DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA) VACANCIES

DEVELOPMENT BANK OF SOUTHERN AFRICA (DBSA)

SENIOR COMPLIANCE OFFICER

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/12

Reference Number

DBS261021-2

Job Title

Senior Compliance Officer

Job Grade

Job Type Classification

Permanent

Location - Town / City

Midrand

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Job Profile (Downloadable)

Senior Compliance Officer_Job Profile October 26.docx.pdf (322.60 kb) - 10/21/2026 7:18:31 PM

Job Description

Provide advanced compliance support across the institution, with a focus on embedding a robust compliance culture, monitoring regulatory adherence, and supporting ethical conduct. The role identifies, analyses, and responds to regulatory risks and compliance gaps across business processes, products, and transactions. As a senior specialist, the role contributes to policy interpretation, compliance advisory, and the design of controls to manage regulatory obligations. This role contributes to protecting DBSA’s integrity, maintaining regulatory compliance, and promoting responsible conduct across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assessment and Management of Compliance Risk

Interpret applicable laws, regulations, and codes of practice to advise internal stakeholders on compliance obligations.
Guide business units in the implementation of compliance requirements across operational, investment, and support functions.
Support the development of a culture of compliance through practical, solution-oriented advice.
Identify and assess the regulatory universe and draft compliance risk management plans for high-risk legislation.
Monitor compliance and contribute to reducing the compliance risk exposure of the Bank.

2. Monitor Regulatory and Internal Compliance

Conduct reviews of business processes, documentation, and records to assess levels of regulatory compliance.
Identify potential breaches, emerging risks, and control weaknesses, and recommend corrective actions.
Track and monitor implementation of regulatory changes and internal policies.
Interact with internal and external bodies such as Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal Services, Regulators and Industry Bodies to identify and manage compliance risk.
Monitor compliance functions are undertaken for all areas and projects of the Bank.
Provide input into high-level compliance and audit reports in respect of audit issues/matters for the Audit & Risk Committee and other governance structures.
Conduct complex compliance investigations and developing strategic compliance initiatives to mitigate risks.

3. Develop and Implement Compliance Policies & Frameworks

Contribute to the design and updating of compliance policies, procedures, and guidelines.
Participate in compliance risk assessments and control testing to enhance risk mitigation.
Guide business units in maintaining compliance registers and reporting systems.
Advise business units of compliance best practices and new developments.

4. Compliance Awareness and Reporting Capacity

Support the delivery of training and awareness initiatives on compliance and ethical conduct.
Prepares compliance reports and inputs for governance committees, regulators, and internal stakeholders.
Collaborates with legal, ethics, financial crime, and business units to promote integrated compliance outcomes.
Provide reports to ensure that compliance risks are considered and dealt with effectively and promptly.

5. Technical Expertise and Knowledge

Leverage advanced technical knowledge and skills to provide expert insights and solutions within their area of specialisation.
Keep abreast of the latest industry developments, technologies, and best practices to maintain a high level of competency and innovation.
Apply their expertise to analyse complex problems, design effective solutions, and support the implementation of projects or initiatives.
Collaborate with team members and stakeholders to gather input and ensure alignment in implementing solutions and compliance initiatives.

6. Innovation and Process Improvement

Champion innovation and foster a culture of continuous improvement within their area of expertise.
Identify opportunities to enhance processes, products, or services, leveraging their technical knowledge, creativity, and industry insights.
Explore and implement new technologies or methodologies to drive efficiency, quality, and value for the organisation.
Encourage and facilitate idea generation among team members, promoting a collaborative environment where innovative solutions can flourish.
Seek ways to improve and innovate, the specialist contributes to maintaining the organisation’s competitive edge and adapting to evolving market demands.

7. Reporting and Data Analytics

Generate detailed and insightful reports and analyses that support strategic decision-making and drive organisational improvement.
Collect, process and interpret complex data using advanced analytical techniques and tools.
Develop reports and dashboards tailored to the specific needs of stakeholders, presenting data in a clear, concise, and actionable manner using visualisations and other aids as necessary.
Identify trends, areas of improvement and key insights that influence strategic planning and operational adjustments.
Provide comprehensive analytics and high-quality reporting, the specialist enables informed decision-making and contributes to the organisation's ability to achieve its objectives and adapt to changing conditions.

8. Stakeholder Management

Engage and collaborate with key stakeholders at a senior regulatory to align expectations, gather insights, and ensure successful outcomes.
Build relationships, communicating clearly and consistently, and addressing stakeholder needs and concerns with responsiveness and professionalism.
Facilitate cooperation and support for initiatives within their area of expertise, contributing to overall project and organisational success.

