoken English.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Leadership & Strategy Development

To participate in the development of strategy and programmes for the Capital Markets pillar:

• Ensure regular engagement with other experts & decision makers in SSA countries to understand the strategic priorities for the development of capital markets.
• Lead FSD Africa’s research into the area of specialism developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of the financial systems in SSA and how to leverage beneficial change.
• Pay attention to personal professional development and learning in order to remain an expert in the fields of Capital Markets Development and Financial Inclusion.
• Lead the development of strategy for the Capital Markets pillar; ensuring that insights in the area of specialism are incorporated into the design and development of relevant theories of change.
• Identify a portfolio of projects in the area of specialism space that will enable us to have a transformative impact on the market; aligned to FCDO strategy and FSD Africa development goals.
• Lead the development of tools, methodologies, and approaches (IP) which will guide the team and stakeholders in implementing best practice in Capital Markets Development.

Project Design & Implementation and Risk Management

Ensure the effective implementation of projects; ensuring that the results anticipated in the MRM framework are achieved:

• Conceptualise, design and write investment proposals including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
• Following approval, develop detailed implementation plans; including budgets and procurement of consultants / implementing partners as required.
• Ensure the effective implementation of projects so that milestones of the project plan are achieved on time and to standard.
• Lead monitoring, results management, and learning for all projects being implemented; ensuring objective analysis of results and appropriate corrective actions as required to optimise FSD Africa’s beneficial impact.
• Provide high quality technical advice and support to Implementing Partners, Consultants and other project stakeholders.
• Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.

Financial Management & Fundraising

Contribute to the management of the finances associated with the area of specialism, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and Donor policies:

• Identify opportunities for fundraising and co-funding for the work of FSD Africa & support with proposal development as requested.
• Conceptualise how funds and other limited resources may be best allocated to achieve optimum impact; including supervising the work of consultants to optimise value for money.
• Track and monitor budget spend and associated activities ensuring cost effective utilisation of resources and timely achievement of financial targets.
• Ensure that the accountability requirements of donors are met and that good relationships with funders are maintained at all times.

Influencing & Communicating for Impact

Drive the transformation of capital markets through effective influencing, advocacy and communication strategies:

• Take the lead in stakeholder mapping for the projects/programmes under your portfolio, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and develop innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets.
• Design and publish industry thought-leadership materials, particularly in your area of specialism.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of FSD Africa’s Communications Plan, building FSD Africa’s web presence, supporting thought leadership activities (publications, briefing notes, case studies, conference presentations), co-ordinating events, seminars etc.; establish us as a leading voice in capital market development thinking and knowledge.
• Participate in networking events and/or convene stakeholders in order build awareness and influence the thinking around how the area of specialism contributes to capital markets development.

Implementing Partner Engagement & Capacity Building

Support the Principal Capital Markets in identifying, engaging and empowering key implementing partners; so that they are equipped to operate effectively and contribute to the development of their respective Capital Markets:

• Ensure appropriate selection of partners; ensuring optimal combinations of partners to bring out their synergies for the programmes e.g., political economics, due diligence, influence, etc.
• Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in chosen implementing partners, leveraging new opportunities that may arise and dealing promptly with relationship difficulties.
• Engage partners in joint strategizing and the development of projects that will leverage change and have a positive impact on capital markets development.

Qualifications and Education

• Masters degree and 11 years of experience or Bachelors Degree and 12 years of relevant experience including at a senior level, in a financial markets environment.
• Exceptional skills in written and spoken English.