FSD Africa is a £30 million financial sector development programme based in Nairobi, funded by the UK Government’s Department for International Development (DFID). FSD Africa aims to reduce poverty across sub-Saharan Africa by building financial markets that are efficient, robust, and inclusive. The Senior Specialist, Capital Markets role is pivotal in driving the transformation of African capital markets through strategic project design, thought leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Thought Leadership & Strategy Development
Participate in developing strategy and programmes for the Financial Markets pillar.
Engage with experts and decision-makers in African countries to understand strategic priorities for capital market development.
Lead research into specialism areas, developing a deep understanding of financial systems in Africa.
Lead the development of strategy for the Financial Markets pillar, ensuring insights are incorporated into theories of change.
Identify a portfolio of projects aligned with donor strategies and FSD Africa market development goals.
Lead the development of tools, methodologies, and approaches (IP) for best practice in capital market development.
Project Design & Implementation and Risk Management
Conceptualize and design investment proposals, including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
Develop detailed implementation plans, including budgets and procurement of consultants/implementing partners.
Ensure effective project implementation so milestones are achieved on time and to standard.
Lead monitoring, results management, and learning for all projects to optimize impact.
Provide high-quality technical advice and support to partners and stakeholders.
Financial Management & Fundraising
Identify opportunities for fundraising and co-funding for FSD Africa's work.
Allocate funds and resources to achieve optimum impact and value for money.
Track and monitor budget spend to ensure cost-effective utilization and financial target achievement.
Maintain donor accountability requirements and relationships.
Influencing & Communicating for Impact
Lead stakeholder mapping to identify key decision-makers and transform mindsets.
Design and publish industry thought-leadership materials (publications, briefing notes, case studies).
Contribute to FSD Africa’s Communications Plan, including web presence and conference presentations.
Convene stakeholders to build awareness and influence capital market development thinking.
Implementing Partner Engagement & Capacity Building
Identify, engage, and empower key implementing partners.
Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in partner organizations.
Engage partners in joint strategizing and project development to leverage market change.
Requirements and Qualifications
Education: Master’s degree with 11 years of experience OR a Bachelor’s degree with 12 years of relevant experience.
Seniority: Experience must include time at a senior level within a financial markets environment.
Language: Exceptional skills in written and spoken English.
Project Management: Proven ability to manage complex project portfolios with high conceptual sophistication.
Technical Results: Track record in capital market policy, regulatory support, product development, and technical assistance.
Influence: Success in managing relationships and influencing leadership-level stakeholders.
Analytical Thinking: Strong strategic skills to identify market opportunities and design impactful solutions.
Preferred: Understanding of the development world and financial sector programming.
Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by visiting the FSD Africa recruitment portal at fsdafrica.seamlesshiring.com. You can also apply through the job listing on MyJobMag.