Vacancies at African Guarantee Fund - Nov 2014

The African Guarantee Fund (AGF):The African Guarantee Fund for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (AGF) is incorporated and licensed in Mauritius as a limited liability company and has its office of operation in Nairobi, Kenya.
Its products and services provide financial institutions with the means which they can leverage in bringing their African SME financing interventions to the required scale.
The AGF contributes to the promotion of economic development, vital for prosperity, stability and poverty reduction in Africa through two lines of activity:
a) Provision of a mix of financial guarantees and other products which reduce the risks supported by the financial sector when lending to SMEs that have insufficient collateral.
These guarantees contribute to reduce the inability of SMEs to provide acceptable guarantees to financial institutions.
Loan Guarantee based on a hybrid approach, Bank's Fund Raising Guarantee and Equity Guarantees are offered.
b) Support for capacity development of the client financial institutions.
The AGF operates according to market principles and is a commercially viable venture with operations in a number of countries in Africa and its gradually expanding to other countries to cover the whole of Africa.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) together with the governments of Denmark (through Danida) and Spain (through aecid), are the founding shareholders of AGF.
1. Vacancy: Head of Business Development
Reporting: The Head of Business Development reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer - CEO.
Responsibility:
The Head of Business Development will be in charge of the whole Business Development department activities and supervises Senior and Junior Business development officers.
Position Location: AGF offices in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travels
Position Summary:
Under the guidance and supervision of the CEO, this position is a high level strategic role in coordinating and driving the development of AGF's Guarantee and Capacity Building products across Africa which includes the achievement of defined revenue targets, the development of organizational capacity, and the growth of the guarantee service offerings to partner lending institutions and its related social impact.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Business Development

Lead the Business Development team in sourcing, managing and implementing new business opportunities;

Develop and implement new business development strategies to grow AGF's guarantee business;

Oversee the entire Guarantee process cycle right from Lead Generation, Credit appraisal which include credit / risk rating of the country PLI and borrower on the basis of business & financial analysis, due diligence and site visits;

Present guarantee requests for approval by the institution's approval bodies;

Develop and manage relationships with AGF partner lending institutions to meet their guarantee requirements;

Continuously carry out market and competitor analysis as part of gathering market intelligence to inform business decisions;

Manage the department's resources within budgetary guidelines approved by the CEO according to company policy and within ethical corporate governance guidelines;

Manage an existing portfolio to ensure that credit quality is maintained while adding incremental growth;Capacity Development

Pro actively develop and implement capacity development strategies, approach papers and operational policies;

Coordinate external relations and support the CEO in negotiating support for the AGF Capacity Development facility;

Prepare and implement annual capacity development budgets and work plans;

Manage the capacity development sub facility for partner lending institutions and business development support providers;

Organize capacity development needs assessments of the identified business development support providers;

Identify and manage the procurement and contracting of qualified providers of capacity development to business development support providers;

Actively contribute to building relationships between partner lending institutions and business development support providers and promoting effective tripartite; relationships between partner lending institutions and business development support providers and SMEs;

Reporting on progress and results as part of the AGF reporting schedule.Supervisory Responsibilities

Manage and lead the business development and capacity development team. In addition to the above duties, the Head of Business Development may be required to perform other related or unrelated duties based on the company's needs.Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required

Masters degree in Finance, Business Administration or a related field;

At least 10 years' managerial and leadership experience, preferably gained in a financial institution;

Strong oral and written communication skills

Desirable knowledge of guarantee and banking systems.

Strong knowledge of strategies, approaches and tools in capacity development;

Have a good understanding of financial institutions' approaches to SME lending, risk mitigation strategies, loan appraisal criteria etc.;

Good knowledge and understanding of the SME context in Africa.

Demonstrated ability to compile and report results of management activities

Additional Eligibility Competences and Desired Characteristics

Self-driven individual with a passion and flair for helping SMEs succeed;

Excellent project management and consulting skills;

Excellent IT skills;

Ability to work in a professionally and culturally diverse setting;

Willingness to travel and work under minimum supervision

Bilingual – fluent in English with a working knowledge of French.

