Job Summary
Afreximbank is establishing African Trade Centres (AATCs) across Global Africa to provide trade services, trade finance, and business facilities that bridge gaps in market information, trade facilitation, and export manufacturing. These trade centers aim to enhance intra- and extra-African trade and drive sustainable economic transformation.
The Manager, African Trade Center Global (Real Estate Development) will lead the planning, development, and execution of Afreximbank Group real estate projects, including trade centers, industrial parks, logistics hubs, and commercial properties. The incumbent will oversee investment strategies, site selection, project financing, and construction execution, ensuring that all developments align with Afreximbank’s objectives and international best practices.
This role involves engaging with government entities, equity investors, developers, and financial institutions to structure trade-enabling real estate projects that support Africa’s economic integration.
Location: African Trade Center Global Headquarters (To be determined)
Key Responsibilities
1. Real Estate Development Strategy & Planning
- Develop and implement a real estate development strategy to expand the African Trade Center Global portfolio.
- Oversee site selection, feasibility studies, and master planning for new trade-related infrastructure projects.
- Ensure alignment with government trade policies, urban planning regulations, and economic development priorities.
- Conduct market research and competitor analysis, evaluating trends in industrial, commercial, and mixed-use real estate to inform development strategies.
2. Project Management & Execution
- Oversee the full real estate development lifecycle, from concept design to construction and asset handover.
- Develop project plans, timelines, and budgets, ensuring completion within scope, schedule, and financial constraints.
- Coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and consultants to uphold quality standards and sustainability principles.
- Supervise permits, zoning approvals, and environmental impact assessments.
- Oversee contract negotiations, procurement processes, and regulatory compliance.
- Implement risk management strategies to mitigate project delays, cost overruns, and construction risks.
- Integrate smart city technologies, digital trade platforms, and sustainable infrastructure into ATC developments.
3. Investment & Financial Structuring
- Identify funding sources and investment models for trade-related real estate projects, including private equity, joint ventures, and development finance institutions (DFIs).
- Prepare investment proposals, financial models, and cost-benefit analyses to evaluate the commercial viability of projects.
- Work with finance teams and external investors to secure funding and manage project cash flows.
- Develop rental revenue models and asset monetization strategies for trade centers, industrial parks, and logistics hubs.
- Optimize land acquisition strategies and lease structures to maximize long-term financial returns.
4. Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Alignment
- Engage with government agencies, urban development authorities, and regulatory bodies to facilitate project approvals.
- Build and maintain relationships with private developers, infrastructure firms, and institutional investors to drive collaboration on ATC projects.
- Collaborate with legal and compliance teams to ensure contractual and regulatory adherence in all real estate transactions.
5. Sustainability & Innovation in Real Estate Development
- Integrate sustainability and green building principles into real estate development projects, ensuring compliance with ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards.
- Oversee the implementation of energy-efficient systems, smart infrastructure, and sustainable urban planning for ATC properties.
6. Team Leadership & Performance Management
- Lead a team of real estate development professionals, project managers, and investment analysts, ensuring operational efficiency and high performance.
- Develop and oversee KPIs for project delivery, asset performance, and investment returns.
- Provide training, mentorship, and capacity-building programs for real estate staff, ensuring continuous professional development.
- Promote cross-functional collaboration with finance, legal, procurement, and trade facilitation teams to support project execution.
7. Other Responsibilities
- Stay updated on emerging trends in real estate development, project financing models, and investment opportunities.
- Provide regular reports and recommendations to senior management and investment committees on real estate expansion strategies.
- Perform other duties as assigned by executive leadership.
Key Competencies & Skills Required
Education & Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Real Estate Development, Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, Property Management, Asset Management, Business Administration, Finance, or a related field.
- Master’s degree in the above fields is preferred.
- Professional certifications in project management, engineering, construction, architecture, or related disciplines are highly desirable.
Experience Requirements
- Minimum 10 years of experience in real estate development, construction management, or infrastructure investment.
- Proven track record in developing large-scale, mixed-use real estate projects.
- Experience in securing project financing and structuring real estate investments.
Technical Skills
- Expertise in construction management, real estate financial modeling, investment analysis, and project valuation.
- Strong knowledge of real estate development regulations, risk management, and compliance standards.
- Proficiency in real estate project management software.
Soft Skills & Leadership Abilities
- Strategic thinking and project management skills, with the ability to lead multi-million-dollar developments.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with experience in structuring high-value real estate transactions.
- Exceptional leadership and stakeholder management abilities, engaging with investors, government bodies, and international trade institutions.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills, with the ability to present complex investment models to senior executives.
Language Proficiency
- Fluency in English is required.
- Proficiency in French, Arabic, Portuguese, or other African languages is an advantage.
Application Process
Interested candidates should submit their CVs to Afreximbank@robertwalters.com, ensuring that the job title is clearly stated in the email subject line for proper consideration.