Vacant Roles at FSD Africa

Job Summary

• The Assistant, Adaptation and Energy Finance is responsible for the smooth running of projects and general administrative functions supporting the Adaptation Finance and Energy Centres of Expertise (COEs) within the Adaptation & Resilience pillar. The Assistant makes an important contribution to the achievement of FSD Africa’s strategy by freeing up the COE leads and project teams to focus on the substantive technical content of their roles. In addition, the Assistant provides light personal assistant support to the Chief, Adaptation & Resilience and Strategy Integration, including travel arrangements, meeting logistics, and document preparation. The Assistant works closely with the Adaptation Finance and Energy COE teams to ensure that timely and quality support is given to all COE staff and key stakeholders (e.g. consultants, implementing partners, important contacts).

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

New Project On-boarding

Support the Adaptation and Energy Finance COE teams with the processes involved in gaining approvals for new projects, onboarding implementing partners, and procuring the professional services required for successful implementation:

• Ensure full understanding of each newly conceived project and the administrative support that will be required; work collaboratively with the team to develop plans and schedules for the onboarding process.
• Assist with the preparation of all documentation required for the onboarding process:
• Assist implementing partners and project teams with grant applications in compliance with Investment Committee standards and requirements
• Liaise between the project team and the procurement team in the development of Terms of Reference and partner selection criteria
• Support the risk and compliance team in conducting due diligence on partners
• Support the team in developing relationships with potential implementing partners; provide support to these partners as they navigate the onboarding process, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and given help with producing documentation to standard (if required). 
• Support the team in liaising with key suppliers to ensure maintenance of good relationships and quality of service; liaise with the procurement team as required to amend contracts and with the finance team to ensure timely payment once project delivery has been made.
• Provide support to the COE teams in entering projects into the project management system ensuring that key activities and project milestones are comprehensively entered; liaise with the Operations Manager to ensure the involvement of shared services is scheduled and coordinated.
• Provide support to the COE teams in finalising project results frameworks and onboarding projects.
• Conducting baseline safeguarding risk assessments for new projects and ensuring completeness of information reviewed and proper record keeping.

Programme Implementation Support

Provide logistical and administrative support to the delivery of Adaptation Finance and Energy projects; acting as part of the team in ensuring the results articulated in project plans are achieved:

• Ensure full understanding of the work plans of each team member; take initiative to identify ways to reduce the workload of COE leadership through the provision of quality administrative support.
• Provide general research support by reading widely, keeping abreast of current events or news and sharing relevant information with the team.
• Assist the team in preparing presentations, reports, and other key programme documents; as well as editing and formatting documents as requested and in a way that complies with the FSD Africa brand.
• Ensure completion of the project approval process prior to signing of contracting documentation and release of funds to implementing partner. Support the team in entering records of project progress into the project management, results tracking and knowledge management systems; alert the line manager and Director to any delays or problems.
• Assist team members in developing and maintaining good working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; serve as an information resource on status of project/products and respond effectively to queries from stakeholders.
• Assist the team in regular update of the COE portfolio risk matrix, including participation in portfolio review sessions.
• Support the team in quarterly project reporting process, including ensuring that reports are submitted, reviewed, and approved on time.
• Ensure timely submission of reports to key stakeholders such as FCDO, Board, Investment Committee etc.

Travel & Transport

Make travel arrangements for COE Staff and key external stakeholders on FSD Africa business, giving attention to safety, security and wellbeing of the traveller whilst complying with FSD Africa policies and any statutory requirements:

• Ensure full understanding of the needs of the traveller and ensure that the travel itinerary and bookings will meet their requirements.
• Prepare relevant travel procurement documents such as the quarterly travel procurement authorization form and budget; initiate procurements as required to meet the requirements of travellers.
• Manage the finances associated with travel: advance requests, travel expense claims and travel expense accounting; maintain all financial records relating to the COE travel and transport.
• Ensure that the traveller is provided with full information concerning visas, vaccination records and any other requirements that must be organised before travel; provide logistical support acquiring required documentation in good time before travel. 