Key Measurements of Outputs
1. Number and quality of compliance reviews, assessments, and advisory interventions
2. Timeliness and accuracy of compliance risk reporting
3. Level of regulatory breaches identified and resolved
4. Contribution to policy interpretation and compliance training
5. Clean Audit

Expertise & Technical Competencies

a) Solution Focus

Identifies complex problems based on a broad range of factors, many of which are ambiguous or difficult to define.
While remaining guided by organisational values, identifies optimal solutions, thinking first in terms of possible approaches and flexibilities in the system vs. blind adherence to rules or procedures.
Evaluates the effectiveness and efficiency of solutions after they have been implemented and identifies needed changes.

b) Compliance Risk Management

Establishing and embedding a compliance culture in the DBSA and its Business Units.
Identify and assess regulatory universes and draft compliance risk management plans for high-risk legislation.
Interact with internal and external bodies such as Risk Management, Internal Audit, Legal Services, Regulators and Industry Bodies to identify and manage compliance risk.
Assist in developing appropriate compliance policies and frameworks.
Guide DBSA Management to execute compliance strategies and manage their portfolios effectively.
Oversee the implementation of compliance management practices for allocated portfolios.
Establishes, communicates and facilitates the consistent use of appropriate compliance methodologies, tools, templates and techniques.
Works with Business Divisions and Units to establish, maintain and continuously improve compliance management capabilities.
Facilitates compliance assessments and monitors priority compliance matters across the Organisation.
Ensure that there are sufficient compliance execution capabilities within the Organisation.
Provide input and support to group and divisional compliance initiatives.
Coordinate and ensure maintenance of the compliance universe.
Effectively contribute to reducing the compliance risk exposure of the Bank.
Ensure that Compliance activities are undertaken for all areas and projects of the Bank.
Partner with relevant Stakeholders within the Divisions to effectively manage risk.
Re-engineer business processes to be fully compliant with legislation.

c) Compliance Risk Monitoring

Compiles Business Unit-specific plan that ensures that the Business Units comply with the applicable legislative requirements and regulations.
Compiles submissions to relevant Regulators.
Reviews and monitors compliance processes and compliance with regulations and legislation.
Establishes processes to identify instances of noncompliance and reports on non-compliance and any process deviations to senior management.
Reports as necessary to ensure that compliance risks are considered and dealt with effectively and promptly. All risk reporting must be of the highest quality.
Works with other risk officers to share information and ensure uniformity in compliance risk management approaches and mitigations.
Monitors the external environment to determine emerging and unknown compliance risks, determine the impact to the Bank and facilitate communication to various Stakeholders.
Reports on the status of compliance to the Head of Compliance in accordance with the compliance universe.

d) Compliance Risk Advisory

Advises on regulatory requirements and internal controls.
Provides compliance opinions and training to individuals and groups.
Provides compliance advisory services in terms of key Compliance Practices, Solutions and Tools to the DBSA.
Act as a trusted advisor to management on key existing and new projects.
Co-ordinates effort with Stakeholders across the Group.
Provides input into high-level organisational reports in respect of compliance risk matters for Group Risk, Exco, Credit Committee, Board, etc.
Provides input into high-level compliance and audit reports in respect of audit issues/matters for the Audit Committee.

e) Detail Orientation

Quickly identifies relevant and irrelevant information to support accurate decision making.
Maps out all the logistics and details of a situation to ensure smooth and flawless implementation.
Consistently identifies all relevant details that are not obvious in complex situations.
Requires the highest standards for accuracy and quality for their work.
Establishes processes to ensure accuracy and quality of services delivered by the team.

*The KPA’s, competencies and relationships listed in this document are not exhaustive, and the incumbent will be expected to undertake additional duties within their capacity to meet the needs of business and/or the business unit.*

Required Personal Attributes

a) Analytical Thinking

Identifies multiple elements of a problem and breaks down each of those elements in detail, showing causal relationships between them.
Uses several analytical techniques to identify several solutions and weighs the value of each.

b) Attention to Detail

Monitors the quality of others' work.
Checks to see that procedures are followed by others.
Keeps clear details records of own and/or other activities.

c) Integrity

Is willing to end a business relationship because it was associated with unethical business practices.
Is capable of challenging senior management (in an appropriate manner) to act on espoused values.

d) Customer Service Orientation

Tries to understand the underlying needs of customers and matches these needs to available or customised products and services.
Adapts processes and procedures to meet ongoing customer needs.
Utilises the feedback received from customers to develop new and/or improve existing services/products that relate to their ongoing needs.
Thinks of new ways to align DBSA’s offering with future customer needs.

e) Information Seeking and Analysis

Analyses relationships among several parts of a problem or situation.
Anticipates obstacles and thinks ahead about next steps in detail.

