General Manager, Sustainable Finance (EBKL) at Equity Bank Kenya

Overall job Purpose

Reporting to the Head of Sustainability for Kenya, the holder will be responsible for driving growth of sustainable finance portfolio by developing differentiated products to meet the needs of different sectors and customer segments. The successful candidate will be expected to work closely with the commercial segments to develop strong client relationships, manage specific risks that arise from green lending transactions and support product and relationship teams in delivery of green lending targets. In addition, they will be responsible for the growth, development and implementation of client strategies related to sustainable finance, environmental and social risks. These include strategic client engagements and transaction origination relating to green lending. The General Manager Sustainable Finance will also work closely with regulators, development finance institutions and other partners to realize the green lending agenda, including development of various mechanisms to not only support growth of sustainable finance, but also ensure quality performance of the portfolio. Additionally, the successful candidate will lead a team of sustainability professionals by providing coaching and mentorship to support them in achievement of set goals and objectives.

Key responsibilities

Responsible for research and thought leadership on sustainable finance for EBKL:

• Develop EBKLs Sustainable Finance Framework and strategy, including other green and nature bonds, sustainability linked loans and carbon finance
• Develop and roll out commercially viable sustainable finance products in liaison with product teams, commercial segments, Credit and Risk, cross functional teams, and other business units.
• Maintain close working relationships with key business stakeholders such as commercial unit leaders, regional leads and business unit leaders for effective implementation of sustainable finance framework
• Engage clients through visits with the commercial teams and participation in client engagement forums to educate and pitch sustainable finance products and solutions to targeted groups
• Support strategic engagement for Development Finance Initiatives to attract funding partnerships for the sustainable finance pipelines developed by the business
• Drive awareness and education on sustainable finance opportunities by business units to ensure the targets set for each business unit are achieved
• Support development of tools and systems for effective tracking and reporting on sustainable finance and ensure regular updates to the business on
• Research and benchmark on best practices in sustainable finance, including emerging trends, new opportunities for funding and collaboration to grow green lending
• Alignment and collaboration with the Equity Group Foundation (EGF) on the tri engine business model, Group Strategy and delivery of the Social and Environment Transformation Pillar (Pillar 5) of the Africa Recovery and Resilience Plan
• Lead and coach a team of sustainability professionals to deliver on the set business objectives

Qualifications

• Degree in Sustainability, Development Economics, Finance, or other comparable studies.
• Masters’ degree in any of the above or a related course will be an added advantage
• Professional qualifications in any of the below areas will be considered an added advantage:
  • • Environmental and Social Risk Management Certification 
    • Climate Risk Management
    • Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Accounting
    • Project Management/Program Management
• Commercial and client oriented, with an ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people.
• Knowledge and experience with Financial Institutions, including supporting institutions in embedding Sustainability into their Strategy and the products and services offered
• Over 10 years of relevant working experience in sustainability and environmental management
• Demonstrable experience and understanding of sustainable finance solutions, sustainable lending / green funding, Climate Risk Management, and green finance taxonomy.
• Strong team skills, contributing to team success and to a constructive, positive, and collaborative work environment.
• Ability to build productive lasting working relationships with clients and strategic partners.
• Outstanding written communication skills to write senior and complex correspondence, reports, presentations, policies, procedures, processes, and strategy papers