ESG Manager at IFU (Investment Fund for Developing Countries)
About the job
CONTEXT
IFU invests in financially viable companies, contributing to the green transition as well as economic and social development. Investments are made on commercial terms in the form of equity and loans. The purpose is to contribute to the green transition, economic and social development in the investment countries and to
support the realisation of the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
IFU has invested in 1,336 companies in more than 100 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe. Committed investments total DKK 234 billion, of which IFU has contributed DKK 27 billion.
IFU is an independent government-owned fund offering risk capital to companies in developing countries and emerging markets. IFU is not a provider of aid or business grants. We work on a commercial basis, because we believe that business investment is a good way to create lasting improvements. IFU is a fund manager of a number of other investment funds.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE
The ESG Manager will undertake ESG Due Diligence (DD) of IFU investments across sectors in Africa. In close collaboration with the S&I team in Copenhagen, the ESG manager will implement IFU requirements and support the development of Environmental and Social Action Plans (ESAP) and Corporate Governance Action Plans (CGAP). In addition, the role will support the monitoring of action plan implementation and manage E&S risks and potential negative impacts as part of IFU’s active ownership.
The ESG Manager will engage in conversations with investment colleagues on new investments and support early screening in accordance with IFU’s impact priority areas.
Duties and responsibilities:
Identifying investment opportunities and managing DD processes
- Manage the whole ES DD process for investment opportunities in high E&S risks (A/B+) including categorization, managing ES DD consultants and their assessments.
- Support on E&S aspects in the deal teams for investment opportunities with low E&S risks (B/C).
- Support the deal teams in identifying the Theory of Change and optimizing impact opportunities in all investments including identification of impact areas, baseline information and relevant impact performance indicators to be used for IFU’s results frameworks.
- Negotiate relevant sections of the investment agreement to ensure alignment with IFU’s Impact and E&S requirements (IFU’s Sustainability and Impact Rules). This involvement is especially relevant for high E&S risks (A/B+) and for investments with high-impact opportunities and will include identification of actions to be included in relevant action plans (Environmental and Social Action Plan or future Impact Actions Plan).
Investment management
- Provide active support and guidance to IFU’s portfolio companies on ESG aspects, including follow-up on investment requirements (ESAP, CGAP and Value and Impact Creation Plans)
- Provide active support in guiding and assisting on opportunities in IFU’s Sustainability Facility for portfolio companies.
- Build and maintain a close and constructive relationship with IFU’s partners in the investments, especially other DFIs.
- Represent IFU on ESG Committees in selected portfolio companies, depending on experience and need in companies.
- Active ownership including collecting performance data (E&S + Impact) and preparation and ensuring responsible exits.
Additional competences
- The ESG Manager will also be supporting IFU in developing IFU’s ESG policies and strategy, defining targets and policies to become a best-in-class impact investor.
- Supporting IFU in monitoring IFU’s Africa portfolio performance towards agreed targets.
- Communicate to external stakeholders on IFU’s strategy, investment process and impacts of the investments.
Investment management
- ESG focal point in Africa.
Formal education, skills and experience
- Master’s degree within natural or social sciences, engineering, economy, law or equivalent.
- Proven track record of conducting ESDDs, ESIA fulfilling requirements of international standards such as IFC Performance Standard, World Bank/IFC general and sector guidelines, Equator Principles and UN Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights for International Investors (preferable DFIs).
- Experience working with Corporate Governance.
- Relevant cultural and geographic skills.
- Fluent in English both in writing and speaking.
- 5 years of relevant work experience, with a proven track record.
- Capacity to work independently, lead processes on your own and be a resource for others/ mentor others through challenging decision-making processes.
- Confident user of Microsoft Office and especially Excel.
Personal competences
- Communicative, engaged and creative.
- Results-oriented, proactive team player.
- Self-confident and independent.
- Sound business judgment.
- Strong customer/partner orientation.
SOUNDS LIKE YOU?
If interested in this role, please submit your application by clicking Apply Now. comprising;
- A cover letter of no more than two pages which details why you want to join the IFU and what you will bring to the position.
- A CV of not more than 4 pages that clearly demonstrates results achieved and work done.
- Details of two professional references (names, positions, email address and phone number).
All documents should be in pdf format