Events Management

Organise and coordinate meetings, visits, events, and workshops as requested; ensuring that all logistical requirements are effectively managed so that departmental staff can focus on the technical content:

• Ensure full understanding of the purpose of the meeting, visit, workshop, or event and liaise with the event lead to clarify all logistical requirements.
• If required, provide financial support by researching costs and developing budgets for events and monitoring use of these budgets; includes providing support in financial disbursements for expenses when needed.
• In compliance with procurement procedures, make bookings for all venue, catering, supplies, transport requirements etc.
• Act as the key point of contact for delegates before and during the event; including circulating any information, documentation, or other materials that they will need.
• Provide any other logistical support as required to ensure a successful event; for instance, setting up Teams calls and supporting with associated documentation/records.

Record Keeping

Take overall responsibility in maintenance of Adaptation Finance and Energy COE records and SharePoint folder, storing data according to filing systems for physical and electronic information:

• Ensure that electronic records of all COE documents are well organised and stored securely, providing support to the team in maintaining comprehensive records and organising electronic scanning where necessary.
• Liaise with communication team to maintain the COE contact database; includes frequently scanning business cards from contacts and uploading into the master database.
• Maintain records of procurements by the team to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date company governance records in liaison with the Company Secretary.

Communication & Social Media

Support the COE Leads in managing strategic relationships and rolling out the COEs communication and advocacy plan:

• Work with the COE teams in the development of written pieces and reports while taking the lead in the dissemination of these reports; ensuring that high standards of written English are maintained, and that content is adjusted to cater for the audience.
• Support the COE teams in drafting and disseminating communications to project stakeholders.
• Follow a content plan to develop materials; personally creating, and/or editing content provided by other staff, in line with the given message framework, especially supporting a strong social media presence.
• Create and schedule content releases, uploading pre-written pieces and supporting assets.

Personal Assistant Support to the Chief

Provide light personal assistant support to the Chief, Adaptation & Resilience and Strategy Integration, ensuring that logistical and administrative needs are met efficiently:

• Make travel arrangements for the Chief, including flights, accommodation, visas, and ground transport; ensure all travel logistics are coordinated in advance and comply with FSD Africa policies.
• Provide meeting logistics support, including scheduling, preparing agendas, assembling briefing packs, and circulating materials for the Chief’s internal and external meetings.
• Prepare, format, and proofread documents, presentations, and correspondence on behalf of the Chief as requested.
• Process travel expense claims and advance requests for the Chief, maintaining accurate financial records.
• Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by Management

COMPETENCIES

• Competencies describe the key behaviours that drive success in all of FSD Africa’s roles, regardless of technical specialism. They have been derived from systematic research correlating performance with personal attributes. 

Competency Levels 

• Level 1: Basic
• Level 2: Foundation   
• Level 3: Specialist
• Level 4: Senior Specialist      
• Level 5: Leading Expert          
• Level 6: Executive

This position requires competency at Basic Level for all the competencies listed below:

ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS
Commitment & Alignment

• Demonstrates commitment to serving our partners and alignment with the values and vision of FSD Africa

Change & Challenge

• Has a strong sense of ownership that leads to learning, self-starting, taking initiative, driving change and leading development

ACHIEVEMENT COMPETENCIES
Situational Awareness & Thinking

• Thinks clearly and intentionally, analysing information objectively, understanding issues, solving problems, and making decisions

Drive for results

• Is keenly motivated to achieve goals & act with accountability to deliver quality results

PEOPLE COMPETENCIES
Relationships & Collaboration

• Discerns and appreciates the values, viewpoints, or abilities of others; effectively reconciles different interests and displays emotional intelligence

Communication & Influencing

• Deliberately adjusts behaviour to accommodate others; communicates clearly, confidently, and appropriately to influence others

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• Bachelor’s degree completed with a minimum of 1 year of experience or Higher Diploma with at least 2 years experience.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• At least one year’s administration work experience; a focus on project administration will be an added advantage.
• Proven, strong organisational skills, including the ability to self-start, prioritise and proactively respond to evolving/ unfolding demands.
• Experience in managing processes and analysing information.
• Demonstrably strong customer focus.
• Good communication skills (written and spoken English).
• First-rate knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
• Demonstrate good attention to detail with grammar, spelling and writing style that will appeal to key stakeholders.
• Team player: ability to work effectively with colleagues across the organisation.
• Demonstrated familiarity with social media platforms.