Policy

The Development Bank of Southern Africa will endeavour to make appointments in line with its Employment Equity Policy and Plan. Applications from suitably qualified designated groups, especially people with disabilities, are encouraged.

The DBSA corporate culture fit requires clear, logical and analytical thinking grounded in good interpersonal skills, a sense of urgency and results orientated execution of duties. The ability to work collaboratively and finding practical yet innovative solutions is critical to success in a work environment that demands emotional resilience, accountability and responsible risk taking and management.

The DBSA reserves the right to amend or remove vacancies in line with organisational requirements.

All vacancies can be viewed on the DBSA website (www.dbsa.org) under Careers.

CLICK TO APPLY

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR: CORPORATE OPERATIONS

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/12

Reference Number

DBS261021-1

Job Title

Senior Legal Advisor: Corporate Operations

Job Grade

Job Type Classification

Permanent

Location - Town / City

Midrand

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Job Profile (Downloadable)

Senior Legal Advisor Corporate_Job Profile August 2026 Final .docx.pdf (297.61 kb) - 10/21/2026 6:48:51 PM

Job Description

The Senior Legal Advisor is responsible for providing legal advice and support by interpreting and applying relevant legislation and regulations and mitigating legal risk. The role protects the organisation’s interests through effective legal guidance, contract reviews, and dispute resolution.

Key Responsibilities

1. Legal Advisory Services and Contracting

Provide legal advice and support to DBSA’s corporate units, including Corporate Services, Finance, Treasury, Procurement, Strategy, Information Communications Technology (ICT), Communications and Marketing units.
Provide sound, practical and commercially focused legal advice and opinions to the Bank on a broad range of legal matters including public law and administrative law.
Provide legal guidance on negotiations with service providers and consultants.
Participate in governance and management committees to provide legal context on legal matters raised.
Provide support in liaising with external attorneys and prepare comprehensive briefs for them.
Draft, review and negotiate a broad scope of corporate legal contracts, including corporate operations, consultancy, software/hardware support, lease, finance and grant agreements.
Review and verify that contractual terms adequately protect the organisation’s interests and align with applicable legal requirements.
Maintain oversight of contractual obligations and guide contract interpretation.
Provide guidance and leadership to junior legal advisors.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Support

Research and communicate the risks and legal issues involved in a broad range of commercial transactions and operational issues specific to DBSA’s corporate units.
Review all documents and decisions made for compliance with various legislation, policies and regulations.
Monitor and advise on relevant legislative and regulatory developments impacting the organisation.
Support the implementation of governance and compliance frameworks.

3. Dispute Resolution and Litigation

Provide legal guidance on corporate disputes and potential litigation matters.
Liaise and brief external legal counsel on disputes and litigation matters and provide all required information.
Assess cases and support the organisation in resolving disputes in a cost-effective and timely manner.

4. Stakeholder Management

Collaborate with internal stakeholders to provide practical and commercially sound legal solutions.
Build effective working relationships with business units to support informed decision-making.
Provide legal training and awareness on legal and regulatory developments to internal stakeholders.

Key Measurements of Outputs
1. Time taken to prepare and/or review contracts, agreements and legal opinions.
2. Quality and accuracy of agreements, opinions and solutions provided.
3. Effective management of legal claims and litigation risks.
4. Management of total case, agreement, opinion and other legal costs.
5. No litigation due to contractual errors and/or omissions.
6. Effective monitoring

Expertise & Technical Competencies

a) Litigation and Dispute Management

Demonstrated ability to manage complex litigation, regulatory matters, procurement disputes, judicial reviews, and other disputes, including the instruction and management of external counsel.
Ability to assess legal merits, evidentiary requirements, prospects of success, litigation exposure and public law risk.
Capacity to develop and implement dispute resolution and settlement strategies aligned with organisational objectives.

b) Written communication

Understands that different writing styles are required for different documents or audiences.
Writes effective correspondence and prepares questions, reports, statements of circumstance and briefing notes.
Reviews others’ documents for clarity and impact.
Has a solid mastery of writing principles such as grammar, sentence construction, etc.

c) Presentation skills

Can reinforce key presentation points with examples.
Can translate technical terminology into language understandable to the audience.
Has insight into the audience’s behaviour and motivation and responds appropriately and professionally, adapting communication style as appropriate.

