VP, Head of Africa for Financial Institutions

Position Title: VP, Head of Africa for Financial Institutions

Reporting To: Principal, Financial Institutions

Department: Investment Management

Location: Remote – any country within Africa

Firm Overview

WaterEquity is an impact investment manager dedicated to mobilizing private sector investments to accelerate universal access to water and sanitation. Since its launch in 2016, WaterEquity has raised five funds with over $460M in committed capital to solving UN Sustainable Development Goal 6. WaterEquity investments are designed to expand access to water and sanitation among low-income and underserved communities in emerging and frontier markets. Through its subsidiary, WaterEquity is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission-registered investment adviser. Learn more about us at https://waterequity.com/ .

Summary

WaterEquity is seeking to recruit a VP/Senior VP, Head of Africa for Financial Institutions who will lead all aspects of the financial institution’s water and sanitation investment portfolio in the region, including deal sourcing, screening, negotiations, due diligence, and portfolio management. These investments consist of lending to financial institutions that on-lend to households and enterprises for water and sanitation.

The VP/ Senior VP, Head of Africa for Financial Institutions, will report to the Principal, Financial Institutions.

The ideal candidate will be able to quickly take over relationships with existing clients, generate pipeline, conclude investments, and assist in portfolio management. The candidate will contribute to the formulation and execution of long-term strategies for the region. The candidate should be comfortable working remotely and with team members in diverse geographic locations.

Job Responsibilities

Lead transactions:

• Business development and screening of investment candidates
• Structuring and negotiation
• Due diligence
• Financial, ESG, and impact analysis
• Presentation of opportunities to investment committee
• Coordination with other departments on investment documentation and disbursement
• Oversee contributions of short-term contractors for Africa transactions
• Support transactions in other geographic regions

Portfolio Management:

• Monitor financial and operational health of investments
• Lead workouts for problem investments
• Monitor country and market risks
• Support other departments with local compliance issues

Strategy, Coordination & Representation:

• Lead regional coordination with sister organization, Water.org, as they deliver water and sanitation technical assistance to WaterEquity investment candidates
• Support the Principal, Financial Institutions in refining strategies, processes, and tools
• Identify opportunities for expansion of markets and products within the region
• Represent WaterEquity, including at sector events and in discussions with other investors

Skills and Qualifications

• Master’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum ten (10) years of experience in finance/banking/microfinance/impact investing in emerging markets, with at least three (3) years of experience overseeing an investment portfolio, including in the Africa region.
• Experience with due diligence and analysis of investment opportunities in financial institutions
• Familiarity with retail or SME loan products in emerging markets, preferably housing or water and sanitation loans
• Willingness to travel up to 30% to 40% of the tim
• Effective interpersonal and communication skills
• Outstanding client relationship development and management skills
• Proficiency in foreign languages is an advantage. Strong preference for professional working proficiency in French.

Physical Requirements

This role involves extended periods of sitting and reaching. This role requires the ability to see, talk, and hear.

Compensation and Benefits

Non-U.S. Based: The individual who fills this position will be employed by an international employer of record and assigned full-time to WaterEquity. This position will offer full-time benefits, including medical, dental/vision (where applicable), life insurance, and periodic review for merit and incentive pay based on organizational and personal achievement. All country-specific statutory requirements (i.e., time off) will apply. Overall compensation will be commensurate with education and experience and structured to reflect a competitive package for a full-time team member.

No relocation benefits, work permit reimbursement, or visa sponsorship will be offered.

How to Apply

Click the “submit application” link below.

WaterEquity is an equal opportunity employer. At WaterEquity, we are on an intentional journey to determine how we can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our organization but also within our industry. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment that is characterized by engagement, a sense of connection, and respect for the differences and contributions of all our professionals. WaterEquity recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.