Desirable

• Experience working on climate-aligned infrastructure projects in Africa.
• Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Languages: French, local African languages.

go to method of application »

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Thought Leadership & Ecosystem Development

Contribute to thought leadership in the utilisation of insurance investment and underwriting capital to drive sustainability goals; developing and maintaining a strong understanding of the insurance industry ecosystem and potential change levers:

• Participate in the Adaptation & Resilience pillar’s ecosystem analysis activities (including stakeholder analysis); contribute to the generation of insights pertinent to the African insurance industry.
• Keep up-to-date on market system developments and emerging legislation; ensure engagement with experts and decision makers in SSA countries and elsewhere to understand strategic priorities for the development of the insurance sector.
• Develop and strengthen partnerships with key and emerging players in the African and global insurance industries; especially with our network of signatories to the Nairobi Declaration on Sustainable Insurance.
• Develop and communicate a deep and comprehensive understanding of how to drive beneficial eco-system change in and through the African insurance industry.
• Support the development of strategy and plans for the Sustainable Insurance programme and NDSI with a view to increasing the proportion of investment and underwriting capital that is allocated in a way that supports the green transition.

Project Cycle Management

Manage the development and implementation of the Sustainable Insurance portfolio of projects, ensuring that each individual investment, and the portfolio as a whole, achieves targeted results:

• Conceptualise, design and write high quality investment proposals for the Sustainable Insurance Programme; including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
• Following approval, ensure that detailed implementation plans are developed; including budgets and procurement of consultants / implementing partners as required.
• Manage monitoring, results management, reporting and learning for Sustainable Insurance projects being implemented; ensuring objective analysis of results and appropriate corrective actions as required to optimise FSD Africa’s beneficial impact.
• Provide high quality technical advice and support to Implementing Partners, Consultants and other project stakeholders in the utilisation of investment and underwriting capital to drive sustainability goals.
• Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.

Financial Management & Fundraising

Manage the finances associated with the Sustainable Insurance Programme, aiming to optimise the impact that is achieved with resources and ensuring compliance with FSD Africa’s and Donor policies:

• Identify opportunities for fundraising and co-funding for the work of FSD Africa & support with proposal development as requested.
• Conceptualise how funds and other limited resources may be best allocated to achieve optimum impact; including supervising the work of consultants to optimise value for money.
• Track and monitor budget spend and associated activities ensuring cost effective utilisation of resources and timely achievement of financial targets.
• Ensure that the accountability requirements of donors are met and that good relationships with funders are maintained at all times.

Influencing & Communicating for Impact

Support transformative market development through effective influencing, advocacy, and communication strategies:

• Support stakeholder mapping; identifying key decision makers/ power brokers/ customer groups and developing ideas for influencing them and/ or transforming their mindsets.
• Develop and implement strategies for influencing key stakeholders and driving change in the insurance sector; for instance, advocating for policy reform.
• Work collaboratively with the Strategic Communications team to develop and implement work plans and budgets; ensuring that efforts are monitored and evaluated to ensure impact.
• Contribute to the implementation of the Communication strategy (e.g. by developing content for written materials/ website; participating in campaigns etc); participate in and contribute to the development of annual and quarterly reports.
• Represent FSD Africa in public forums and networking opportunities and/or convene stakeholders in order to build awareness and influence thinking; at all times behaving in a manner consistent with FSD Africa’s brand and values.

Implementing Partner Engagement & Capacity building

Identify, engage and support key implementing partners; so that they are equipped to operate effectively and contribute towards the Sustainable Insurance strategy:

• Ensure appropriate selection of partners; ensuring optimal combinations of partners to bring out their synergies for the programmes e.g. political economics, due diligence, influence, etc. 
• Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in chosen implementing partners, leveraging new opportunities that may arise and dealing promptly with relationship difficulties.
• Engage partners in joint strategizing and the development of projects that will leverage change and have a positive impact on insurance market development.