d) Reporting

Designs/customises reports to meet user needs.
Prepares complex or tailored reports, gather information from a variety of sources, analyses and includes in a report.
Keeps standard reports under review and proposes improvements to meet user needs.

e) Legal Knowledge

Extensive knowledge and understanding of the legal, governance and regulatory framework applicable to DBSA.
Wide-ranging knowledge of industry best practice, and keeps abreast of, interprets and informs on developments in the area of new laws and regulations relevant to DBSA.
Sound knowledge of corporate and commercial law, together with an understanding of public law, administrative law, public procurement, governance and regulatory frameworks applicable to public entities and development finance institutions.

f) Legal Policy Knowledge

Ability to represent DBSA in litigation, reviews and other dispute resolution proceedings when required.
Ability to draft non-standard legal documents per procedures.
Ability to draft more sensitive policies and legal procedures for DBSA stakeholders, and to review and refine them in response to input from relevant stakeholders before approval.
Ability to understand legal rights and responsibilities and the possession of authority to make legal decisions.
Protects the organisation’s legal rights, utilising a broad knowledge base of all major legal disciplines.

g) Presentation Skills

Knows how to deliver arguments persuasively by employing a range of advanced presentation techniques (e.g., the appropriate use of body language, how to close a presentation so that the audience continues to think about the subject matter, etc.).
Has knowledge of various feedback mechanisms to check levels of audience understanding.

h) Business Acumen

Takes actions to fit business strategy.
Assesses and links short-term tasks in the context of long-term business strategies or perspectives.
Reviews own actions against the organisation's strategic plan; includes the big picture when considering possible opportunities or projects, or thinks about long-term applications of current activities.
Anticipates possible responses to different initiatives.
Understands the projected direction of the industry and how changes might impact the organisation.

i) Negotiations

Has an appreciation of cultural sensitivities and differences.
Effectively employs a variety of advanced behavioural/interpersonal competencies to control the negotiation situation.
Is able to take the lead in a variety of sensitive negotiation situations requiring high levels of tact and diplomacy.
Is able to place a discrete negotiation situation within the context of a broader long-term relationship and is not threatened by conceding ground to protect the longer-term interests of DBSA.

Minimum Qualification

A Bachelor of Laws degree (LLB) or Legal postgraduate qualification.
Admitted Attorney/Advocate of the High Court of South Africa.

Minimum Experience

A minimum of 8–10 years of experience in a commercial, finance, banking, public law or corporate law environment gained at a commercial bank, specialist law firm, corporation or similar institution.
In-depth experience in providing legal advice in corporate operations covering a broad range of business areas such as Corporate Services, Finance, Supply Chain, and ICT.
Experience in managing complex litigation and other dispute resolution matters.
Proven experience in contract drafting, legal risk management, and regulatory compliance.

Desirable Requirements

A postgraduate qualification in law.
Experience in the financial services or banking industry.

*The KPAs, competencies and relationships listed in this document are not exhaustive, and the incumbent will be expected to undertake additional duties within their capacity to meet the needs of the business and/or the business unit.*

Required Personal Attributes

a) Customer Service Orientation

Tries to understand the underlying needs of customers and matches these needs to available or customised products and services.
Adapts processes and procedures to meet ongoing customer needs.
Utilises feedback received from customers to develop new services or products and/or improve existing ones to address their ongoing needs.
Thinks of new ways to align DBSA’s offerings with future customer needs.

b) Self-awareness and Self Control

Withholds effects of strong emotions in difficult situations.
Keeps functioning or responds constructively despite stress.
May apply special techniques or plan ahead o time to manage emotions or stress.

c) Strategic and Innovative Thinking

Experiments with new approaches, tests scenarios, questions assumptions and challenges conventional thinking.
Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others, leveraging internal and external sources of information, to build incremental revenue and growth opportunities.

d) Driving delivery of results

Sets challenging goals that will have a significant impact on the business or support the organisational strategy.
Commits significant resources and/or time to ensure that challenging goals are achieved, while also taking action to mitigate risk.

e) Teamwork & Cooperation

Acts to promote a friendly climate and good morale and resolves conflicts.
Creates opportunities for cross-functional working.
Encourages others to network outside of their own team/department and learn from their experience

Policy

The DBSA reserves the right to amend or remove vacancies in line with organisational requirements.

All vacancies can be viewed on the DBSA website (www.dbsa.org) under Careers.

