Project Preparation Manager

About the role

Afreximbank is recruiting a Project Preparation Manager in Cairo. The role sits within the Bank's project preparation facility, which moves projects from concept to bankability with a focus on intra-African trade, industrialization and export development, and then crowds in private sector funding. The holder works alongside the Client Relations teams, under the support of the Head of Project Preparation, and focuses on Francophone countries.

Key responsibilities

• Take part in drawing up annual business development plans and building a pipeline of viable projects focused on intra-African trade, industrialization and export development.
• Identify and assess project development and investment opportunities based on country and sector strategies and market creation potential.
• Develop prefeasibility and feasibility studies, design new business models, carry out bankability assessments and prepare implementation plans for projects leading to Afreximbank investments.
• Analyse sector data, stress-test operating models and spot trends, technologies and business models that can benefit member countries.
• Design and implement scalable solutions and platforms that can be replicated across markets.
• Supervise regular reports on the project portfolio, tracking milestones and KPIs, and supervise production of such reports.
• Build partnerships with staff, sponsors, clients and external parties, and help build Afreximbank's reputation in project development.
• Work with the Head of Project Preparation to mobilize third-party capital, and occasionally execute investment transactions (due diligence, valuation, financial analysis, structuring, documentation, negotiations).

Required profile

• First degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering or a postgraduate degree or equivalent professional qualification in a relevant field.
• At least 8 years of experience in project and infrastructure finance, with a track record in project development, feasibility studies, financial modelling, advisory and consulting, or deal development and closing.
• Proven hands-on experience in at least one sector such as energy, transport and logistics, healthcare, agro-processing, light manufacturing, heavy industry, ICT, hospitality and tourism.
• Ability to engage directly with senior management of clients, financial and technical partners and senior government officials.
• Willingness to travel extensively and work long hours when required.

Required skills

• Strong written and verbal communication skills in French (mandatory).
• Outstanding analytical and critical thinking skills, with the ability to synthesize complex information and recommend strategic and tactical actions.
• Experience monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects, programs or initiatives.
• Demonstrated leadership, including organizing and managing human resources to reach goals.