Chief Investment Officer

African Development Bank

The African Development Bank (AfDB) is a premier pan-African development institution promoting economic growth and social progress across the continent.

With 81 member states, including 54 in Africa, the Bank delivers financial and technical support for transformative projects reducing poverty through inclusive and sustainable economic growth.

The Bank's Ten-Year Strategy (2024–2033) focuses on five major areas:

High 5s

1. Energy

2. Agro-business

3. Industrialization

4. Integration

5. Improving quality of life for people of Africa

The Vice Presidency for Agriculture, Human, and Social Development is a sector complex focusing on two High 5s priorities: 'Feed Africa' and 'Improve Quality of Life for the People of Africa.'

The Agriculture Finance and Rural Development Department works with the private and financial sector to transform value chains, addressing food security and boosting economic growth in Africa.

The Department has two divisions:

Agriculture and Rural Finance Division (AHFR.1)

• Works with the private and financial sector to transform value chains

• Identifies opportunities for long-term investments to address food security and boost economic growth in Africa

Rural Infrastructure Development Division (AHFR.2)

• Develops and implements sector development support programs

The position of Chief Investment Officer is being recruited to originate, develop, lead due diligence up to Board Directors approval, financial closure, and first disbursement of private sector transactions in the agribusiness and rural finance space.

The successful candidate will be responsible for:

Project Development and Processing

• Liaise and coordinate with other Investment Officers and Bank staff in business development and origination of a good quality investment pipeline

• Proactively identify potential investment partners and opportunities

• Assess attractiveness of specific investment opportunities with a strong focus on credit quality and development impact

• Execute loan, equity, quasi-equity, guarantee, and risk management instrument financings

Design Specific Innovative Transactions, Projects, and Initiatives

• Undertake work on aspects of investments and agricultural/agribusiness development

• Evaluate, structure, negotiate, and close new transactions

External Liaison and Knowledge Sharing

• Contribute to documentation of lessons learned from investment operations

• Participate in and contribute to information and experience sharing sessions

• Provide technical leadership and support to knowledge and lesson sharing approaches

Policy and Project Evaluation

• Provide input and comments on projects, policy, and other papers related to respective sector operations and development

Strategy, Planning, and Reporting

• Participate in relevant teams for planning and programming purposes

• Contribute to and coordinate investment inputs development of strategies at regional level

The ideal candidate should have a Master's degree in Business Administration, Finance, or a relevant field, and at least seven years of professional experience in corporate/project finance, investment banking, consulting, or private equity/venture capital with specific experience in Africa.

Competencies include business development, structuring and negotiating deals, strong analytical and financial structuring skills, sound business judgment, and ability to initiate and interact effectively with C-suite executives and senior government officials.

Excellent problem-solving capabilities, organizational, administrative, and time management skills, proven ability to work under pressure, willingness to travel extensively, and geographic flexibility are also required.

Fluency in English or French, with a good working knowledge of the other language, is necessary, as well as competence in Microsoft Office applications.