CLICK TO APPLY

SENIOR LEGAL ADVISOR (IPP OFFICE) X 3

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/11

Reference Number

DBS251203-3

Job Title

Senior Legal Advisor (IPP Office) x 3

Job Grade

Job Type Classification

Contract

Location - Town / City

Centurion

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Job Profile (Downloadable)

Senior Legal Advisor - Role Profile-signed.pdf (215.33 kb) - 12/3/2025 3:11:03 PM

Job Description

The Senior Legal Advisor role is a legal advisory function located within the Independent Power Producers Office (IPPO). The IPPO was established in 2010 to provide rapid solutions to South Africa’s severe electricity supply constraints, by procuring new energy generation capacity from Independent Power Producers (IPPs). The IPPO was created as a project office hosted by the Development Bank of Southern Africa (DBSA).

The IPP Office’s specific mandate is derived from the Memorandum of Agreement between the Department of Electricity and Energy, National Treasury and the Development Bank of Southern Africa which assigns to the IPP Office the implementation of the Independent Power Producers Procurement Programme (IPPPP) pursuant to Ministerial Determinations on behalf of the DEE and covers preparatory and sustaining contract management and monitoring actions to make effective and efficient procurement possible. This is a Fixed Term Contract position until March 2031 aligned with the mandate of the MoA. The purpose of this role is to ensure an optimal procurement process by drafting and advising on relevant commercial arrangements, agreements and evaluation criteria.

Key Responsibilities

Key Outputs

1. Contribute to and interpret the strategy of the legal department of the IPP Office

• Understand the strategy of the IPP Office and contribute to the overall strategy of the legal department.

• Interpret the legal strategy.

• Devise tactical plans to implement the legal strategy.

• Ensure that the legal strategy is executed as planned.

• Devise tactical plans to implement the legal strategy.

2. Ensure relevant legal documents related to the procurement process are drafted, reviewed and finalised timeously

• Direct a team of legal transaction advisors in respect of the IPP Procurement Programmes and lead engagements between the legal transactions advisors and other multi-disciplinary teams

• Assume responsibility for the procurement process including the procurement documents from inception until signature of the relevant agreements and fulfilment of all conditions to financial close. .

• Ensure that the following documents are prepared in accordance with best industry practice and applicable laws and regulations: o Request for Proposals (RFP) o Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) o Implementation Agreement (IA) o Relevant connection agreements o Relevant direct agreements o Any other relevant commercial agreements o Such other regulatory and legal considerations

• Ensure that the relevant documents are completed whilst considering the risk analysis, project structures and technology choice.

3. Effectively handle all issues and queries

• Attend to all incoming bidder queries and issues prior to bid submission.

• Ensure that all matters are handled efficiently within the stipulated time frames.

• Support and assist the IPP office team during bid receiving.

• Attend the weekly queries meeting to advise on and assist with outstanding matters.

• Attend to all incoming bidder queries and issues post closure process.

• Attend to all incoming bidder queries and issues during implementation.

4. Support and enable the IPP during the bid evaluation and finalisation process.

• Advise on the bid evaluation system and criteria.

• Ensure that a suitable bid process is designed to enable bid comparison.

• Provide all necessary support to the IPP Office for the efficient and professional management of the evaluation process.

• Enable the IPP Office to advise the Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on outcomes and recommendations.

• Assist the IPP office to finalise all agreements following the appointment of preferred bidders

• Manage and conclude all change requests and other preferred bidder queries from appointment of preferred bidders until financial close.

• Advise and guide the IPP office in respect of all legal and regulatory compliance requirements in relation to closure process

5. Provide support in terms of contract management / implementation. • Attend to and resolve all change requests.

• Ensure that all non-compliance matters are effectively handled. • Interact with Eskom and other key stake holders to resolve contract management related matters.

• Analyse and interpret contractual rights and obligations of various parties in respect of project agreements

• Advise the IPP Office and Department of Mineral Resources and Energy on matters related to contractual matters.

6. Effective self-management and team work

• Apply knowledge and organisation systems, structures , policies and procedures to achieve results

• Demonstrate initiative in follow through to ensure that personal quality and productivity standards are consistently and accurately maintained

• Provide appropriate resolution for tasks or deadlines not met

• Support and drive the business core values • Act in a manner that is in line with and consistent with the professional integrity and ethics applicable to Attorneys

• Maintain a positive attitude and respond openly to feedback

• Take ownership to drive own career development • Manage own and other’s disruptive emotions , staying calm and focused in situations of stress and pressure

• Show commitment to teamwork and a willingness to go the extra mile to achieve team objectives

Expertise & Technical Competencies

1. Minimum qualification and experience requirements - LLB degree or other relevant post graduate qualification

Admitted Attorney/Advocate of the High Court of South Africa

A minimum of 5 years post qualification experience in a commercial/finance/banking or corporate law field

