Chief Executive Officer at KZN Growth Fund

Overview

• The CEO role at the KZN Growth Fund presents a unique opportunity to lead the charge in reversing enduring legacies of apartheid and addressing socio-economic challenges in South Africa. As the head of KZN Growth Fund, the CEO will play a pivotal role in implementing strategies outlined in the KZN Economic Reconstruction and Recovery Plan. With a focus on promoting Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) legislation and supporting small and medium businesses, particularly those led by Black Industrialists, the CEO will spearhead initiatives to foster economic growth and job creation.
• The ideal candidate for this CEO position will possess a deep understanding of developmental finance, economic policy, and business leadership. They will be tasked with accelerating equity investments in strategic black industrialist-led projects, aligning with government objectives outlined in Provincial Growth and Development Plans. Additionally, the CEO will prioritize support for businesses in townships, rural areas, and those owned by people with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity and equitable economic participation.
• The CEO of the KZN Growth Fund will be instrumental in driving forward the mission of the organisation, promoting sustainable development, and creating meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and communities across KZN. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead transformative change and contribute to building a more equitable and prosperous future for South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic responsibilities:

Drive Inclusive Economic Growth:

• Identify and invest in projects with high potential for sustainable job creation, rural and township economic development, and poverty alleviation in alignment with provincial goals.

Enhance Human Resource Development:

• Facilitate internships and skills development programs to enhance youth and adult skills, preparing them for future employment opportunities and contributing to economic growth.

Promote Environmental Sustainability:

• Ensure funded projects adhere to Equator Principles and environmental regulations, supporting alternative energy generation and sustainable practices to mitigate climate change.

Maintain Governance and Policy Compliance:

• Uphold good corporate governance standards, adhering to the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) and King IV principles, striving for a consistent favourable audit record.

Align with Provincial Strategic Goals:

• Strategically invest in projects aligned with EDTEA's strategic objectives, focusing on inclusive economic growth, sustainable tourism development, environmental conservation, and institutional excellence.
• Through strategic investments and adherence to governance standards, the KZN GROWTH FUND CEO will play a pivotal role in driving economic transformation, fostering environmental sustainability, and promoting inclusive growth in KwaZulu-Natal.

Operational responsibilities:

Financial Results:

• Deliver financial results as outlined in the Annual Performance Plan (APP).
• Ensure the implementation of processes and systems that lead to unqualified audits.

Customer and Marketing Results:

• Manage shareholder relationships effectively to uphold the image of the KZN GROWTH FUND as a responsive organisation with high levels of professionalism, both to clients and the public.

Internal Process Results:

• Ensure legal compliance and best practices throughout the KZN GROWTH FUND value chain, particularly in the investment process, due diligence, risk management, etc.
• Improve the KZN Growth Fund's performance on the BBBEE scorecard significantly.

People Results:

• Foster a high-performance culture through effective performance management processes and ethical leadership.
• Position the KZN Growth Fund as an employer of choice.

Job-Related Knowledge and Skills

• In-depth understanding of Financial Services and Developmental Finance Institutions sectors, and sound knowledge of industrialisation and government economic policy.
• Extensive experience in development finance, corporate finance, and business banking or a relevant financial environment.
• Strong financial acumen and commercial astuteness at a strategic level coupled with sound business judgment.
• Strong leadership skills, leading by example and demonstrating leadership with the ability to inspire confidence and develop excellent relations with all stakeholders.
• Passion for world-class delivery, and an understanding of, and an appreciation of the need for development funding and how to balance the economic and socio-political variables, coupled with politically savvy.
• Working knowledge of the NEF Act, PFMA, and other related legislation.
• Unquestionable Integrity with the ability to inspire confidence and develop excellent relations with all stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience

• Minimum: A relevant Master’s Degree/MBA/MBL/MDevFin/CA (SA) or equivalent.
• A minimum of 10 years of relevant experience, with at least 5 years in an executive role that reported to a CEO or Head of an Institution directly.

Competencies

Cognitive Competencies:

• Collaboration, Relationship Building, and Networking
• Strategic Thinking
• Planning and Action Orientation
• Sound Judgement and Decision Making
• Resilience and Complex Issue Resolution
• Commercial and Financial Acumen
• Strong Industry Networks

Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Competencies:

• Excellence and Quality Orientation
• Ethical Judgement
• Resilience and Stress Management
• Drive and Results Orientation
• Time and Self-Management
• Relationship Building Skills
• Interpersonal Agility
• Teamwork Collaboration
• High level of emotional intelligence

Communication Competencies:

• Mastery in Verbal and Written Communication

Functional Competencies:

• Commercial and Financial Acumen
• Organizational Awareness
• Process and Technological Competence
• Business Leadership
• Understanding of Shareholder Requirements
• Knowledge of Corporate Governance Principles