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INTRODUCTION

The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) is seeking a dynamic professional to fill the role of Development Finance Officer in the Private Sector Division (PSD) of the Projects Department. The successful candidate will be based at CDB’s headquarters in St. Michael, Barbados.

THE DIVISION

The operations of the Private Sector Division (PSD) are anchored in the Private Sector Development Policy and Strategy which is focused on enhancing private sector ecosystems to facilitate the development of dynamic and internationally competitive, high-growth firms and fostering new expanded partnerships with the regional private sector. The focus of the Division is driven by the following three strategic priorities:

Improving the investment and business climate in the Region
Promoting access to finance
Promoting equitable enterprise development, especially in the case of Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs)

THE ROLE

The DFO is responsible for managing a portfolio of predominantly development and commercial, financial intermediaries throughout the project cycle, as well as direct private sector loans and investments. The DFO will manage the project cycle process, which includes identification, appraisal, and supervision during the implementation and operational phases of the project. The DFO will also be responsible for portfolio monitoring and evaluation in line with CDB’s policies and procedures.

The DFO will promote and sustain relationships with regional intermediaries to finance projects and develop new solutions aimed at directly impacting the development of BMCs. In addition, the DFO will actively participate in the development and implementation of new financial products and services for the Bank.

The DFO will actively participate in the implementation of the private sector strategy in CDB’s BMCs to carry out interventions to improve their impact and promote the development of the private sector through financial products and TA programmes, as well as contribute to the strengthening and development of development and commercial, financial intermediaries in the Region while promoting financial inclusion, the improvement of productivity, competitiveness, innovation and business development.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

The DFO will be required to:

Lead the identification of potential financing opportunities, particularly in relation to support for private sector development, which may meet CDB’s development and investment criteria, including the distribution of risk by promoting and leading syndication with local and external investors and institutions.
Formulate investment and TA proposals, review and analyse financial models, negotiate specific loan conditions and security structures, evaluate sub-loans and issue “no objection” for the use of CDB funds, conduct industry and market research, and conduct required due diligence of financial institutions to increase the projects’ development impact capacity. This involves interacting with other units and departments within CDB.
Supervise on an ongoing basis the overall performance of assigned projects, ensuring adherence to CDB’s policies and standards, compliance with lending covenants and intended credit and developmental goals, among other requirements, and develop measures to ensure any deficiencies are addressed, including conducting site visits and preparation of status reports.
Monitor the disbursement of funds to ensure conformity with project objectives, guidelines, and targets.
Support the development and implementation of financial products and services for the Bank (trade finance, risk hedging, syndication) by participating in all aspects of new product launch strategies, product specifications, pricing, underwriting strategies, operational processes, compliance, risk management, technology, and customer needs.
Promote the implementation of facilities that allow the Bank to manage the loan portfolio properly and in a timely manner.
Provide input to the revision and formulation of CDB’s lending policies in relevant areas of the Bank’s work.
Support the retention efforts of existing clients by maintaining ongoing communications with PSD’s network of financial intermediaries and building strong relationships.
Participate as a team member in initiatives developed by other Divisions within the PD, providing input from a private sector development finance perspective.

QUALIFICATIONS

The DFO is required to be experienced in corporate and/or project financing, preferably including trade finance, and knowledgeable of the operations of financial institutions lending to the private sector and a broad understanding of the financial sector and capacity building initiatives that support institutional strengthening.

The successful candidate should have significant experience in originating and supervising equity and debt transactions and be knowledgeable of financial trends and innovations introduced in the market by regional key players, especially in trade finance and banking, insurance, and FinTech.

The successful candidate should have:

A first degree in Finance, Business Administration, Accounting or Economics and a Master’s degree in Finance or Business Administration.
A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant professional experience in financing for MSMEs, particularly in the areas of loan origination and credit analysis, structuring of financial instruments, and/or Portfolio Management of lending, investment funds, or guarantee funds aimed at MSMEs.
Sound experience performing financial and economic appraisals of investment projects, and ability to originate, structure and complete debt and equity transactions, in either:
- The private sector of a major international or national development finance institution;
- A financial environment in which there is direct involvement in the development and implementation of financing instruments, preferably related to trade finance and/or syndications, or
- A banking entity in which there is direct involvement in lending and supervision of projects particularly related to the development of MSMEs.
In-depth knowledge of the Caribbean financial institutions market, encompassing strategic market players, clients’ needs and challenges, pricing levels, and financial sector regulation and international principles governing it.
Strong credit analysis, financial modelling, accounting, planning and organisational skills.

The following are considered assets for this position:

Accreditation as a Chartered Financial Analyst.
In-depth knowledge of trade finance products (such as factoring and confirming, letters of credit, demand guarantees, stand-by letters of credit, import and export finance), and/or syndication structuring.
Understanding of CDB’s role as a multilateral development bank and value-added for its clients.

Function-specific Competencies

The DFO should demonstrate strong proficiency in the following competencies:

Ability to achieve results and empower others towards achieving objectives.
Ability to communicate complex issues and positions effectively through verbal and written presentations to senior management, government officials and other key stakeholders.
Ability to operate sensitively in a multicultural environment and build effective working relationships with clients, colleagues and other development partners.
Proficiency in the use of relevant computer applications.
Ability to adapt to challenging timelines and sudden or frequent changes in priority to accomplish objectives.
Excellent communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills, with the ability to express complex technical concepts effectively.

Behavioural Competencie

Competency / Definition

Acting as a Champion for Change

Actively identifies problems and opportunities for change and implements solutions where appropriate. Maintains effectiveness when experiencing major changes in work tasks or the work environment; and supports people in their efforts to try new things.

Acting Decisively

Moves quickly to make decisions and commits to a clear course of action; comfortable making decisions based on partial information; willing to take risks in order to maintain momentum; shows a strong bias toward action.

Acting Strategically

Aligns day-to-day activities around broader organisational goals and objectives; prioritises resources based on the strategic objectives of the organisation; recognises and rewards people based on how their actions support the broader needs of the organisation.

Championing Customer Needs

Calls attention to issues that impact customer satisfaction; views situations from the perspective of customers; encourages people to think about customers when making decisions and develops and sustains productive customer relationships.

Communicating Effectively

Consistently communicates with clarity and thoroughness to optimise audience understanding. Communicates information in a clear, concise, and timely manner. Demonstrates effective speaking and presentation skills.

Delivering High Quality Work

Critically reviews work processes to ensure quality; addresses problems that could impact quality; makes sure project deliverables and services meet all requirements and expectations; does not make the same mistakes twice.

Displaying Technical Expertise

Keeps his/her technical skills current; effectively applies specialised knowledge and skills to perform work tasks; understands and masters the technical skills, knowledge, and tasks associated with his/her job; shares technical expertise with others.

Driving for Results

Bottom-line oriented and pushes self and others to achieve results. Keeps current on project status; makes sure people are aware of project status and what they need to do to keep things moving; redirects project resources and activities to overcome setbacks; elevates project concerns to senior levels of leadership when appropriate.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

This is a full-time position with the successful candidate being contracted on a two-year basis in the first instance, with the possibility of renewal. The salary is competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience. A pension plan, life and medical insurances are included in the benefits package.

Before you proceed to apply, please consider the following requirements:

You must be a national of one of CDB’s member countries.
You will be required to produce evidence of any educational and professional qualifications to support your application if you are selected for an interview.
All appointments are subject to satisfactory background checks and references.

CDB fully respects the need for confidentiality of the information supplied and assures you that we will not discuss your background and interest with anyone, including references, without your prior consent.

The deadline for submission of applications is October 3, 2023 at 11:59 pm AST.