Credit Analyst at African Alliance

Job description

African Alliance Alternative Solutions (“AAAS”) is a newly established silo within AA with a focus on providing innovative investment solutions to institutional investors – both domestic and global – looking for exposure to economic opportunities across the African continent, outside of the typical asset management product offerings.

A unique opportunity has arisen within AAAS for the right individual to take ownership of and improve the existing credit management framework used in the management of investment solutions, built for and management on behalf of investors. This is a “white paper” opportunity best suited to a self-driven individual who would be comfortable working in a dynamic and exceptionally-driven team and who wishes to substantively contribute to – and form an important part of – the exponential growth of the business over the next 5 years.

Main Purpose of the Role

The main purpose of the role will be to build, implement and take ownership of the credit risk assessment and management framework used to analyse the economic characteristics, credit data and financial statements of corporate, financial, parastatal and sovereign institutions in order to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money to such institutions.

Key Deliverables of the Credit Analyst

• Analyse the credit management process currently in operation within AAAS with a view to significantly improving this process in the short- to medium-term.
• Take control of and responsibility for the credit management capability of AAAS.
• Interact with portfolio managers, senior management and the Credit Committee in the identification, assessment, understanding and management of credit risk at the single security, portfolio and silo level.
• Analyse credit data and financial statements to determine the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money to institutional, corporate and governmental entities.
• Prepare reports that assess the degree of risk involved in extending credit or lending money to institutional, corporate and governmental entities.
• Build the systems, processes and capabilities to automate as far as possible the credit management function.

We seek the following in our desired candidate:

Qualification Requirement

• A graduate qualification is essential.
• A relevant postgraduate qualification will be advantageous.
• Preference will be given to candidates who have enrolled with the CFA Institute or who are a CFA Charterholder.

Experience / Background Preference

• Candidates will ideally have no less than FOUR years working experience in a similar role.
• Candidates should ideally have THREE years Credit Analysis experience, as well as Fixed Income experience.
• Candidates should ideally have experience in the management of credit in default and the associated techniques used in the protection and recovery of non-performing assets.
• Preference will be given to candidates with financial services industry experience.
• An excellent command of English, both written and verbal, is a requirement of the role.

Key Competencies

The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following:

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills.
• Proficient understanding of economic and accounting principles and practices, the financial markets, banking and the analysis and reporting of financial data.
• Ability to analyse information and evaluate results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Ability to utilise relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations or standards.
• Ability to build strong relationships with team members, company management and clients.
• Ability to interact with people from different cultures and countries.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Accuracy, superior attention to detail and excellent follow through.
• Strong time-management skills and the ability to prioritise and manage workflow.
• A strong work ethic.
• A self-starter who is proactive, shows initiative and displays high levels of self-motivation.
• Ability to work and think independently.
• An inquisitive nature and desire to learn.
• Ability to learn new procedures and structures quickly.
• A strong client service orientation.
• An ability to prioritise and handle multiple tasks within strict time frames within a fast paced, pressurised environment.
• Possess a strong capacity for operating in a flexible, dynamic environment where creative and strategic thinking is required.
• High energy levels.

If you do not hear from us within two weeks, please consider your application for this particular vacancy unsuccessful. In this instance, please be assured that we shall retain your application and will be in touch should a suitable opportunity arise in the future.