Open Roles at National Empowerment Fund

Job description

Business development/ transaction origination

• Support business development initiatives. Develop and maintain clients network and relationships.
  • Develop and maintain client portfolio to source transactions.
  • Consult with BEE groups, intermediaries, lending institutions and other stakeholders.
  • Explore opportunities for new investments through networking.
  • Actively participate in business development initiatives.
  • Contribute to the development of a business development strategy.
  • Start to build networks within BEE market.
  • On deal flow start to build reputation as an acknowledged/successful deal maker.

Transaction execution

• Applies standard project management skills of resource utilization, process management independently but still need advice / assistance on deal structuring techniques and negotiation skills.
  • Mobilize, coordinate and guide internal and external resources to appraise project/deals.
  • Manage and influence internal decision making and project processes to obtain investment approval.
  • Develop a broad knowledge of (of corporate finance/private equity macro environment, sector, specific transaction) to support team in identifying and recommending appropriate mitigation measures on key risk issues.
  • Partake in due diligence exercises, using approved processes and principles as outlined in the due diligence scope.
  • With assistance recommend, develop, negotiate innovative/optimum/appropriate finance and legal structures for each investment deal ensuring long term sustainability/ viability of the project to the benefit of the client and the NEF.
  • With assistance utilize knowledge of project deal structuring in compiling paralegal documents such as term sheets.
  • With assistance support negotiate with clients/co-financiers on an acceptable deal / project structure financial terms, security to ensure successful deal closure.
  • With support oversee the finalization of legal agreements pertaining to the transaction/project.

Minimum requirements

Qualifications

• Graduate degree, preferably a BCom Accounting, CA, CFA or equivalent

Experience/Skills required

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience
• Deal structuring
• Project management
• A generalist in area in corporate finance with some experience in private equity

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

Cognitive Competencies

• Analysis and Attention to Detail
• Conceptual / Big Picture Thinking
• Creative / Innovation
• Focus & Sustained Attention
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Problem Solving & Learning Agility

Intrapersonal Competencies

• Assertiveness
• Drive and Result Orientation
• Decisiveness & Action Orientation
• Ethical Judgement
• Excellent / Quality Orientation
• Resilience and Stress Management
• Rule Orientation
• Time and Self- Management
• Objectivity

Interpersonal Competencies

• Building Relationships
• Customer Service Orientation
• Engaging Diversity
• Interpersonal Agility
• Teamwork

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Job description

• To provide prompt and sound legal advice and support to the NEF in particular the Fund Management Division.
• Form part of the investment team and consult regularly with team on proposed structure and developments and legal implications thereof.
• Attend due diligence assessment relating to NEF’s investments.
• Performing legal due diligence assessment on deals.
• Identify legal risks and recommend mitigation methods for the risks relating to NEF’s investments.
• Provide legal input to submission papers prepared for Investment Committee(s).
• Drafting, vetting and negotiating a range of commercial agreements e.g. loan agreements, sale of shares, sale of business, security documents etc. in line with NEF’s funding terms and conditions.
• Ensure agreements are legally accurate and in accordance with the term sheet and Investment Committee approval.
• Ensure agreements are in line with latest legal developments.
• Manage costs/budget for work carried out externally.

Minimum requirements

Qualification Requirements

• LLB – admitted attorney with at least 3 years post article experience. 
• At least 3 – 5 years job related corporate and commercial law and banking and finance principles. 
• Working knowledge of various computer programmes including Power Point, MS Word, Excel and Outlook. 
• In depth knowledge of laws and legal processes in respect of NEF core business (primarily relating to Corporate Finance, Structured Finance and Investment Banking). 
• Working knowledge of other areas of law e.g. Tax, Companies Act, Insolvency, Labour Law. 
• Experience in legal due diligence. 
• Working knowledge of finance.

Experience / Skills Required

• Ability to work on your own and within a team.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Highly effective communication skills – both written and verbal.
• Attention to detail.
• Articulate and detail conscious. 
• Negotiation skills. 
• Strong decision making and problem-solving skills. 
• Legal drafting skills. 
• Professional and courteous to all clients (internal and external). 
• Accuracy in preparing legal documentation. 
• Ability to advice on legal issues related to NEF business. 
• Ability to convey legal opinion and argue legally.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

• Self-motivated. 
• High leadership qualities. 
• Strong sense of initiative. 
• Strong communication. 
• Efficient presentation skills. 
• High sense of analysis and judgement. 
• Integrity.

