Job Summary
The Head, Structured Debt & Balance Sheet Optimisation will lead the development and execution of structured debt solutions and balance sheet optimisation strategies. This includes creating innovative instruments such as repacks and secondary transfer structures to support Afreximbank’s strategic goals in trade finance, financial sustainability, and private sector mobilisation.
The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in structured credit placement, securitisation, risk mitigation, and balance sheet optimisation, particularly in development finance or investment banking settings.
Key Responsibilities
Structured Debt Origination & Execution
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Lead origination, structuring, and placement of innovative structured debt transactions, including repackaged assets, securitisation, and other credit solutions.
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Mobilise institutional and alternative debt investors such as pension funds, insurance firms, asset managers, and DFIs.
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Establish and manage investment ecosystems/platforms to facilitate access to private debt funding for African trade and development.
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Oversee deal execution from structuring through to investor onboarding and transaction close.
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Manage relationships with trustees, placement agents, and payment agencies to meet ongoing investor requirements.
Balance Sheet Optimisation & Risk Solutions
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Design and implement strategic balance sheet optimisation initiatives, including:
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Captives
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High-impact, low-probability risk solutions
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Enhanced callable resources
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Risk mitigation-linked securities
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Develop and manage a robust pool of risk mitigation partners, including insurers and reinsurers.
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Lead implementation of insurance and guarantee structures to support transaction creditworthiness.
Stakeholder Engagement & Market Development
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Act as specialised finance champion, identifying and developing new business opportunities in structured finance.
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Manage relationships with investors, industry associations, and thought leadership organisations.
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Promote Afreximbank’s Exim-plus strategy by supporting the adoption of specialised finance tools across Africa.
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Coordinate closely with internal teams including Legal, Risk, Origination, and Banking Operations to support deal flow.
Thought Leadership & Team Development
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Share insights and drive internal awareness of structured debt and optimisation trends.
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Coach and mentor junior colleagues, supporting knowledge transfer and skills development across the team.
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Deliver technical guidance across departments and represent the Bank in relevant industry fora.
Minimum Qualifications & Experience
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Education:
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Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Banking, or Management.
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A professional qualification in International Trade Finance, Risk Management, or Accounting is an advantage.
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Experience:
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Minimum 12 years in structured finance, investment banking, or development finance, with:
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At least 5 years in structured credit design and placement.
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Demonstrated success in securitisation, private debt mobilisation, and risk mitigation.
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Knowledge of global and African capital markets, private credit, and credit insurance instruments.
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Experience working with DFIs, ECAs, and risk solution providers.
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Proven ability to win and close mandates with minimal supervision.
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Key Competencies
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Subject matter expert in structured finance, asset packaging, and balance sheet management.
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Advanced leadership in strategic planning, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
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Strong financial modelling and deal structuring capabilities.
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Excellent stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, particularly with senior institutional investors.
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Ability to function in multicultural, high-performance environments with extensive travel.
Behavioural Attributes
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Passion for Africa’s development and private sector transformation.
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Integrity, flexibility, innovation, and excellence.
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Teamwork, professionalism, and responsiveness.
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Respect for diversity and inclusion.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com with the job title “Head, Guarantees & Specialised Finance (Structured Debt & Balance Sheet Optimisation)” clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.