Job Opportunities at National Empowerment Fund

Job description

Strategic Leadership of Regional Operations

• Provide strategic leadership to all Regional Offices.

Develop and implement regional investment strategies aligned to:

• NEF Strategic Plan
• Annual Performance Plan (APP)
• Organisational KPIs
• Shareholder priorities
• Government industrial policy transformation objectives
• Drive consistent implementation of investment strategy across all Regional Offices
• Develop regional performance improvement initiatives
• Lead organisational change across Regional Offices. 

Regional Investment Growth

• Drive sustainable investment growth across all provinces
• Ensure sufficient and quality deal flow to meet annual investment targets.
• Monitor pipeline conversion rates and timelines.
• Identify underperforming regions and implement corrective interventions.
• Develop regional business development strategies.
• Ensure equitable distribution of investments nationally.
• Promote investment in rural areas, townships, secondary cities and economically underdeveloped districts.

Business Development

• Provide leadership on regional business development.
• Develop strategic partnerships with Provincial Governments, Municipalities, DFIs, Industry Associations, Business Chambers, Incubators and Enterprise Development programmes
• Promote NEF products nationally.
• Identify emerging investment opportunities.
• Develop regional sector strategies.

Technical Investment Support

• Provide technical guidance to Regional Managers throughout the investment process
• Support deal origination, deal structuring, funding solutions, financial modelling, transaction packaging, pricing as well as risk identification and mitigation
• Provide technical oversight on transactions and assist on complex transactions.
• Support early review committees.
• Mentor Regional Investment Associates and Analysts.

Quality Assurance

• Ensure investment reports submitted by Regional Offices meet NEF standards.
• Review commercial analysis, developmental impact, financial assumptions and financial implications as well as funding structures and investment recommendations.
• Improve investment quality and turnaround times.
• Reduce rework by Funds.
• Ensure consistency of investment recommendations nationally.

Regional Pipeline Management

• Monitor pipeline health nationally.
• Review pipeline ageing, conversion ratios, approval rates, decline trends and turnaround times.
• Implement interventions where required.
• Ensure regional targets are achieved.

Developmental Impact

• Ensure investments maximise the employment creation, black ownership, women ownership, youth ownership, people living with disabilities, rural development, township economy, localisation and industrialisation.
• Promote investments that deliver measurable socio-economic impact.
• Ensure alignment with national transformation priorities. 

Stakeholder Management

• Maintain relationships with Provincial MECs, Municipalities, Development Agencies, Provincial Economic
  Departments, Business Organisations and Industry Associations.
• Represent NEF nationally.
• Resolve regional escalations. 

Performance Management

• Manage Regional Managers
• Monitor performance and drive accountability.
• Develop regional capability.
• Support succession planning.
• Ensure alignment of regional KPIs with organisational objectives. 

Investment Process Improvement

• Drive implementation of Standard Operating Procedures, investment governance, technology adoption, AI-enabled screening, CRM improvements and pipeline management systems.
• Ensure standardised investment practices nationally. 

Governance and Risk

• Ensure regional compliance with Investment Policies, Delegation of Authority, Risk and Governance framework, compliance requirements, monitor audit findings and implement corrective actions.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum 10 years investment experience with at least 5 years in senior management;
• In depth working experience in Development Finance, Corporate Finance, Private Equity, Investment Banking, Commercial Banking and Project Finance fields;
• Extensive experience in transaction structuring, investment committee presentations, financial modelling, business development, portfolio management, regional management, stakeholder engagement and leadership;
• Solid expertise managing geographically dispersed teams.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, Accounting, Economics, Business Management, Engineering, Commerce Investment Management or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., MBA, CA(SA), CFA, Master’s) is advantageous.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

Technical Competencies

• Investment Structuring
• Corporate Finance
• Financial Modelling
• Commercial Analysis
• Risk Assessment
• Development Finance
• Portfolio Management
• Business Development
• Stakeholder Management
• Negotiation
• Performance Management
• Project Management

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Job description

Deal Origination and Investment Execution

• Identify, originate, and structure commercially viable deals aligned with NEF’s mandate in the Eastern Cape.
• Assess new applications for commercial viability and eligibility against NEF’s investment criteria.
• Prepare investment proposals, including financial models, risk analysis, and investment motivations.
• Present deals to NEF Committees (Investment and Credit) for approval.
• Ensure timeous implementation and disbursement of approved transactions within set turnaround times.
• Address Credit Risk queries and Legal structuring matters collaboratively with head office teams.
• Oversee post-approval implementation and handover to Post Investment for monitoring. 

Pipeline Development and Business Growth

• Drive active deal flow generation within the province through stakeholder engagement, outreach, and business development.
• Work with municipalities, provincial departments, DFIs, and business chambers to source viable projects.
• Identify investment opportunities that contribute to job creation and provincial economic growth.
• Maintain a strong and quality pipeline that aligns with NEF’s annual investment and empowerment targets.

Financial Analysis and Modelling

• Develop robust financial models to evaluate project feasibility, profitability, and repayment capacity.
• Conduct sensitivity and scenario analyses to support decision-making.
• Support valuations, pricing, and structuring of funding packages (debt, equity, or blended instruments).
• Provide quantitative and qualitative inputs for investment reports and presentations. 

Regional Leadership and Office Management

• Oversee daily operations of the Eastern Cape Regional Office and ensure compliance with NEF policies.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to the regional analyst and administrator.
• Ensure high-quality deal screening, timely reporting, and effective client communication.
• Manage resources and workflows to meet turnaround time targets and organisational KPIs.
• Foster a results-oriented, collaborative regional team culture aligned with NEF’s core values. 

