Director, Catalytic Transactions

The Director, Catalytic Transactions leads FSD Africa’s initiatives to develop and scale innovative financial products and transactions that unlock capital for key sectors, driving financial sector development to support sustainable economic growth. The role focuses on mobilising investment, designing de-risking mechanisms, and supporting financial product innovation to catalyse transaction flows, increase market participation, and enhance financial resilience.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Leadership & Strategy Development 

Act as a thought leader on catalytic transactions and financial product innovation, shaping strategy and policy to advance FSD Africa’s purpose of Making Finance Work for Africa’s Future:

• Continuously conduct ecosystem analysis and research to deepen understanding of Africa’s financial markets, identifying systemic barriers to investment and opportunities for transaction innovation.
• Lead the development and continuous refinement of theories of change that shape FSD Africa’s Catalytic Transactions strategies, incorporating insights from past interventions and performance monitoring.
• Engage with policymakers, regulators, development partners, and market stakeholders to conceptualise and advocate for interventions that drive transaction structuring, risk mitigation, and capital mobilisation.
• Act as a thought leader on structured finance, blended finance, and impact investment, providing expert insights on financial innovation and capital mobilisation at global and regional forums.
• Develop and publish high-impact research, market insights, and policy papers to position FSD Africa as a leader in catalytic finance and transaction development, influencing strategy and stakeholder engagement.

Programme Development & Implementation 

Lead the development and implementation of FSD Africa's Catalytic Transactions strategy, ensuring the design and delivery of high-impact interventions that drive systemic market change:

• Lead the Pillar team in developing a comprehensive Catalytic Transactions strategy, ensuring alignment with FSD Africa's five-year strategy and responsiveness to emerging market needs, including:
• Designing and structuring innovative financial transactions, including thematic bonds, blended finance vehicles, and aggregation instruments.
• Developing mechanisms to enhance liquidity, mitigate currency risks, and increase private sector participation in key investment sectors.
• Guide Principal-level staff in developing portfolios of interventions that deliver optimal Value for Money in the achievement of strategic outcomes.
• Oversee the design and execution of high-quality programmes, ensuring adherence to best practices in transaction structuring, investment facilitation, and risk mitigation.
• Monitor programme performance and lead the team in adaptive management, ensuring that individual investments and the portfolio as a whole deliver measurable impact and systemic change.
• Foster collaboration across pillars and Centres of Expertise to leverage expertise and amplify outcomes.

Financial Management & Fundraising 

Secure and manage financial resources to sustain and expand the Catalytic Transactions pillar, ensuring Value for Money, effective risk management, and compliance.

• With support from the Director Communications, Partnerships & Funding, lead resource mobilisation efforts to secure the funds required to deliver strategy.
• Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and expenditure tracking to ensure optimal resource utilisation.
• Ensure rigorous risk management and due diligence for all transaction-based interventions.
• Maintain strong investor relationships and ensure compliance with financial reporting and accountability requirements.
• Lead the team to scrutinise Value for Money across the programme portfolio, continually innovating in pursuit of enhanced development impact.

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• Master’s degree and 15 years of experience or Bachelor’s degree and 18 years of experience.
• Extensive experience and networks in structured finance, investment banking, blended finance, or transaction advisory.
• At least 7 years in a senior leadership role, with experience managing teams and large-scale programmes.
• Exceptional skills in written and spoken English.