Team Management

Manage staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to FSD Africa and deliver high standards of performance:

• Support the resourcing of the Sustainable Insurance Programme with the expertise necessary to deliver on project implementation, including management of staff and procurement of consultants.
• Ensure that each team member (staff and consultants) is provided with clarity concerning goals and expectations of their personal role in achieving results, standards and behaviour.
• Plan and organise the work of the team to accomplish project goals and targets in the most cost-effective and impactful manner possible.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment that motivates team members and results in high performance.
• Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by the Management.

COMPETENCIES

• Competencies describe the key behaviours that drive success in all of FSD Africa’s roles, regardless of technical specialism. They have been derived from systematic research correlating performance with personal attributes. 

Competency Levels 

• Level 1: Basic
• Level 2: Foundation   
• Level 3: Specialist
• Level 4: Senior Specialist      
• Level 5: Leading Expert          
• Level 6: Executive

This position requires competency at Senior Specialist Level for all the competencies listed below:

ESSENTIAL FOUNDATIONS
Commitment & Alignment

• Demonstrates commitment to serving our partners and alignment with the values and vision of FSD Africa

Change & Challenge

• Has a strong sense of ownership that leads to learning, self-starting, taking initiative, driving change and leading development

ACHIEVEMENT COMPETENCIES
Situational Awareness & Thinking

• Thinks clearly and intentionally, analysing information objectively, understanding issues, solving problems, and making decisions

Drive for results

• Is keenly motivated to achieve goals & act with accountability to deliver quality results

PEOPLE COMPETENCIES
Relationships & Collaboration

• Discerns and appreciates the values, viewpoints, or abilities of others; effectively reconciles different interests and displays emotional intelligence

Communication & Influencing

• Deliberately adjusts behaviour to accommodate others; communicates clearly, confidently, and appropriately to influence others

PERSON SPECIFICATIONS

Qualifications and Education

• Relevant Master’s degree and 11 years of experience OR good quality Bachelor’s degree from a recognised university and 12 years of experience progressing to a senior level, working in a field relevant to insurance or financial market development in Africa.
• Excellent skills in written and spoken English.
• Must be resident in Africa.

Essential Experience, Knowledge, and Skills

• At least 11 years of experience working in the Insurance Industry in Africa, with progressively increasing responsibility.
• Strong network within the African Insurance Industry with the ability to engage and influence stakeholders in Private and Public sectors.
• Ability to manage project portfolio with a middle-level budget.
• Ability to manage project diversity and complexity.
• Successful track record of delivery of results in and the provision of technical assistance.
• Experience in conducting and analysing research.
• Understanding of the development world and strategic MRM (preferred).

Desirable

• Experience of working in a multi-cultural environment.
• Knowledge of donor policies and procedures.
• Previous experience of working in FCDO-funded projects.
• Languages: French, local African languages.

go to method of application »

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ROLE REQUIREMENTS

New Project On-boarding

Support the Nature and Carbon COE teams with the processes involved in gaining approvals for new projects, onboarding implementing partners, and procuring the professional services required for successful implementation:

• Ensure full understanding of each newly conceived project and the administrative support that will be required; work collaboratively with the team to develop plans and schedules for the onboarding process.
• Assist with the preparation of all documentation required for the onboarding process:
• Assist implementing partners and project teams with grant applications in compliance with Investment Committee standards and requirements
• Liaise between the project team and the procurement team in the development of Terms of Reference and partner selection criteria
• Support the risk and compliance team in conducting due diligence on partners
• Support the team in developing relationships with potential implementing partners; provide support to these partners as they navigate the onboarding process, ensuring that they are kept fully informed and given help with producing documentation to standard (if required) .
• Support the team in liaising with key suppliers to ensure maintenance of good relationships and quality of service; liaise with the procurement team as required to amend contracts and with the finance team to ensure timely payment once project delivery has been made.
• Provide support to the COE teams in entering projects into the project management system ensuring that key activities and project milestones are comprehensively entered; liaise with the Operations Manager to ensure the involvement of shared services is scheduled and coordinated.
• Provide support to the COE teams in finalising project results frameworks and onboarding projects.
• Conducting baseline safeguarding risk assessments for new projects and ensuring completeness of information reviewed and proper record keeping.