Stakeholder Management and Representation

• Represent the NEF in provincial stakeholder meetings, investment forums, and development partnerships.
• Coordinate with provincial government, business associations, and local enterprises to promote NEF offerings.
• Ensure alignment of provincial initiatives with NEF’s strategic priorities and transformation objectives.
• Promote NEF’s visibility through outreach programmes, SME workshops, and public engagements.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in investment analysis, deal structuring, or corporate finance.
• Proven experience in SME funding, venture capital, or development finance.
• Strong understanding of financial modelling, valuation, and credit risk analysis.
• Exposure to legal and transaction documentation (Shareholders Agreements, SPAs, etc.).
• Demonstrated ability to originate and close transactions independently.
• Experience engaging with government and development stakeholders preferred.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Investment Management or related field.
• Postgraduate qualification (e.g., Honours, CFA Level 1, MBA) advantageous.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

• Strong deal-making and analytical skills.
• Advanced financial modelling and Excel proficiency.
• Excellent business writing and presentation ability.
• Ability to balance developmental and commercial imperatives.
• Sound judgment, integrity, and decision-making ability.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Ability to lead and inspire a small team.
• Professional maturity and self-motivation 

Attitudes and Behaviour

• Integrity and ethical conduct.
• Results-oriented and deadline-driven.
• Strategic and proactive thinker.
• Client-focused with a developmental mindset.
• Collaborative and adaptable.
• Professional representation of NEF at all times.

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Job description

• Develop and implement integrated public relations strategies that enhance the NEF's reputation and corporate profile.
• Manage media relations, including proactive media engagement, media queries, interview coordination and media monitoring.
• Identify and secure thought leadership and profiling opportunities for the CEO, Board Chairperson and executives.
• Draft media releases, speeches, briefing notes, talking points, opinion pieces and other communication materials.
• Coordinate crisis communication responses in collaboration with the Marketing and Communications Manager.
• Plan, coordinate and deliver corporate events, launches, conferences, stakeholder engagements, exhibitions and internal events.
• Manage event logistics, suppliers, budgets and project plans to ensure successful execution.
• Coordinate sponsorship activations and maximise brand visibility at sponsored events.
• Build and maintain relationships with media, industry stakeholders, government departments and strategic partners.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports evaluating the impact of public relations and events activities.
• Support integrated communication campaigns across traditional, digital and social media platforms.
• Manage appointed PR and event service providers where applicable.
• Ensure all activities comply with the NEF brand identity and corporate communications standards.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum five (5) years' experience in public relations, corporate communications and event management.
• Experience coordinating executive profiling and media engagements.
• Experience planning and delivering corporate events, conferences and stakeholder engagements.
• Experience managing communication service providers and suppliers.
• Experience within government, development finance institutions, public entities or corporate organisations will be an advantage. 

Skills:

• Excellent media relations skills.
• Strong writing, editing and presentation skills.
• Event planning and project management.
• Stakeholder engagement and relationship management.
• Crisis communication.
• Budget management.
• Vendor and supplier management.
• Excellent organisational and coordination skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong interpersonal and negotiation skills.
• Microsoft Office proficiency.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF Level 7) in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Corporate Communications or a related field.
• Postgraduate qualification in Communications, Marketing or Business Management will be an added advantage.
• Professional registration with PRISA or a recognised communications body will be advantageous.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Highly organised with excellent planning abilities.
• Creative and innovative thinker.
• Professional and diplomatic.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Self-motivated and proactive.
• High level of integrity and confidentiality.
• Strong relationship-building skills.
• Team player with the ability to work independently.
• Customer and stakeholder focused.
• Adaptable and solution oriented.

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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.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

Behavioural Competencies

• Relationship building and networking
• Negotiation skills
• Influencing skills
• Political Awareness 

Technical / Functional Competencies

• Financial acumen
• Data Collection and Analysis
• Risk identification and mitigation
• Customer Service Orientation
• Strategic and Innovative Thinking
• Planning and organizing
• Results and solution oriented

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Job description

• Creatively solving problems in a robust and scalable manner.
• Collaborating closely with cross-functional teams to ensure alignment and efficient execution of projects.
• Staying abreast of the latest developments in low-code technology and continuously seeking ways to incorporate these.
• Automation and Machine learning implementations.
• Development of systems required to improve operational efficiencies of the NEF and customer experiences.
• Identify and implement technology solutions aimed at improving business turnaround times.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• At least 3 years’ experience with low-code platforms (Power Platform, Model Driven & Canvas app development and/or Dynamics365)
• Knowledge of Microsoft programming languages and database. (Microsoft SQL, C#, MVC, Power Platform, BI etc.)
• Traditional programming experience such as html, JavaScript, C#, python and associated frameworks.
• Experience in implementing automation and workflow solutions.
• Dynamics CRM or F&O experience is advantageous.
• Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) and testing methodology knowledge.

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree (NQF 7) in one of the following: Computer Science, Information Technology, Software Engineering, Information Systems Electronic Engineering (Software) Computer Science. 

         OR

• National Diploma / Advanced Diploma (NQF 6/7) with significant Microsoft development experience (at least 5 years).

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with team members and stakeholders.
• Ability to quickly prototype and demonstrate solutions.
• Service orientation.
• Guide and mentor team members on the use of methodologies and tools.
• Embrace ongoing learning in emerging technologies and business practices.