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Job description

• Source deals, assess their viability and prepare submission report to the credit committee, 
• Prepare submission to relevant committee for Due Diligence approval, 
• Compile a Due Diligence work plan, negotiate a lending project term sheet and structure the deal to meet the client requirements, all under the supervision of the Investment Principal, 
• Post DD approval conduct technical research and provide input on the deal structure, 
• Maintain responsibility of the transaction, preparation of project appraisal to risk, 
• Leverage funding structure that suits the client and minimises the NEF exposure, 
• Operate as the transactions leader and maintain accountability for managing all aspects of converting a transaction from application to final approval, 
• Establish and manage relationships with clients, financial institutions, sector players and other counterparties for originating and sourcing of the deals, 
• Product development: establish innovative structured finance solutions for clients, 
• Analyse financial outcomes, define pricing strategy and development impact, 
• Manage the funding process in conjunction with the legal and post investment department, 
• Negotiate documentation or legal terms with all related internal and external stakeholders, 
• Undertake the collection of project documents once the deal is approved by respective committees, 
• Ensure the communication reaches the client once the deal is approved.

Minimum requirements

Qualification

• B. Com Degree (Finance, Accounting, Agricultural Economics, Business Economics); 
• Deal structuring and implementation; 
• Financial modelling and Business valuation methodologies. 

Preferred 

• CA and/or MBA with agriculture/acquisition transaction background

Experience / Skills Required

• Deal origination to source quality deals, 
• Network building and use of professional relationship to yield a flow of quality leads, • Minimum of 5 years’ experience in deal making environment, 
• PC literacy and competency in Excel spreadsheet, MS Word and MS PowerPoint, 
• Understanding of NEF mandate and investment guidelines, 
• Should possess good analytical and modelling skills and be able to apply NEF’s financial modelling methodologies, 
• Business development and marketing of Rural, Township and Community Development Fund products. 
• Should possess amongst other the following skills in order to be able to conduct due diligence exercise: 
• Accounting and/or auditing, law, tax; 
• Should be able to gather data from all relevant sources, including industry experts; 
• Be able to communicate at all levels and use interviews to gather data necessary in compiling investment reports; 
• Have good writing skills; 
• Be able to identify risks and recommend relevant risk mitigants; 
• Understanding of various investment instruments and be able to structure deals and to apply them in relevant investment circumstances; 
• Ability to negotiate terms and conditions of investment to minimize risk in each transaction; 
• Communication and presentation skills to present investment reports to various committees for approval.

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Job description

Research, analysis and preparing research reports

• Conduct research and gather data using reliable sources of information.
• Analyse and prepare reports on findings and make recommendations.
• Contribute to the development of a business development strategy when required for the portfolio companies;
• Develop a broad knowledge (of corporate finance / private equity macro environment, sector, specific transaction) to support team in identifying and recommending appropriate mitigation measures on key risk issues for portfolio companies;

Report Writing

• Evaluation of new deals from Pre-Investment for potential investment and prepare the early review report or decline within.
• Perform desktop financial and commercial assessment and provide recommendations and comments to Investment Associates.
• Analyse, compile and report on market information on a deal-by-deal basis.

Financial modelling and preparing of financial analysis

• Building financial models according to NEF financial modelling methodologies standard models
• Provide comprehensive financial analysis through the use of approved financial modelling for existing portfolio companies;
• Analysing financial information relating to specific companies, e.g. company results, profit and loss, balance sheet and cash flow statements to determine the commercial viability of portfolio companies;
• Consider the economic implications which might affect the performance of portfolio companies;
• For additional funding and or restructure, partake in due diligence exercises at the request of the team member, using approved processes and principles as outlined in the due diligence scope;
• Provide commentary on innovative / optimum / appropriate finance and legal structures for each investment deal ensuring long term sustainability / viability of the project to the benefit of the client and the NEF;
• Analysing equity valuations of portfolio companies semi-annually;
• Annual site visits to investee portfolio companies;
• Early identification / flagging of potential areas of defaulting clients.

