Senior Investment Manager (Sustainable Finance)

About the Opportunity

Liberty is seeking a seasoned Senior Investment Manager to join its dynamic team in Johannesburg. This front-office role is pivotal in supporting the business and Portfolio Manager by scrutinising private debt and credit investment prospects for both internal and external portfolios, including the Liberty and STANLIB Fixed Income Private Markets portfolios. A key facet of this position will be the dedicated focus on identifying, pursuing, and successfully executing transactions specifically within the South African market and the broader Rest of Africa region.

The realm of Sustainable Finance, as defined for this role, primarily encompasses infrastructure-related assets. However, it also extends to Development Finance initiatives. This includes a diverse range of private credit assets such as schools, hospitals, agricultural ventures, and other projects that align with sustainable finance principles as mutually agreed upon. This position offers a chance to contribute meaningfully to impactful investments that foster economic and social development across the continent.

As a Senior Investment Manager, your responsibilities will be multifaceted, focusing on the end-to-end investment lifecycle. You will play a crucial role in the origination and execution of investment opportunities, particularly within the private debt and credit space. This involves:

• **Transaction Identification and Origination:** Proactively identifying and developing new investment opportunities, with a strong emphasis on sustainable finance and development finance projects in South Africa and across Africa.
• **Investment Analysis and Due Diligence:** Conducting thorough financial analysis, credit risk assessment, and comprehensive due diligence on potential investments. This includes evaluating the financial viability, risk profile, and strategic fit of each opportunity.
• **Deal Structuring and Execution:** Leading the structuring of complex transactions, which may involve a variety of financing options and instruments. You will be responsible for negotiating terms, managing legal documentation, and ensuring the successful closing of deals.
• **Portfolio Management Support:** Supporting the Portfolio Manager in managing existing portfolios, which may involve monitoring performance, assessing ongoing risks, and contributing to strategic portfolio decisions.
• **Relationship Management:** Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders, including clients, borrowers, co-investors, legal advisors, and other industry participants.
• **Market Research and Insights:** Staying abreast of market trends, regulatory developments, and emerging opportunities within the sustainable finance and broader credit markets, particularly in the African context.

What They're Looking For

To excel in this role, candidates will need a strong foundation in finance and investment management, coupled with significant practical experience. The ideal candidate will possess:

• **Educational Background:** A first-degree qualification in Finance, Accounting, or a related field is essential.
• **Experience:**
• A minimum of 8-10 years of experience in Investment Distribution, Investment & Asset Management, or a closely related field.
• An equivalent of 8-10 years of experience in Credit Risk assessment or a similar area, demonstrating a robust understanding of credit principles.
• Extensive experience (8-10 years) in a comparable environment, showcasing a proven track record in structuring complex transactions. This should include exposure to diverse financing options, various industry sectors, and a range of financial instruments, such as corporate and asset-based lending.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage multiple concurrent work streams, and drive multiple deals or projects to completion with minimal supervision.
• **Technical Skills:** Proficiency in active investment management, evaluating risk management effectiveness, financial analysis, and information management.
• **Behavioural Competencies:** Strong capabilities in adopting practical approaches, articulating information clearly, challenging ideas constructively, diligently checking details, and conveying self-confidence in professional interactions.

In South Africa, a Senior Investment Manager role within sustainable finance and private markets typically commands a competitive salary, reflecting the specialised skills and experience required. Employers often include large financial institutions, asset managers, and development finance organisations. Career progression can lead to Portfolio Manager positions or senior leadership roles within investment teams, with opportunities to specialise further or broaden responsibilities across different asset classes or geographies.

Type of Qualification: First Degree
Field of Study: Finance and Accounting

Experience Required
Investment Distribution
Investment & Asset Management
8-10 years
Credit Risk or related field experience

8-10 years
Demonstrated experience in a similar environment with extensive exposure to complex transaction structuring, encompassing multiple financing options, diverse sectors, and a range of instruments, including corporate and asset-based lending

8-10 years
Working independently and managing concurrent work processes and driving delivery on multiple deals/ projects with minimal supervision

Behavioural Competencies:

• Adopting Practical Approaches
• Articulating Information
• Challenging Ideas
• Checking Things
• Conveying Self-Confidence

Technical Competencies:

• Active Investment Management
• Evaluating Risk Management Effectiveness
• Financial Analysis
• Information Management
• Knowledge Management