Project Developer – Manufacturing, Agro-Industries, Services at IDC

Synopsis

• To participate in the identification and development of projects through the Project Development Life Cycle to achieve the IDC’s strategic objectives and contribute to industry development goals.
• This role requires a candidate with formal Agricultural/Engineering/Financial related qualifications and experience in the Agro-Industries and Manufacturing sector. The successful candidate will also be expected to develop projects across sectors.
• The role requires experience in project development and not project management per se. The role is to originate, assess, structure and progress strategic industrial development projects through the Project Development Life Cycle, from concept and scoping to feasibility, funding approval and pre-implementation, in support of IDC’s developmental, financial and industrialisation objectives. The role requires strong techno-economic, commercial and stakeholder management capability, with a focus on developing bankable projects across Manufacturing, Agro-Industries and Services.
• In addition to the relevant technical/business qualifications, candidates will be required to have conducted techno-economic assessments and evaluations of projects, as opposed to experience being limited to a technical nature.

Job Description

Project Development:

• Techno-economic assessments.
•  Feasibility study development and review.
•  Financial modelling interpretation.
•  Business case preparation.
• Project finance and funding structures.
• Strategic equity partner identification.
• Development impact assessment.
• Industrial sector knowledge.

Financial / Shareholder Returns

• Optimal structuring of projects utilizing project finance principles and IDC's financing instruments.
• Ensure that all projects are developed and structured in such a way to facilitate inclusive development and maximize IDC developmental and financial outcomes.

Internal / Operational Processes

• To participate in specific projects during the different phases of Project Development (idea generation, project scoping, pre-feasibility study, bankable feasibility study, financing and pre-implementation)
• To participate in the evaluation of projects at every Decision Gate of the Project Development Life Cycle
• Proactive identification of project opportunities to build the pipeline
• Assessment of external project applications
• Ensure that projects are aligned with the strategic objectives of the unit and will contribute to meeting the Unit’s objectives and project milestones
• Identify risks (including during implementation) and defining mitigation plans to minimise these risks
• Monitor and manage project development to ensure it is implemented correctly, according to plan and within budgetQuality control of projects, implemented correctly to contribute to SBU’s strategic objectives and ensure clients meet financial obligations to IDC etc.
• Provide inputs and prepare comprehensive funding reports to internal committees for decision making during the project development phases.
• Account Management functions relating to projects such as disbursements, clearing of conditions precedent, etc.
• Review and provide inputs to project development legal agreements.

Customer Focus & Stakeholder Management

• Building influential and sustainable relationships with strategic partners to assist the unit in achieving strategic objectives.
• Participating in project-specific steering committees
• Establishing and maintaining effective networks to source business, build industry links and build IDC brand awareness.
• Effectively interacting with different internal Strategic Business Units and departments to fulfil the process requirements related to any specific project.
• Managing and enhancing the levels of service and communication to ensure the provision of client service excellence.

Learning, Leadership & People Growth

• Driving and managing own development to enhance own competencies
• Participating in knowledge sharing in the team and cross functionally

Qualification and Experience

QUALIFICATIONS 

Minimum qualification:

• Relevant degree in Engineering, Agriculture, Finance, Economics, Development Finance, Business, Commerce or a related technical/commercial field.
• An Honours degree or postgraduate qualification in Engineering, Finance, Development Finance, Business Administration, Project Finance or related field would be advantageous.
• Additional commercial, financial modelling, project finance or sector-specific qualifications would be beneficial.

KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• 5-8 years related experience of which 3-4 years should be in Project development.
• Previous experience managing project scope, execution and scheduling for multiple development projects.
• Understanding and application of corporate management and structuring processes.
• Understanding and application of project development, project management and project finance.
• Experience in interpretation of financial statements.
• Knowledge of the market environment and technology landscape.
• Knowledge of financing instruments.
• Understand and review models of proposed financial structures
• Demonstrated experience in developing or assessing feasibility studies, business cases and investment proposals.
• Ability to interpret technical studies, market assessments, financial models and risk registers.
• Experience in structuring development-stage projects for funding readiness.
• Understanding of project finance principles, blended finance, grants and development funding instruments.
• Ability to assess commercial viability, developmental impact, implementation readiness and bankability.
• Experience engaging with sponsors, technical advisors, strategic equity partners, government stakeholders and co-funders.
• Exposure to Manufacturing, Agro-Industries, Services, infrastructure, industrialisation or beneficiation-related projects.

Roles and Responsibilities

TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES

• Project development skills
• Financial acumen
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Stakeholder management and customer focus
• Report writing skills
• Sector specific technical knowledge

Roles and Responsibilities (cont.)

BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES

• Presentation and communication skills
• Negotiation skills
• Relationship Building and Networking skills
• Persuading and Influencing skills