1.1. Advantageous:

Public sector experience an advantage

2. Knowledge

2.1 General Knowledge and understanding of general business management principles

• Knowledge and experience in large scale infrastructure projects including infrastructure finance

• Knowledge and experience in mergers and acquisitions and/or other large scale commercial transactions

• Knowledge and understanding of various legislation applicable to the energy sector

• Knowledge and understanding of legislation applicable to the public sector

2.2 IPP Office: In-depth knowledge of various legal and regulatory requirements related to the IPP Office

• In –depth knowledge of IPP Office’s policies, practices, processes and systems. • Broad-based understanding of the business operating model

• Expressed and implied ethical responsibilities

• Knowledge and understanding of Project Management principles

• Ability to work in multi-disciplinary teams

• Legal support to the IPP Office in line with the mandate of the IPP Office

3. Technical Competencies

• Presentation skills

• Facilitation skills

• Negotiation skills

• Interpersonal skills

• Networking skills

• Financial and business analytic skills

• Strong verbal and written skills

• Problem Solving skills

• Decision making skills

• Coaching and mentoring skills

Required Personal Attributes

1. Behavioural Competencies

• Analysis and Judgement

• Numerical Reasoning

• Assertiveness

• Excellence Orientation

• Investigative Orientation

• Customer Responsiveness

• Business Acumen

• Planning and Prioritising

• Influencing and Negotiation

• Motivational

Policy

The DBSA reserves the right to amend or remove vacancies in line with organisational requirements.

All vacancies can be viewed on the DBSA website (www.dbsa.org) under Careers.

CLICK TO APPLY

PRINCIPAL DEAL ORIGINATOR TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS

Details

Closing Date

2026/11/11

Reference Number

DBS250917-8

Job Title

Principal Deal Originator Transport & Logistics

Job Grade

Job Type Classification

Permanent

Location - Town / City

Midrand

Location - Province

Gauteng

Location - Country

South Africa

Job Profile (Downloadable)

Principal Deal Originator Generic _Job Profile September 2025 NS 001.docx.pdf (260.62 kb) - 10/3/2025 12:42:50 PM

Job Description

The Principal Deal Originator is responsible for formulating and executing the strategic objectives of the business in collaboration with the Head Coverage, whilst being accountable for deal origination, building and owning client and partnerships and developing projects for the DBSA, ultimately leading to bankable deals.

Key Responsibilities

Deal Origination

Lead the development and execution of origination strategies and sector initiatives to drive infrastructure investment.
Identify, prioritize, and manage key client relationships to maximize revenue and strategic impact.
Build and maintain a robust pipeline of high-quality investment opportunities through proactive business development and deep sector expertise.
Collaborate with project preparation and transaction teams to ensure successful deal structuring and closure.
Navigate and resolve partnership challenges, staying informed on market products and competitor offerings.
Leverage political, sectoral, and regional insights to inform strategies and broaden business opportunities.
Foster strong networks with internal and external stakeholders to position the bank as a leader in infrastructure finance.
Lead competitor and market analysis to inform strategic decision-making and maintain competitive advantage.
Drive new business development, including fee-generating projects, ensuring consistent deal flow and bankability.
Provide leadership, mentorship, and expert guidance to junior team members and represent deals at executive committees and boards.
Prepare and provide documentation/reports for EXCO and Board(s) decision-making where applicable.
Present at deal Committees where applicable, as and when required.

Business Development

Drive business development to establish DBSA as the preferred lender, investor, and partner.
Lead the creation and execution of strategies to build a strong pipeline of development impact projects.
Identify and originate viable projects by facilitating preparation, scoping, feasibility studies, and business plans to close deals.
Develop approaches to secure concessional funding for infrastructure and reconstruction projects across Africa.
Expand client base in target countries, securing sustainable revenue streams and fostering long-term relationships.
Design and implement targeted marketing strategies to capitalize on growth opportunities for DBSA’s services.

Relationship Management and Stakeholder Relations

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, global and regional private businesses, banking and multilateral partners and government officials to further develop specific investment opportunities.
Facilitate continuous communication with clients/ projects that the DBSA has funded to adequately support the division’s monitoring function.
Network and maintain relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to develop specific investment opportunities further.
Identify clients’ pain points and coordinate DBSA's solution offerings to address them.

Undertake other tasks as assigned by the line manager, from time to time.

