Associate, Catalytic Transactions

ABOUT THE COMPANY

FSD Africa is a market facilitator or catalyst. It applies a combination of resources, expertise and research to address financial market failures and deliver a lasting impact. FSD Africa has a mandate to work across sub-Saharan Africa on issues that relate to both ‘financial inclusion’ and ‘finance for growth.’

JOB SUMMARY

Qualifications and EducationMasters Degree with 3 years or Bachelors Degree and 4 year of experience in the area of technical specialism, in a financial markets environmentExcellent skills in written and spoken EnglishEssential Experience, Knowledge, and SkillsExperience in investment analysis, project finance, financial modelling, consulting, development finance, venture building or impact investmentStrong financial modelling and quantitative analysis skillsExcellent research, writing and communication abilitiesSuccessful track record of conducting and analysing research

RESPONSIBILITIES

Thought Leadership, Knowledge Management and Strategy DevelopmentContribute towards the Catalytic Transactions pillar strategy by undertaking research, knowledge management and related initiatives aimed at shaping strategic direction and investment priorities.Support the Senior Specialist in the development and delivery of a portfolio of catalytic finance interventions, applying structured and blended finance expertise to achieve FSD Africa’s objectivesConduct research on target sectors, markets, and financial instruments to identify new opportunities for catalytic interventions.Support the evaluation of barriers preventing private-sector capital mobilisation and propose structuring solutions.Track emerging trends in climate finance, development finance, impact investing, and blended capital structures.Contribute to thought leadership on catalytic finance mechanismsTransaction Support and ExecutionIn collaboration with leadership, implement innovative transaction structuring strategies, completing the necessary tasks in a timely and resourceful manner: Support the sourcing, assessment, and structuring of catalytic capital transactions (e.g., thematic instruments, blended finance, concessional capital, guarantees, first-loss facilities, recoverable grants).Build and refine financial models, scenario analysis, and sensitivity testing to evaluate project feasibility and risk.Assist in preparing and managing due diligence processes, coordinating inputs from technical, legal, financial, risk and impact teams.Contribute to the drafting of investment memos, approvals, and transaction documents.Support inter-pillar coordination on transactions to leverage expertise and maximise inter-pillar collaboration and complementarity, and ensure successful transaction execution.Financial Management, Risk & ResourcesSupport the Catalytic Transactions pillar in optimising financial management to maximise impact while ensuring compliance with FSD Africa and donor policies:Support potential donors and co-investors' engagements and ensure that programme designs align with partner requirements.Develop and monitor financial models for transactions and project budgets, ensuring accurate valuations, leverage projections, and financial accountability across the portfolio.Work with FSD Africa’s support functions to ensure compliance with financial controls, procurement processes, and contract management standards.Analyse, monitor and track financial and operational risks within the assigned portfolio, embedding appropriate risk mitigation tools and monitoring frameworks during design and implementation.Contribute to fundraising proposals development and related fundraising effortsResults Measurement and TrackingEnsure monitoring and evaluation of projects and initiatives is robust and relevant e.g., through timely data collection and active maintenance of a results tracker.Support post-investment monitoring, reporting on portfolio performance, impact delivery, risk indicators, and milestone achievement.Maintain accurate transaction records, data rooms, trackers, and CRM systems.Assist in preparing internal and external reporting (impact reports, donor reports, investment committee updates)Communicating for impactDrive catalytic finance ecosystem transformation through effective influencing, advocacy, and communication strategies:Develop effective relationships with peers and relevant stakeholders to enhance inter–pillar communication and knowledge sharing to facilitate the leveraging of networks, contacts, or joint working opportunities in the implementation of projects.Coordinate with project developers, investors, donors, government agencies, and financial institutions to gather data, validate assumptions, and build consensus on transaction design.Contribute to presentations, pitch materials, and stakeholder communication.Assist with partnership development efforts that expand the pillar’s catalytic financing pipeline.Document insights and lessons learned from transactions to improve internal processes.Support the development of knowledge products (case studies, briefing notes, toolkits) and technical content that promote adoption and replication.

REQUIRED SKILLS

Regulatory reporting, Budgeting, financial planning, Corporate finance, Business strategy, Financial analytics and forecasting

REQUIRED EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree