WaterConnect is hiring a Regional Director, Africa to provide regional leadership in developing pipeline opportunities and delivering our products and services in partnership with developers and companies in the Water Supply and Sanitation (WSS) sector across Africa. This purpose-driven venture is committed to expanding investible water and sanitation projects globally to achieve UN Sustainable Development Goal 6.
What You'll Do
- Initiate and generate pipeline opportunities in the Africa region.
- Identify and develop climate resilience infrastructure investment opportunities in the water supply and sanitation sector.
- Develop and maintain relationships with various partners in the sector: developers, product and technology companies, utilities, multilateral development organizations, and banks.
- Develop investment opportunities from early stage until financial close.
- Screen and conduct due diligence of potential partners and opportunities.
- Prepare required documentation to process project opportunities to approval.
- Provide input and support investment decisions, including evaluation and appraisal of infrastructure service provisions and investments.
- Deliver WaterConnect’s scopes during project development in the form of technical assistance, including coordinating third-party service providers and/or vendors.
- Prepare project and legal requirements and scopes of work/terms of reference, and select third-party service providers and/or vendors.
- Ensure third-party deliverables meet goals in terms of results and timelines and escalate recommendations as needed.
- Drive implementation, working with other team members, co-developers, and stakeholders to evaluate frameworks, service design, and models.
- Ensure accurate, timely reporting on project progress, risks, and related KPIs for development scopes provided.
- Manage local stakeholders.
- Identify opportunities to improve WSS infrastructure policy and regulations to promote private sector participation, private investment, and climate resilience.
- Cover additional duties to support the company’s global activities as a key member of the Infrastructure Development team.
What We're Looking For
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and/or equivalent related work experience.
- Ten or more years of progressive responsibility and experience in Water Supply and Sanitation private sector participation, utilities/infrastructure project/business development, or management consultancy working on infrastructure development or water utilities in Africa.
- A proven track record of business development, projects, and/or business contracts in emerging markets, including a high degree of commercial awareness and business acumen, as well as demonstrable success in developing and fostering key relationships and networks, including client and stakeholder management.
- Deep knowledge of private sector participation in the water supply and sanitation sector and advanced understanding of Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-schemes and modalities, such as DBFOT, BOOT, HAM, and concessions.
- At least 7 years of experience leading development or implementation of infrastructure projects and advanced proficiency in the project life-cycle from concept to commercial operations and infrastructure project procurement models, including a strong track record of utilizing third-party service providers and/or similar models.
- A general understanding of infrastructure policy and regulations in emerging markets.
- Understanding of infrastructure investment and project appraisal.
- A self-driven & proactive problem-solver to drive strong alignment of plans and priorities across projects and initiatives in line with strategy and established business metrics.
- Multi-country experience in the Africa Region.
- A demonstrated commitment to social and environmental impact and a willingness to do the work to drive our mission.
- Proficiency (written and verbal) in English and regional language(s), as applicable.
Nice to Have
- A Master’s degree in a relevant field.
- 15 or more years total experience.
- A track record of supporting/enabling private sector investments in emerging market infrastructure, which have reached financial close.
- Familiarity with WSS policy environments in emerging markets.
- Skill in financial modelling for PPP projects.
Team & Environment
You will report directly to the Chief Infrastructure Development Officer as a key member of the Infrastructure Development team.
Benefits & Compensation
- Overall compensation will be commensurate with education and experience and structured to reflect a competitive package for a full-time senior-level team member.
Work Mode
This role operates on a global work mode.
WaterConnect is an equal opportunity employer.