Key Measurements of Outputs

(*The list is not exhaustive)

Value and number of new business deals originated.
Value and number of project approvals, commitments, and disbursements.
Value of infrastructure catalysed.
Value of projects prepared and committed for DBSA approval.
Value of funds under management secured (Infrastructure Delivery business).
Quality of investment book (e.g., NPL ratio).
Number of transactions that are committed for DBSA funding to black-owned entities (50% shareholding and above).
Number of jobs created or "to be created" by projects - Direct and Indirect jobs.
Quality of signed agreements/mandates.
Clean audit.

Minimum Requirements

1.A postgraduate qualification or equivalent in Business or Finance (CA or CFA), or Engineering, or Economics.

2.A minimum of 10-12 years of experience in infrastructure project financing, structured finance or corporate lending, preferably in a development bank, commercial bank or financial institution focusing on infrastructure.

3.Experience in securing infrastructure investment deals in relevant sectors/geographies in SA and/or Africa.

4.Experience in leading, initiating and developing new business strategies and opportunities to create a pipeline of development impact projects, ensuring deal flow and bankability.

5.Proven track record in originating, structuring and closing large-scale infrastructure deals.

6.Experience in securing deals of appropriate size for the sectors and geographies in question.

7.Strong networks and relations with clients, global and regional private investors and banks to identify and source viable projects/investments.

8.Successful track record in leading project teams with high-level stakeholders and qualified professionals.

9.Comprehensive knowledge of the complex financial and regulatory environments across Africa.

10.In-depth knowledge and understanding of the infrastructure market, financial markets and the macro landscape.

11.Demonstrable experience in identifying client challenges and playing an active part in finding innovative solutions.

12.Experienced communicator and negotiator (expertise at senior level).

13.Strong negotiation skills with the ability to close deals.

14.Proven experience in working with senior stakeholders in highly political environments in South Africa and the rest of Africa.

Expertise & Technical Competencies

TECHNICAL

Business Development

Takes overall lead for proactive business development at the national and international level.
Initiates, reviews, and interprets competitor environment reviews and takes actions accordingly.
Formulates and modifies market approaches based on competitor analyses.
Leads the formulation, development and implementation of the business development strategy to generate new business opportunities in public and private sector delivery of infrastructure.
Identifies and develops new markets, products and clients.
Leads the participation and presentation of an organisation at investment conferences and roundtable discussions.
Coordinates business activities to ensure that investment initiatives are in support of government BEE strategies, broader national and regional economic development strategies.
Promote compliance and alignment with the strategic imperatives of both individual clients and the organisation of investment and development interventions.
Builds capacity to coordinate, control and manage the activities and efforts required for the implementation of the plan.
Builds capacity to conduct project origination exercises.

Business Acumen

Deep understanding of commercial drivers and can make decisions based on an assessment of alternatives concerning complex business situations.
Deep understanding of economic priorities of South Africa and Africa and how they can be implemented to meet an organisation's strategic objectives.
Deep understanding of the need to coordinate efforts with many government entities, the private sector, community groups and individuals to ensure effective implementation of new policies and regulations.
Takes actions to fit business strategy.
Assesses and links short-term tasks in the context of long-term business strategies or perspectives.
Reviews own actions against the organisation's strategic plan; includes the big picture when considering possible opportunities or projects, or thinks about long-term applications of current activities.
Anticipates possible responses to different initiatives.
Understands the projected direction of the industry and how changes might impact the organisation.

Deal Origination

Utilises extensive networks with developers, sponsors and consultants in DBSA-mandated sectors to identify project preparation opportunities.
Conducts project identification, conceptualisation and preliminary structuring of projects and value preposition for DBSA.
Applies analytical skills to understand the technical, environmental, institutional, financial and legal components of projects to present a structure to prepare the project.
Understands the regulatory and policy environments and offers advice in preparing/structuring projects.
Conducts market research, business analysis and profiling to identify opportunities for infrastructure development in SA, SADC and selected African countries.
Provides and grows the opportunity for DBSA equity investments.
Independently structures and negotiates, and concludes engagement letters, term sheets and facility agreements.

Project Management

Defines, plans, and manages large and/or strategic projects, including those with a high degree of technical complexity, with impacts across the organisation and/or with national implications.
Assembles and leads diverse and multi-disciplinary teams, ensuring maximum effective resource utilisation.
Successfully manages substantial project budgets and reports directly to senior managers on the progress and results of projects.
Identifies complex issues that need escalation and proposes appropriate corrective actions.

Solution Focus

Identifies broad, highly complex problems based on a multitude of factors, many of which are complex and sweeping in nature, difficult to define and often contradictory.
Creates procedures to articulate the nature of problems and to identify and weigh alternate solutions.
Evaluates the effectiveness of solutions using approaches tailored to the situation.

