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Project Overview and Role
Background
The Nigeria Expanded Trade and Transport Program (NEXTT) seeks to increase Nigerian private sector investment and trade in agribusiness and infrastructure. Its principal tools include direct firm level assistance, capacity building for business associations and public sector institutions charged with the responsibility of assisting the private sector, and trade and investment policy reforms. NEXTT is custodian of a $1.8 million Project Development Facility (PDF) to catalyze business expansions.
As NEXTT enters its 5th year, an extension to its initial 4-year contract, it looks to build on its successes in helping companies dramatically increase exports; in helping the Government of Nigeria plan for the Trade Facilitation Agreement implementation; in building the capacity of partner institutions including the Nigerian Investment Promotion Council and the Nigerian Export Promotion Commission; and identify over 50 companies ready to expand their operations, employ more people, and buy more products locally.
At the end of the 4th year, NEXTT had assisted in the completion of 28 business plans for companies that are seeking finance to expand their operations. Many of these companies do not have the financial ability to solely meet their financing requirements through loans, and will need equity partners. The financial landscape for obtaining equity finance is largely different from the banking industry, and requires a different set of tasks and competencies to be successful.
Role
The primary role of the Access to Finance – Equity Specialist is to create a program that matches NEXTT PDF Awardees with institutions that will make equity investments in Nigerian agribusinesses. This includes building the capacity of companies seeking finance, building a database of investors, and matchmaking through one-on-one introductions and small scale events in Lagos, Abuja, and Kaduna.
Responsibilities
Activities
The Equity Specialist will embark on a range of activities that will increase the number of NEXTT-partner companies that receive equity finance from domestic and international equity funds. This may include (but is not limited to):
- Working with NEXTT beneficiaries to upgrade their offerings, marketing materials, and presentations in an effort to target equity investors
- Attending events in Nigeria and, if valuable, events abroad in which the Equity Specialist can build relationships with financiers that will invest in Nigerian agribusiness
- Introducing PDF awardees one-on-one to financiers who share common interests
- Hosting matchmaking events and other small-scale gatherings in which investors and financiers can interact and build the basis of future relationships
- Communicating with Nigerian diaspora to consider crowd-funding arrangements
- Working with the World Bank GEM Project to put NEXTT assisted companies in front of the World Bank?s equity funds
- Other activities related to identifying other potential sources of equity
- Other responsibilities as may be assigned by the PDF Manager and/or the COP
Level of Effort and Travel Requirements
This position will ideally be based in Lagos, although the final posting will be determined as part of the final hiring package. No relocation assistance will be available. The Equity Specialist will largely work in Lagos, although travel to Kaduna, Kano and other states in which NEXTT PDF partners exist will be common.
Start and end date of consultancy
The estimated start date of the consultancy is 1st February 2017, and will run through the 1st of October 2017.
Technical Oversight
The Consultant will report to the Chief of Party of NEXTT and the PDF Manager.
Requirements
Minimum Requirements
The consultant(s) hired under this Scope of Work must meet the following requirements:
- A Master?s Degree in Business Administration
- At least 5 years? experience working in developing countries, particularly in economic growth projects
- Demonstrated Experience in Agribusiness and Business Planning
- Demonstrated experience in closing equity deals
Details
Experience:
Intermediate Level
Sector:
Location:
Lagos, Nigeria
Closing date:
01 February 2017
More Information
- Job City Lagos