Minimum requirements

Qualifications

• B. Com: Business Finance / Accounting
• Degree in Mathematics or similar field

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum 2 years financial analysis or similar experience.
• Perform financial and commercial assessment and provide recommendation and comments to associates.
• Financial Modelling tools
• Project Management
• MS Office Suite i.e. PowerPoint, Excel, Word

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

Cognitive Competencies

• Analysis and Attention to Detail 
• Conceptual / Big Picture Thinking 
• Creative / Innovation 
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Problem Solving & Learning Agility 

Intrapersonal Competencies

• Assertiveness 
• Drive and Result Orientation 
• Decisiveness & Action Orientation
• Ethical Judgement 
• Excellent / Quality Orientation 
• Resilience and Stress Management 
• Rule Orientation 
• Time and Self- Management 
• Objectivity 

Functional Competencies

• Assertiveness 
• Drive and Result Orientation 
• Excellent / Quality Orientation 
• Resilience and Stress Management 
• Time and Self- Management 
• Objectivity

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Job description

Business Development / Transaction Origination

• Pro-actively develop business development strategies and pursue new business development through excellent understanding of market and stakeholder networks;
• Identifies lucrative market opportunities through an excellent understanding and interpretation of sector analyses, including market structure, supply and demand aspects, competitor environment, and gap analysis and taking actions accordingly;
• Actively participate in formulating, developing and implementing the business development strategy to generate new investment opportunities in the South African BEE financing market;
• Engage in the activities and efforts required for the implementation of the business development plan;
• Conduct business development in response to new markets, products and clients;
• Develop strategic relationships with financial institutions, corporate finance advisors, other intermediaries and BEE groups;
• Participate and represent the NEF at investment conferences and roundtable discussions;
• Engage in activities that ensure the investment initiatives are in support of broader South African economic development strategies and/or government BEE strategies.

Transaction Execution

Act independently in all spheres of project management, expert in deal making, structuring and negotiations. Acknowledged as a very experienced deal maker/ transactor both within and outside of the NEF

• Mobilize, coordinate and guide internal and external resources to appraise transactions/project/applications;
• Manage and influence internal decision making and transaction processes to obtain investment approval;
• Utilize expert knowledge (of BEE market, financial market, macro-economic environment sector) as to support, lead tea in identifying and suggesting/recommending appropriate mitigation measures on key risk issues;
• Conduct comprehensive due diligence investigations on approved transactions by providing input on scoping and partaking in due diligence exercises with minimal support;
• Recommend, develop, negotiate innovative/optimum/appropriate finance and legal structures for each investment deal ensuring long term sustainability/viability of the project to the benefit of the client and NEF;
• Provide advice, guidance to legal department on the commercial terms in the preparation of legal documentation;
• Negotiate with clients/co-financiers on an acceptable deal structure, financial terms, security package to ensure successful deal closure incorporate and writing reports;
• Ensure the timeous execution of legal documents in accordance with approved term sheets;
• Acknowledged reputation within the NEF and externally based on successful deal closure and expertise
• Act as a mentor to Investment Associates and Investment Analysts;
• Oversees and manages the implementation of projects through timeous disbursements paid out to the satisfaction of the client;
• Lead and conclude own deals while supporting the Investment Associates on their own deals and Investment Analysts;
• Provides expertise on structures recommended to FMTPFC by Investment Associates and Analysts;
• Pro-actively identifies potential areas of non-compliance, increased risk and set-up/initiate an action programme accordingly.

Deal Sustainability / Risk Management / Portfolio Management

Responsible for surveillance, compliance, pro-actively anticipates and implements corrective actions, lead discussions in negotiating possible solutions

• Collaboration will all other NEF business units/Funds for the lessons learned and for such lessons learned to be applied on deals and guide the team on the same;
• Structure transactions to ensure quality deals are banked, lower impairments, improve investments collections/exists and do not result in write offs;
• Makes recommendations on effective solutions to sustain client relationships in the event of a default without causing a dilution in the asset value of the NEF;
• Represents the NEF on Boards of Directors of selected investee companies.