Financial Analysis

Serves as subject matter expert.
Evaluates and determines fiscal, operational, and service impacts; analyses and evaluates legislation; and implements and evaluates statistical models in their subject areas.
Demonstrates in-depth technical and administrative knowledge of the rules and regulations in the subject area and to defend analyses, testimony, and recommendations relating to a variety of issues before management and commissions.

Risk Management

Drives integration and standardisation of risk management processes across the organisation.
Advises on the application of the organisation’s risk management policies, industry best practices and constructs organisation guidelines.
Analyses trends in risk management and internal control, evaluates implications, defines, and implements organisation-wide response.

Attention to detail

Quickly identifies relevant and irrelevant information to support accurate decision making.
Maps out all the logistics and details of a situation to ensure smooth and flawless implementation.
Consistently identifies all relevant details that are not obvious in complex situations.
Requires the highest standards for accuracy and quality for their work.
Establishes processes to ensure accuracy and quality of services delivered by the team.

Negotiation

Has an appreciation of cultural sensitivities and differences.
Effectively employs a variety of advanced behavioural/interpersonal competencies to control the negotiation situation.
Can take the lead in a variety of sensitive negotiation situations requiring high levels of tact and diplomacy.
Can place a discrete negotiation situation within the context of a broader long-term relationship and is not threatened by conceding ground to protect the longer-term interests of DBSA.

Commercial Awareness

Deep understanding of commercial drivers and can make decisions based on an assessment of alternatives concerning complex business situations.
Deep understanding of DBSA economic priorities and how they can be implemented to meet DBSA's strategic objectives.
Deep understanding of DBSA's core sector role in achieving DBSA's strategic objectives.
Deep understanding of the need to coordinate efforts with many government entities, the private sector, community groups and individuals to ensure effective implementation of new policies and regulations.

Research

Demonstrates expert skill levels in strategic and operational research techniques, including process analysis, modelling, and forecasting.
Adapts, creates, and designs new research techniques to meet the organisation's requirements.
Provides specialist coaching and guidance to researchers and other organisation employees.
Promotes the professional reputation of the organisation by maintaining a respected profile with relevant external organisations and the research community in general.

Communication and Reporting

Able to communicate complex problems or concepts by making them simple and understandable for others.
Adapts language to the level of the audience to ensure that the message has a positive impact and is interesting to the audience.
Is articulate, demonstrates a wide range of vocabulary, and is confident when talking to large/high-level audiences.
Designs / customises reports to meet user needs.
Prepares complex or tailored reports, gathers information from a variety of sources, analyses and includes in a report.
Keeps standard reports under review and proposes improvements to meet user needs.

Innovation

Develops innovative business solutions that shape industry practices.

Presentation Skills

Knows how to deliver arguments persuasively by employing a range of advanced presentation techniques (e.g., the appropriate use of body language, how to close a presentation so that the audience continues to think about the subject matter, etc.).
Has knowledge of various feedback mechanisms to check levels of audience understanding.

Required Personal Attributes

BEHAVIOURAL

Achievement Orientation

Focuses on new or more effective ways of improving own work and meeting targets.
Focuses on raising quality, customer satisfaction and revenues.
Makes specific changes to systems and processes to improve efficiency and quality.
Formulates own objectives and action plans to achieve a measurable improvement in the future.

Analytical Thinking

Identifies multiple elements of a problem and breaks down each of those elements in detail, showing causal relationships between them.
Uses several analytical techniques to identify several solutions and weighs the value of each.

Conceptual thinking

Creates new concepts that are not obvious to others and not learned from previous education or experience to explain situations or resolve problems.
Looks at things in a significantly novel way, breakthrough thinking.

Strategic and Innovative thinking

Recognises opportunities or problems emerging in patterns and trends, and their impact on the business and profitability drivers.
Applies learning from previous situations and experiences.
Sees underlying causality in the current situation. Applies business acumen to make sound decisions.
Recognises opportunities or potential problems, before they become obvious, by seeing the connections in a range of sources of information, including insights from outside DBSA.
Restates complex knowledge in a way that makes it easier for others to understand.

Commercial Business Acumen

Understands business fundamentals.
Analyses and comprehends organisational goals and strategies.
Understands tactical business fundamentals in the public sector environment and incorporates them into decision-making.

Teamwork

Acts to promote a friendly climate and good morale and resolves conflicts.
Creates opportunities for cross-functional working.
Encourages others to network outside of their own team/department and learn from their experience.

Policy

The DBSA reserves the right to amend or remove vacancies in line with organisational requirements.

All vacancies can be viewed on the DBSA website (www.dbsa.org) under Careers.

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