ESD and Third-Party Specialist at National Empowerment Fund

Job description

Fund/Capital Raising

• Design and execute strategies for raising funds from various sources including banks, private equity firms, venture capitalists, government grants and other sources.
• Identify and tap potential funding sources, maintaining a robust pipeline of funding opportunities.
• Develop and present compelling funding proposals tailored to the interests and requirements of potential funders. 

Stakeholder Management and Pipeline Cultivation

• Build and manage relationships with potential funders to sustain a strong funding opportunities pipeline.
• Monitor market trends, funding sources and emerging financial opportunities to optimize fundraising approaches.
• Identify networking and sector opportunities for pipeline including conferences from Public and Private sector.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with capital providers to ensure an ongoing and positive engagement.
• Regularly communicate with funders, providing updates on the organisation’s performance and the utilization of funds.
• Attend to queries and meeting in line with partner agreements.
• Provide reports in line with the reporting metrics and set timelines, and update committees on partnerships progress.
• Engage with Internal and external stakeholders to collate information for adequate reporting. 

Performance Targets

• Set and drive ambitious targets for capital raised, deal closure, and ongoing funder relationship management.
• Monitor and report on progress, providing insights and strategic recommendations to senior management for continuous improvement.
• Supporting NEF’s long- term financial sustainability by spreading risks through partnerships and increase NEF’s ability to offer custom-made financing solutions to meet our clients’ investment needs.
• Custodianship of the third-party funds.
• Assist in the development of management tools to monitor partnerships/relationships with stakeholders.
• Assist in assessment and evaluation of the outcome of partnerships. 

Financial Management

• Build and manage co‑funding partnerships to expand access to finance for black‑owned enterprises, support women and youth participation, drive job creation, strengthen township and rural economies, and promote sustainable black economic empowerment nationwide.
• Assist with optimising the balance of financial and development returns on programme management.
• Together with team-members, increase pool of external funds to leverage NEF balance sheet and resources.
• Assist in optimising NEF pricing through blended finance from third parties.
• Efficacy in approval and disbursement of funds.
• Effective fund structuring and portfolio management to achieve financial and development objectives of funds. 

Customer Focus

• Build influential relationships, networks and collaborate with internal and external key stakeholders and clients to position the NEF as the partner of choice for third party funds and ensure that the NEF’s product offerings and expertise are optimally utilised.
• Retain and manage relationships with a wide network of professional advisors, consultants, etc.
• Manage and enhance the levels of service and communication to ensure the provision of client service excellence.
• Build and sustain national stakeholder relationships to enhance and promote a strong, professional image of the NEF, including collaboration with the Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (dtic) where required. 

Corporate Strategy

• Assist in the audit preparations of the NEF’s annual B-BBEE rating, including providing an internal score.
• Advise internal B-BBEE elements custodians on compliance queries.
• Assist with B-BBEE related policy formulation and implementation process.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• 5 years’ experience in funds or funding partnership.
• Proficiency in valuation techniques, and risk analysis.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to craft persuasive funding proposals and deliver impactful presentations.
• Strong negotiation skills and a keen understanding of legal and contractual aspects related to fundraising and deal structuring.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with diverse stakeholders, including capital providers and internal teams.
• Experience in development issues.
• Strong customer focus and ability to engage effectively with senior officials of banks, corporates and governments.
• Experience working in a high-level collaborative and culturally diverse environment.
• Ability to manage multiple competing priorities while building effective relationships.
• Extremely organized and persistent, with drive and determination to achieve goals.
• Extensive experience B-BBEE verification/ rating service.
• Extensive knowledge of the BEE Act, Codes of Good Practice, sector charters and PPPFA.

Qualification Requirements

• Minimum of Bachelor’s Degree in Finance or Economics, or related field.
• Post graduate degrees such as Masters in the same field, CA (SA), certifications such as CFA would be advantageous.