Team player with strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Must have strong analytical and coaching skills;2. Vacancy: Head of Monitoring and Evaluation
Reporting: The Head of Monitoring and Evaluation reports directly to the Chief Executive Officer - CEO.
Position Location: AGF offices in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travels
Position Summary:
The Head of M&E will be responsible for designing, implementing, and managing a monitoring and evaluations system which will help to analyze the social and development impacts of AGF's activities.
Major Duties and Responsibilities
Under the supervision of the CEO, the Head of M&E will have the responsibility to:

Coordinate the planning and monitoring of AGF's progress and results;

Measure input and outputs;

In coordination with relevant AGF operating units on matters of data collection, provide rapid information on all AGF activities while ensuring transparency and integrity;

Coordinate the creation of a Guarantee and Capacity Development Performance

Monitoring Plan including assessing the validity of the information and indicators that contribute to that plan;

Select data collection methods for adequate monitoring and evaluation of performance and of the program as a whole; and

Develop substantive input for the annual reporting requirements and coordinate data collection on results in the SME sector with partner institutions.These methods may include:

Field visits, quarterly reports, specialized surveys and other sources of information like government and multilateral agencies and other organization statistics;

Reviewing these methods and making improvements to them monitoring and evaluation procedures and systems;

Coordinate the process in collaboration with other AGF's operating units for updating policy and procedure documents in the areas of monitoring and evaluation to align with the most current AGF Polices and requirements.

Assist in building local M&E capacities in the spirit of inclusive development and in concert with the development goals and prudential operation of a financial institution.

The Head of M&E will assist in the monitoring and evaluation of the implementation of activities (guarantees, capacity building).This may involve:
Reviewing work plans, quarterly reports, participating in site visits, initiating regular portfolio reviews and contributing to guarantee and capacity building design and evaluations.
Supervisory Responsibilities

Manage and lead the Monitoring and Evaluation department.

In addition to the above duties, the Head of Monitoring and Evaluation may be required to perform other related or unrelated duties based on the company's needs.Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experience Required
The Head of M&E shall have:

A Master's degree in Economics, Business Finance, Social Sciences, or related field is required,

At least 10 years of relevant, progressively responsible experience, with a proven track record of monitoring and evaluating activities focusing on economic development, banking, capacity building and technical assistance activities related to small and medium enterprises;

She/he shall possess technical familiarity with evaluation methods and standards under the AGF Evaluation Policy;

She/he will be responsible for further developing, implementing, and regularly updating the AGF's Monitoring and Evaluation Policies and Procedures;

Strong oral and written communication skillsDesirable knowledge of guarantee system

Strong knowledge of strategies, approaches and tools in capacity development;

Have a good understanding of financial institutions' approaches to SME lending, risk mitigation strategies, loan appraisal criteria etc.;

Demonstrated ability to compile and report results of management activities

Additional eligibility competences and desired Characteristics

Self-driven individual with a passion and flair for helping SMEs succeed;

Excellent project management and consulting skills;

Excellent IT skills;

Ability to work in a professionally and culturally diverse setting;

Willingness to travel and work under minimum supervision

Bilingual – fluent in English and French.

Team player with strong interpersonal and leadership skills

Must have strong analytical and coaching skills;3. Vacancy: Senior Business Development Officer
Reporting: The Senior Business Development Officer reports to the Head of Business Development.
Position Location: AGF offices in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travels
Position Summary:
Under the supervision and guidance of the HOBD,the Senior Business Development Officer supports the HOBD in the Implementation of AGF's business development strategies and plans to meet the department's targets.
Major Responsibilities

Business Development

Identify and develop new business proposals to meet the department's revenue targets;

Use multiple prospecting methods to generate leads, set up sales meetings and pitch appropriate solution-offerings to prospects;

Assist the HOBD to manage the Guarantee process cycle right from Lead Generation, Credit appraisal which include credit / risk rating of the PLI and the end borrower on the basis of business & financial analysis, due diligence and site visits, etc;

Prepare guarantee requests for the HOBD for presentation for approval by appropriate approval bodies;

Assist the HOBD in developing and managing relationships with AGF partner lending institutions to meet their guarantee requirements;

Assist the HOBD to carry out market and competitor analysis as part of gathering market intelligence to inform business decisions;

Monitor the guarantee portfolio under his/her responsibilitySupervisory Responsibilities

Manage assigned projects effectively;

Manage assigned work teams including coaching and mentoring staff within the department;

Supervises Business development officers assigned to you.