Minimum requirements

Qualification

• BCom degree in Finance/ Accounting
• Post Grad added advantage

Experience / Skills Required

• 5 years similar experience in private equity/project finance/structured finance
• Deal structuring
• Project management

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

Cognitive Competencies

• Analysis and Attention to Detail
• Focus & Sustained Attention
• Judgement and Decision Making
• Problem Solving & Learning Agility
• Tolerance of Ambiguity

 Intrapersonal Competencies

• Assertiveness
• Drive and Result Orientation
• Decisiveness & Action Orientation
• Ethical Judgement
• Excellent / Quality Orientation
• Resilience and Stress Management
• Rule Orientation
• Time and Self- Management
• Objectivity

Interpersonal Competencies

• Building Relationships
• Building Strategy Relationships/ Networking
• Customer Service Orientation
• Engaging Diversity
• Interpersonal Agility
• Teamwork

Communication Competencies

• Conflict Management
• Influencing & Impact (incl. Negotiation)
• Presentation and Facilitation
• Verbal and Written Communication
• Persuasiveness / Selling Skills

Functional Competencies

• Anticipating and Managing Change
• Building the Brand
• Business insight and Risk Awareness
• Commercial and Financial Acumen
• Consulting / Advising
• Environmental Scanning
• Knowledge Sharing
• Organisational Awareness
• Mathematical Acumen
• Research Competencies
• Process & Tech Competence
• Programme & Project Management

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Job description

To identify and facilitate a process of enabling the NEF to invest in transactions that meets the NEF and Strategic Project Fund mandate.

• Ensure congruence between NEF and government objectives in terms of IPAP; NDP, Economic Growth Policies and Broad Based Black economic empowerment
• Ensure high levels of client service in Strategic Projects Fund
• Manage team of investment professionals
• Assist with investment structures
• Review transactions prior to submission to various Committees
• Assisting team members in complex negotiations so as to ensure transactions of acceptable quality and NEF mandate compliance are presented for approval
• Participate in the project development processes by being part of the Steering Committees and Boards of the various projects/businesses.

2)    Deal evaluation – Deal structuring, pricing and reviewing various documentation

Collaboration will all other NEF business units/Funds for the lessons learned and for such lessons learned to be applied on deals and guide the team on the same.

Negotiation of deal terms and conditions – Facilitate process of enabling the transactions to be concluded in an amicable and efficient manner

 In structuring transactions to ensure quality deals are banked, lower impairments, improve investments collections/exists and do not result in write offs.

 Administration – Ensure all policies procedures and reports are generated for the fund and the various stakeholders to enable effective communication and achievement of the various objectives

Important quantitative data applicable to this job: Gross revenue, research and development,  expenditures, accounts payable etc.

BUSINESS DEVELEOPMENT INCLUDING CUSTOMER AND STAKEHOLDER RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT

• Develop Business Development strategies and plans for the Fund by proactively identifying new opportunities and needs using market and customer intelligence.
• Leads the implementation of the Business Development plan and strategy.
• Cultivate extensive networks within and outside NEF aimed at growing the reputation of NEF within the BEE financing, private equity, Development Finance Institution (“DFI’), commercial bank, financial intermediary arenas.
• Develop appropriate customer relationship strategies to deliver the Strategic Projects Fund products and services.
• Identify key role players and uses a variety of techniques to influence and guide towards intended goals.
• Leads ongoing road shows / engagements with potential clients/intermediaries aimed at stimulating market awareness of the NEF’s products and services.
• Champions and contributes to the development of new products and services.
• Regularly leads NEF participation at conferences promoting NEF products, services and interventions to BEE market and other stakeholders.
• Assumes ultimate responsibility for generating new business in accordance with targets set in performance contract.
• Delivers outcomes on agreed deadlines and milestones.

DEVELOPMENT OF OPERATIONAL STRATEGIES, POLICIES, PROCEDURES AND TACTICS

• Produces the Fund annual Business Plan adhering to the overall direction and guidance provided in the Divisional Strategic plan.
• Manage monitors and reports regularly to Divisional Executive: Venture Capital & Corporate Finance, Exco and other stakeholders on progress made against the KPA’s and KPIs’ set in the annual Business Plan.
• Annually review Operating Manual and operating procedures and implement required changes in consultation with Divisional Executive: Venture Capital & Corporate Finance and Exco.
• Develops and maintains standard financial models used by investment professionals in performance of their transaction appraisals.
• Contributes to the development of divisional strategy, policy, procedures and protocols.
• Proactively align cross-functional policies, procedures and protocols within the Fund Management Division by exploring dependencies and soliciting input.

