Africa Finance Specialist (Kenya, Tanzania)

BwB is working on an innovative Africa-focused Platform, which aims to mobilise public and private capital at scale for SDG-focused projects. The Platform is expected to be launched in 2 pilot African countries (Kenya and Tanzania) in the second half of 2024 and subsequently expanded across the whole continent. BwB is therefore seeking African regional professionals with backgrounds in finance and sustainability to support the delivery of the platform. The Africa Finance Specialists (AFS) will be seconded within the local Ministry of Finance of the 2 pilot countries. The AFS will be responsible for supporting governments in the development of financial investment vehicles focused on SDG aligned projects as well as connecting the Platform with leading public and private sector stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a robust local background in financial services, investment, and transactional execution, with strong stakeholder engagement skills, coupled with a deep commitment to sustainable development across Africa. 

Responsibilities:  

• Provide Tailored Financial Expertise: Offer direct, tailor-made financial expertise, training, and advice to governments as they develop and implement investment projects aimed at achieving country’s NDCs and SDGs. This includes assessing financial needs, identifying funding sources, and developing financial strategies aligned with national objectives.   

• Mobilise Public and Private Sector Financing: Engage extensively with investors to mobilise public and private sector financing for national SDG-aligned investment projects. This involves leveraging existing private sector financing relationships to support the Platform in conducting investor outreach, facilitating investment discussions, and structuring financial transactions to meet investor requirements.  

• Identify and build the SDG Project Pipeline: Support the Platform to identify, evaluate, and support SDG-aligned projects/companies as well as align their development with the priorities and objectives of the government’s green and social agenda. 

• Overcome Investment Barriers: Identify and address barriers to investment by tailoring financial solutions and assist governments in developing portfolios of commercial projects. Work closely with governments’ representatives to optimise project structures and enhance investors’ interest.  

• Deepen Local Knowledge and Networks: Build and maintain strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders within the country, including public and private sector entities. Develop a deep understanding of local contexts, priorities, and challenges to effectively tailor financial solutions and facilitate investment opportunities for national governments. 

• Advise on Financial Strategies: Collaborate with government stakeholders to develop and implement financial strategies that support the achievement of SDGs. Provide guidance on financing mechanisms, investment frameworks, and risk management strategies to maximize the impact of government investment projects. 

• Minimum of 10 years in financial services, preferably in financial analysis, project finance, financial transactions and execution, or similar. Primary focus on sustainable finance is highly preferable.  

• Comprehensive understanding of African financial markets, financial structuring, and investment instruments as they apply to sustainability projects. 

• Demonstrated ability to think strategically, solve complex problems, and drive results in a fast-paced, transactional environment.  

• Prior experience in working with governments and/or public sector institutions, delivering on sustainable project development.  

• Proven experience of engagement with public and private sector financial institutions.  

• Prior experience in public focused sectors such as renewable energy, sustainable mobility, green and nature infrastructure, agriculture, education, and health 

• Right to work in the country where the AFS is expected to be seconded (see “Additional Information” for the list of countries). 

The successful candidate should be in possession of all the following skills:    

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse internal and external stakeholders.  

• Financial transactional and execution skills.      

• Knowledge of local and national financial ecosystems, frameworks, and sustainability financial initiatives.   

• Ability to advocate for the Platform and BwB, representing and reflecting the company’s culture, principles and values.    

• Fluency in English (C2) and national country language (C2) (see “Additional Information” for the full list of countries). 

Importantly, whilst exhibiting these necessary attributes, candidates will also be considered based on key sectoral and geographical expertise with particular attention to the local context, languages, and ecosystem. 

The initial list of countries where the Africa Finance Specialists are expected to be involved are:  

• Kenya 

• Tanzania