In addition to the above duties, the Senior Business Development Officer may be required to perform other related or unrelated duties based on the company's needs.Desired Qualifications, knowledge, skills & Experiences

Masters' degree in finance, or business administration or related field;

7 years' experience in a professional or technical role in the Financial services or Banking sector;

Experience in bank financing (specifically SME), including 3 years in a management role in the financial services sector;

Sound understanding of SME lending and the SME context in Africa;

Demonstrated track record in the banking industry in portfolio management with focus in consultative and solution oriented sales and marketing approaches;

Strong marketing skills

Demonstrated understanding of guarantee products;

Good knowledge of CAMELS;

Demonstrated experience as client-facing staff.

Ability to compile and report results of activities

Additional eligibility competences and desired characteristics

Self-driven individual with a passion and flair for helping SMEs succeed;

Excellent communication, interpersonal and management skills;

Excellent marketing and IT skills;

Excellent negotiation and problem solving skills;

Detail oriented and systematic with a high level of accuracy;

Ability to work in a professionally and culturally diverse setting;

Willingness to travel;

Bilingual – fluent in English and French.4. Vacancy: Communication Officer
Reporting: The Communication Officer reports to the CEO.
Position Location: AGF offices in Nairobi, Kenya
Position Summary:
The position focuses on increasing the visibility of the African Guarantee Fund by providing feedback to its clients and partner institutions by creating and developing the institution image and building the brand AGF.
Duties and Responsibilities:

The Communication officer will have the following duties and responsibilities that will contribute to reflect the image of AGF:

Assist in the development and implementation of an e-communication strategy to ensure effective communication with key stakeholders, including both internal and external audiences;

Coordinating media press briefs in consultation with the CEO

Organising round table discussions or breakfast meetings for publicity of AGF with partners.

Develop and maintain the Web site, expanding AGF's outreach capacity through use of digital media tools; Facebook, twitter etc.

Coordinate AGF bi-monthly electronic newsletter: write content, distribute via e-mail, maintain mailing lists;

Maintain database of AGF resource persons within the regions;

Assist in event planning, including workshops, media conferences;

In consultation with concerned departments, respond and direct email queries from clients and partners on the AGF info email; and

Implement and maintain corporate brand standards in all materials developed.

In addition to the above duties, the Communication Officer may be required to perform other related or unrelated duties based on the company's needs.Desired Qualifications, knowledge, skills & Experiences

Degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or related field, preferably in the development, Banking and Finance sector;

At least five (5) years of relevant professional work experience;

Good written communication skills, with demonstrated experience in the application of professional editorial standards, journalistic news writing and corporate brand style;

Bilingual with fluent English and French (speaking and writing).

Additional Eligibility Critical Competencies and Desired Characteristics

Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities, work under pressure and meet deadlines;

Strong self-starter with initiative to identify opportunities and take appropriate action;

Excellent interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work effectively in a multicultural team;

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, In Design and Web content management software such as Drupal;

Direct, demonstrated experience with and knowledge of: social networking strategies, networks, tools blogs

graphic design (Adobe suite);

Good command of written and spoken French and English

Enthusiastic, personal commitment to the issues promoted by AGF and display the highest standards of personal integrity.5. Vacancy: Credit Officer
Reporting: The Credit Officer reports to the Risk Manager.
Position Location: AGF offices in Nairobi, Kenya
Position Summary:
The position focuses on supporting the Risk Manager in conducting risk assessment of guarantee approval requests presented by implementing the risk policies and procedures.
Duties and Responsibilities

Conduct Credit Risk assessment of guarantee approval requests (GAR) presented.

Discuss the GAR both with Business Development Officers and Risk Manager

Highlight all identified risks and make risk mitigation strategies recommendations including proposing of conditions and covenants.

