Head: Strategic Partnerships and Origination (Infrastructure Fund) at Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA)

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Outputs and Unit Management

• Collaborate with the Chief Investment Officer to formulate and implement the strategic partnerships, coverage and origination strategy in line with the vision, strategy, and goals of the Infrastructure Fund.
• Lead the implementation of the plans and process improvements and initiatives for the unit.
• Monitor turnaround times and quality standards and resolve issues speedily with business to enhance service delivery and implement business improvement processes.
• Monitor, evaluate and drive compliance with the respective organisational policies and procedures.
• Manage and oversee the budget for the unit.

Strategic Partnerships and Origination

• Manage the implementation of initiatives to increase the blended finance bankable programmes and projects to drive the highest impact development financing, whilst achieving financial sustainability.
• Lead, initiate and develop new business strategies and opportunities to build a pipeline of development impact projects ensuring deal flow and bankability.
• Lead the pipeline acceptance and approval process by relevant governance structures.
• Oversee client relationships across all stages of IF involvement.
• Drive sustainable advantage over competitors by deepening client relationships by providing innovative value added and strategic products to our key clients.
• Work with the Chief Investment Officer: IF to collaborate with the key strategic partners within the infrastructure delivery ecosystem.
• Partner with ISA to originate projects for infrastructure delivery and maintenance services.
• Work with the Chief Investment Officer: IF, work with National Treasury to profile IF's projects and solicit funding.
• Assist the Chief Investment Officer: IF to formulate and maintain strategic partnerships and enhance the mandate of the IF.
• Collaborate with the Infrastructure Finance Unit, Legal and Project Management to:
• Progress deals to financial close and disbursement.
• Formalise client relationships and contracts for deals originated for the IF.
• Monitor the progression of deals on an ongoing basis.
• Work in tandem with the Project Preparation division to facilitate project preparation, scoping, feasibility studies and business plans to close investment deals.
• Undertake continuous infrastructure research and provide recommendations on significant developments, emerging opportunities, and challenges in areas of responsibility.
• Research and analyse the client's business context, operations and financial performance in search of new opportunities.

Stakeholder Relations and Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships, and networks with external stakeholders, partners, and clients to position IF as the 'go-to' financier for infrastructure development opportunities and to initiative viable programmes and projects.
• Remediate and eliminate partnership obstacles and inefficiencies, through in-depth knowledge of all new products, structured products and services offered by competitors.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, and private businesses to facilitate the identification of opportunities to initiate viable projects.
• Develop annual client plans for key clients in a business unit, including business development forecasts and key initiatives.
• Network and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to enhance the mandate of the IF.

People Management

• Provide direction and management to the direct reports to enable the execution of strategy and manage their portfolios effectively.
• Manage and evaluate the performance of the direct reports against set targets, KPI's and metrics.
• Define, cascade and monitor business and people performance objectives through direct reports.
• Attract, retain, and develop high-calibre talent. Develop and maintain sufficient depth in all critical functions, minimizing "key-man" risk.
• Optimise skills usage within the unit.
• Accountable for performance management of all direct reports, managing their performance in relation to quality standards and agreed benchmarks and objectives, focusing on all aspects of sound people management.
• Develop the skills and abilities of all team members, with the result that they perform to their highest potential and optimize their current and future job performance.
• Proactively support the bank's diversity strategies and initiatives.
• Contribute to building synergies and cooperation across functions in the DBSA.
• Promote DBSA values and a culture of High Performance within the Unit.
• Undertake other tasks as assigned by the line manager, from time to time.

Key Measurements of Outputs

• Value and number of projects originated and approved into the IF pipeline.
• Value and number of projects packaged and submitted for funding consideration for Government contributions for projects / programmes.
• Value and number of project approvals, commitments and disbursements.
• Value and number of projects prepared and committed for IF pipeline.
• Value of private sector funding catalysed for approved projects / programmes.
• Demonstration of thought leadership and a recognised expert in the area of responsibility.
• Partnerships established to promote IF as a leader in infrastructure development and generate deal flow.
• Clean Audit

Expertise & Technical Competencies

Minimum Requirements

• A postgraduate qualification or equivalent in Business, Finance, Engineering or Economics (e.g., CA, CFA, MBA, MSc)
• A minimum of 8 -10 years of demonstrable experience at a senior level in infrastructure deal origination, funding/financing, and development of strategic partnerships, including a minimum of 5 years, senior management experience.
• Knowledge of investment products and services, e.g., balance sheet/corporate loans, project finance structures, early stage/venture investing
• Evidenced experience in strategic planning and management.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the South African financial and regulatory environments within relevant sectors.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure market, financial markets and the macro landscape.
• Seasoned and well-networked 'Relationship Manager' with experience in building strong partnerships with external stakeholders, partners and investors in South Africa and Africa for business benefit.
• Demonstrable experience in identifying client challenges and playing an active part in finding innovative solutions.
• Experienced communicator and negotiator (expertise at senior level).
• Strong negotiation skills with the ability to close deals.
• Proven experience in working with senior stakeholders in highly political environments in South Africa.