PORTFOLIO MANAGEMENT

• Leads the development / growth of the Strategic Projects Fund investment portfolio on a sustainable basis by adopting sound investment discipline.
• Manage the optimal growth of the Fund investment portfolio in line with performance targets.
• Manage the quality of the Fund portfolio within impairment levels acceptable to the NEF stakeholders.
• Ensure that due diligence files are complete and reviewed either personally or by senior leadership within the Fund before submission outside the Unit.
• Ensure that Investment Papers and Financial modules are complete and accurate and are reviewed by senior leadership within Fund before submission outside the Unit.
• Oversees project management of multiple investment teams ensuring that investment professionals/investment teams adhere to agreed execution time frames and submission deadlines.
• Ensure that transactions are appropriately structured and that investment structures mitigate NEF investment risk as far as possible.
• Provide mentorship and support in relation to the negotiation of complex transactions.
• Provide leadership in the finalization of transaction documents, especially transactions with above average complexity.
• Influence investment decisions at a Divisional level through active participation at Divisional Investment Committee (“FMTPFC”) and Portfolio Management Committee.
• Leads the presentation of Fund transactions at NEF Executive Investment Committee (“NEF Exco IC”), at NEF Board Investment Committee level and at NEF Board of Trustees (where applicable).
• Assume the role of custodian in relation to disbursement of new Fund deals by ensuring that the disbursement processes and controls are adhered to in order to facilitate timeous disbursement of investments whilst mitigating investment risk to NEF.
• Perform the duties of non-executive director on the Boards of selected investee companies.

PEOPLE AND GENERAL MANAGEMENT

• Sets performance standards and demands high performance from subordinates whilst recognizing that subordinate professionals are “volunteers” in their decision to remain with NEF.
• Able to motivate and energize staff to consistently higher levels of achievement.
• Applies the full performance management process at Unit level.
• Insists on compliance with requests to staff in as firm a manner as is appropriate in different circumstances.
• Timeously identifies and addresses performance problems including moving poor performers to new areas or out of the NEF.
• Demonstrates strong leadership skills at Unit and Divisional levels.
• Positively influence Divisional and organizational culture by building partnerships with colleagues for mutual benefit.
• Mentors NEF staff members within Unit and within the broader NEF context.
• Perform the duties of non-executive director on the Boards of selected investee companies.
• Participates in various committee structures to add value to the achievement of the mandate of the NEF.
• Monitors adherence to systems and internal controls of the NEF within the deparment.

Minimum requirements

Qualifications

• Engineering Degree / B Com Degree 
• MBA / CA (SA) or relevant Master’s degree qualifications preferred 
• Combination of the above qualifications will be advantageous

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in deal making environment with minimum of 5 years people management experience. 
• Strong credit and risk analysis skills. 
• Previous experience in managing people / professional teams. 
• Well-developed presentation, written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong interpersonal skills. 
• Strong organizational and strategic orientation. 
• Experience in development and implementation of strategic and business plans 
• Proven track record of leading the execution and closing of BEE and/or private equity transactions. 
• Strong technical and industry knowledge of the BEE financing market including understanding of evolution of BEE financing and BEE Codes of Good Practice. 
• Strong technical knowledge of BEE financing structures. 
• Strong technical knowledge in corporate finance disciplines such as valuation techniques. 
• Deep understanding of financing documents such as sale and purchase agreements, shareholders agreements, funding documents etc. 
• Experience in negotiating complex investment structures and related investment agreements. 
• Well-developed business networks within the BEE investment community and SA financial markets. 
• Proven ability to generate deal flow.

Personal Attributes/Behaviours/Attitudes

• Protect and Enhance NEF’s Reputation 
• Execute at Speed with respect to recruitment 
• Meeting Customer Needs 
• Quality Conscious 
• Managing Relationships 
• Analysis and Judgment 
• Communication 
• Thoroughness 
• Confidentiality/Integrity
• Personal Organization 
• Integrity