Programme Implementation Support

Provide logistical and administrative support to the delivery of Nature and Carbon projects; acting as part of the team in ensuring the results articulated in project plans are achieved:

• Ensure full understanding of the work plans of each team member; take initiative to identify ways to reduce the workload of COE leadership through the provision of quality administrative support.
• Provide general research support by reading widely, keeping abreast of current events or news and sharing relevant information with the team.
• Assist the team in preparing presentations, reports, and other key programme documents; as well as editing and formatting documents as requested and in a way that complies with the FSD Africa brand.
• Ensure completion of the project approval process prior to signing of contracting documentation and release of funds to implementing partner. Support the team in entering records of project progress into the project management, results tracking and knowledge management systems; alert the line manager and Director to any delays or problems.
• Assist team members in developing and maintaining good working relationships with both internal and external stakeholders; serve as an information resource on status of project/products and respond effectively to queries from stakeholders.
• Assist the team in regular update of the COE portfolio risk matrix, including participation in portfolio review sessions.
• Support the team in quarterly project reporting process, including ensuring that reports are submitted, reviewed, and approved on time.
• Ensure timely submission of reports to key stakeholders such as FCDO, Board, Investment Committee etc.

Travel & Transport

Make travel arrangements for COE Staff and key external stakeholders on FSD Africa business, giving attention to safety, security and wellbeing of the traveller whilst complying with FSD Africa policies and any statutory requirements:

• Ensure full understanding of the needs of the traveller and ensure that the travel itinerary and bookings will meet their requirements.
• Prepare relevant travel procurement documents such as the quarterly travel procurement authorization form and budget; initiate procurements as required to meet the requirements of travellers.
• Manage the finances associated with travel: advance requests, travel expense claims and travel expense accounting; maintain all financial records relating to the COE travel and transport.
• Ensure that the traveller is provided with full information concerning visas, vaccination records and any other requirements that must be organised before travel; provide logistical support acquiring required documentation in good time before travel.

Events Management

Organise and coordinate meetings, visits, events, and workshops as requested; ensuring that all logistical requirements are effectively managed so that departmental staff can focus on the technical content:

• Ensure full understanding of the purpose of the meeting, visit, workshop, or event and liaise with the event lead to clarify all logistical requirements.
• If required, provide financial support by researching costs and developing budgets for events and monitoring use of these budgets; includes providing support in financial disbursements for expenses when needed.
• In compliance with procurement procedures, make bookings for all venue, catering, supplies, transport requirements etc.
• Act as the key point of contact for delegates before and during the event; including circulating any information, documentation, or other materials that they will need.
• Provide any other logistical support as required to ensure a successful event; for instance, setting up Teams calls and supporting with associated documentation/records.

Record Keeping

Take overall responsibility in maintenance of Nature and Carbon COE records and SharePoint folder, storing data according to filing systems for physical and electronic information:

• Ensure that electronic records of all COE documents are well organised and stored securely, providing support to the team in maintaining comprehensive records and organising electronic scanning where necessary.
• Liaise with communication team to maintain the COE contact database; includes frequently scanning business cards from contacts and uploading into the master database.
• Maintain records of procurements by the team to ensure compliance with policies and procedures.
• Maintain up-to-date company governance records in liaison with the Company Secretary.

Communication & Social Media

Support the COE Leads in managing strategic relationships and rolling out the COEs communication and advocacy plan:

• Work with the COE teams in the development of written pieces and reports while taking the lead in the dissemination of these reports; ensuring that high standards of written English are maintained, and that content is adjusted to cater for the audience.
• Support the COE teams in drafting and disseminating communications to project stakeholders.
• Follow a content plan to develop materials; personally creating, and/or editing content provided by other staff, in line with the given message framework, especially supporting a strong social media presence.
• Create and schedule content releases, uploading pre-written pieces and supporting assets.
• Carry out any other duties or special assignments as assigned by Management.

COMPETENCIES
Competencies describe the key behaviours that drive success in all of FSD Africa’s roles, regardless of technical specialism. They have been derived from systematic research correlating performance with personal attributes. 

Competency Levels 

• Level 1: Basic
• Level 2: Foundation   
• Level 3: Specialist
• Level 4: Senior Specialist      
• Level 5: Leading Expert          
• Level 6: Executive