Monitor utilization of guarantee limits and facilities covered under the guarantees

Ensure conditions and covenants of approvers are complied with and are appropriately captured in the guarantee agreements.

Follow-up on all outstanding information and documentation required for Risk

Departments day-to-day operations.

Support Risk Manager in the implementation of the Risk processes and procedures

Compile regular and ad-hoc risk reports as required

Perform other duties allocated to him/her by the Risk Manager

In addition to the above duties, the Credit Officer may be required to perform other related or unrelated duties based on the company's needs.Desired Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills & Experiences

Bachelor's degree in Commerce, Accounting, Finance, or Business administration;

A Minimum of five (5) years' experience in Credit Risk department of a bank or financial institution that is a credit provider.

Experience in FI Credit Analysis and/or in SME Credit analysis is an added advantage.

Good financial analysis skills

Demonstrated understanding of insurance, guarantee and bonding facilities

Demonstrated track record in business development and portfolio management.

Demonstrated understanding of guarantee and banking products;

Ability to compile and report results of activities

Additional eligibility critical Competencies and desired characteristics

Excellent analytical and IT skills;

Ability to work independently and with teams;

Self-driven individual with a passion and flair for helping SMEs succeed;

Ability to work in a professionally and culturally diverse setting;

Willingness to travel;

Bilingual – fluent in English and French with ability to read and write.6. Vacancy: Business Development Officer
Reporting: The Business development Officer reports to the Head of Business development
Location: AGF offices in Nairobi, Kenya
Position Summary:
The position focuses on implementation of business development strategies and plans to meet the department's revenue targets and development impacts.
Major duties and Responsibilities
Business Development

Identify and develop new business proposals to meet the department's revenue targets and social impacts;

Use multiple prospecting methods to generate leads, set up sales meetings and pitch appropriate solution-offerings to prospects;

Assist the HBD to manage the Guarantee process cycle right from Lead Generation, Credit appraisal which include credit / risk rating of the borrower on the basis of business & financial analysis, due diligence and site visits;

Prepare guarantee requests for the HBD for presentation for approval by the relevant approval bodies;

Assist the HDD in developing and managing relationships with AGF partner lending institutions to meet their guarantee requirements;

Assist the HBD to carry out market and competitor analysis as part of gathering market intelligence to inform business decisions;

Supervisory Responsibilities

Manage assigned projects effectively;

Manage assigned work teams;

In addition to the above duties, the Business Development Officer may be required to perform other related or unrelated duties based on the company's needs.Desirable Qualifications, Knowledge, Skills and Experiences

Master's degree in Accounting, Finance, or Business Administration;

A minimum of five (5) years of experience in a financial institution with sound understanding of SME lending;

Demonstrated track record in business development and portfolio management with focus in consultative and solution oriented sales and marketing approaches;

Demonstrated understanding of guarantee and banking products;

Good knowledge of CAMELS;

Demonstrated experience as client-facing staff.

Ability to compile and report results of activities

Additional eligibility critical competencies and desired characteristics

Excellent analytical skills;

Ability to work independently and with teams;

Self-driven individual with a passion and flair for helping SMEs succeed;

Excellent IT skills;

Ability to work in a professionally and culturally diverse setting;

Willingness to travel;

Bilingual – Fluent in English and French with ability to read and write.

Good knowledge of private equity environment is an added advantage.

Eligibility: The position is open to bilingual candidates of any countryTerms of OfferThe African Guarantee Fund for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (AGF) is an equal opportunity employer and offers a regionally competitive salary with an excellent benefits package.
The employment contract is for an initial period of three (3) years with the possibility of renewal.
AGF prides itself on its collegial, supportive and gender sensitive working environment and believes that staff diversity promotes excellence.
Women candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Applications
Applicants should apply by email, sending a cover letter summarizing their relevance to this position, a full C.V. names and contact information of three referees knowledgeable about the candidate's professional qualifications and work experience to:recruitment@africanguaranteefund.com
"Application for Head of Business Development - AGF" should be clearly marked on the subject line of the email message.
Applications will be considered until 5th December 2014 or until the position is filled.
Only short-listed applicants meeting the above requirements will be contacted.