Job Summary
The Director, Export Development Finance and Advisory will be responsible for leading the Bank’s Export Development Finance and Advisory business segment, acting as the custodian of export-related project financing solutions, programs, and initiatives. The role provides specialist expertise in structuring transactions and supporting the Bank’s industrialization and export development strategies across Africa.
The ideal candidate should have strong expertise in export finance, industrial development, project structuring, and strategic advisory services, with experience in engaging with governments, financial institutions, and development agencies.
Key Responsibilities
Export-Related Project Financing & Special Programs
- Drive the financing and implementation of projects/programs related to:
- Light Manufacturing (Textiles, Pharmaceuticals, White Goods Manufacturing)
- Industrial Platforms (Industrial Parks, Export Processing Zones, Special Economic Zones)
- Service Exports (Tourism, Hospitality, Healthcare Services, etc.)
- Agro-processing and Agro-Allied Industries
- Oversee the structuring and completion of export-related projects and transactions across Afreximbank’s member countries.
- Manage and expand the coverage of Afreximbank’s flagship export financing programs, including:
- Health and Medical Tourism Program (HMTP)
- Export Agriculture for Food Security (ExAFS)
- African Textile Renaissance Initiative (ATRI)
- Africa Commodities Initiative (AFRICOIN 2.0)
- Provide insights into the developmental impact of Afreximbank’s industrialization and export development strategies, including their contribution to:
- GDP growth
- Job creation
- Poverty reduction
- Export diversification
Export Advisory & Policy Development
- Support national governments and export development agencies in designing and implementing national export development and industrialization programs.
- Develop advisory services for national industrialization policies, enabling African countries to create competitive export-oriented industries.
- Design market access facilitation strategies, including business matchmaking between African manufacturers and global buyers.
- Lead the execution of export diversification advisory mandates, supporting African states and organizations in their industrialization efforts.
- Forge strategic international partnerships to mobilize financing and technical assistance for African SMEs and corporates seeking to integrate into regional and global value chains.
Capacity Building & Institutional Strengthening
- Develop and implement capacity-building programs for African enterprises, enabling them to meet international trade standards in:
- Product quality
- Branding & packaging
- Corporate governance & financial management
- Lead lobbying efforts with African governments, Regional Economic Communities (RECs), and other stakeholders to foster supportive macroeconomic policies and regulatory frameworks for industrialization and export growth.
Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure adherence to Afreximbank’s AML, Regulatory, and Conduct Compliance policies, including:
- Anti-Money Laundering (AML) & Counter-Terrorism Financing
- Conflicts of Interest Policies
- Anti-Bribery & Corruption (ABC) Guidelines
- Insider Trading & Conduct Policies
- Report any suspicious or non-compliant activities to the Compliance Department.
- Complete the Annual Compliance Training & Assessment.
- Work closely with the Compliance team to ensure full compliance with country-specific regulations.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
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Education:
- Master’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, Banking, Finance, or a related field from a recognized university.
- A recognized postgraduate professional qualification in banking may be accepted in lieu of a master’s degree.
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Experience:
- Minimum 15 years of experience in structured trade finance, export development, industrialization, and project financing.
- Familiarity with the major export development finance products offered by DFIs, commercial banks, and trade finance institutions.
- Strong knowledge of African industrial policies, trade development strategies, and export promotion frameworks.
- Extensive experience interacting with senior officials of banks, corporates, governments, and development finance partners.
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Technical Skills & Knowledge:
- In-depth understanding of trade finance instruments, structured finance, and risk management frameworks.
- Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities.
- Proficiency in financial modeling, investment structuring, and economic impact assessments.
- Excellent leadership, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.
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Soft Skills:
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English (knowledge of French, Arabic, or Portuguese is an added advantage).
- Ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive strategic initiatives.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship management skills, with the ability to engage with high-level stakeholders.
- Innovative and solution-oriented mindset, with a commitment to Afreximbank’s mandate for African trade and industrialization.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com with the job title “Director, Export Development Finance and Advisory” clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.