Page 17 - The Economist20171214

Executive Focus 17

President
&
Chief Executive Offi cer
Managing Director of the Global Mechanism Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) is an African-led international fi nance institution established
Bonn, Germany in 2007 to bridge Africa’s infrastructure investment gap through the provision of debt and equity
fi nance, project development, and technical and fi nancial advisory services. AFC has invested
Closing date for applications: 14 January 2018 over USD4.5billion in infrastructure projects in 28 countries across Africa, with a focus on power,
transport, telecommunications, heavy industries and natural resources (oil, gas and mining). AFC’s
Established in 1994, the United Nations Convention to Combat shareholders include the Central Bank of Nigeria, African fi nancial institutions and other industrial
investors.
Desertification (UNCCD) is the sole legally binding international agreement
linking environment and development to sustainable land management. The AFC is looking to recruit and appoint, for a period of 5 years (renewable), a new CEO. This
individual who will be based in Lagos, Nigeria, will oversee and supervise all strategic and business
Global Mechanism (GM) is an organ of the UNCCD that is mandated to aspects of the institution. This CEO will have responsibility for the day-to-day leadership, strategy,
support country Parties to the Convention in the mobilization of resources operational management, and growth of the AFC and will guide the organisation as it moves into
for its implementation. the next phase of its development. This CEO will bring a compelling vision, a deep understanding
of infrastructure development and will be a highly credible leader who has had visible responsibility
roles throughout her/his career in Africa. The CEO must possess excellent diplomatic and
The Managing Director of the Global Mechanism of the UNCCD guides the leadership skills, a natural capacity for investment & fundraising and a proven capability to manage
implementation of the mandate of the GM, offering support to developing stakeholders. The CEO will work closely with the Board of Directors to develop and execute on
strategies to achieve AFC’s mission and goals.
countries on how to scale up implementation of the Convention and achieve Only African candidates will be considered and women are strongly encouraged to apply.
Land Degradation Neutrality. Specifically, the Managing Director:
Candidates should have the professional experience and standing to command the respect and trust
of members of the business and governmental community and will have:
1. Supports countries in taking bold actions to address land degradation • At least 15 years relevant experience
and making them a priority in country policies, programs, and • Experience in complex infrastructure and project fi nancing
• Experience in originating, executing and managing equity, loan, mezzanine and guarantee
transformational projects;
transactions
2. Provides vision and direction to the Global Mechanism’s work on • Experience in other aspects of managing a world class fi nancial institution like asset and liability
finance; management, risk management and environmental and social management
3. Plans and strategically manages all aspects of human and financial • Experience in emerging market fi nancing and investments in Africa
• Strong analytical and communication skills
resources for the GM and oversees the administrative tasks necessary
for the functioning of the Office. The successful candidate will be offered an internationally competitive compensation package.
AFC has retained the services of Egon Zehnder to assist in this search. Applicants are requested to
For details on the vacancy announcement, please go to: send a detailed CV, cover letter, and references to AFC@egonzehnder.com.
http://www2.unccd.int/about-us/vacancies. Applications that meet the criteria must arrive by email no later than midnight on December 31st
2017. Egon Zehnder will only enter into further correspondence with shortlisted applicants.
The Economist December 16th 2017