Finance Director

 Industry: Waste Management 

Location: Accra, Ghana 

Job Overview:

 A multinational Company based in Ghana, West Africa operating in the Waste Management industry with presences in Africa is looking to fill the role of a Finance Director with a strong expertise in Project Financing. This position is a C-suit role responsible for shaping the company’s business strategy through robust Projects financial models, market analysis, and financial projections, The Director will work closely with senior management, project teams, and external stakeholders, leveraging an extensive network of funding institutions and investors to secure the financial backing necessary for large-scale waste management infrastructure projects. This role combines business strategy, financial planning, and relationship management, making it essential for driving the growth and expansion of the company’s waste management projects, while ensuring financial viability, risk mitigation, and alignment with environmental sustainability goals. 

Key Responsibilities: 

1. Business Modelling and Strategy Development: 

• Lead the development and continuous refinement of business models for large-scale solid and liquid waste management projects, including recycling, waste-to-energy plants, landfill operations, and circular economy solutions. 

• Identify and evaluate new business opportunities, including emerging market trends, technological advancements, and regulatory changes that could impact the waste management sector. 

• Design scalable, sustainable business models that balance commercial success with environmental impact and compliance. 

• Create financial projections, pricing strategies, and revenue models to support new business ventures, joint ventures, and acquisitions. 

2. Financial Structuring and Capital/Fund Raising: 

• Strong network in the Project Financing and Design and implement financial and operational models to support the raising of capital for waste management projects, including debt, equity, or hybrid financing. 

• Work with financial institutions, development banks, venture capitalists, and government agencies to structure and secure funding for waste management projects. 

• Leverage an established network of funding institutions and investors to negotiate optimal terms for capital raising, including project finance and public-private partnerships (PPPs). 

• Create compelling business cases, investor presentations, and financial models that communicate the long-term viability and returns of waste management initiatives to investors and stakeholders. 

3. Market and Industry Analysis: 

• Conduct comprehensive market research to understand industry trends, competitor landscapes, and potential areas for business growth in the solid and liquid waste sectors. 

• Analyze regulatory, economic, and technological shifts that could impact the waste management business models, ensuring adaptability and resilience in the company’s strategies. 

• Assess the economic feasibility of new technologies, such as waste-to-energy, advanced recycling, and other sustainability-focused initiatives, and incorporate these into the overall business model. 

4. Risk Assessment and Business Optimization: 

• Develop and implement strategies to minimize financial, operational, and environmental risks associated with large-scale waste management projects.

 • Monitor business performance and refine business models to optimize profitability, reduce costs, and improve operational efficiency. 

• Evaluate risks related to regulatory changes, commodity prices (e.g., recycling market fluctuations), and project delays, incorporating these factors into the financial and operational models. 

5. Investor and Stakeholder Engagement: 

• Identify, Maintain and grow relationships with key investors, financial institutions, and Projects funding Agencies, providing regular updates on business performance. 

• Collaborate with legal, compliance, and regulatory teams to ensure business models align with local, national, and international waste management regulations and Funding standards. 

• Act as the primary liaison between the company and funding institutions, driving discussions on funding strategies, deal terms, and partnership opportunities. 

• Lead negotiations with investors and financial partners to secure favorable terms for financing, joint ventures, and project development. 

6. Reporting and Presentation: 

• Prepare reports and presentations for Board members and investor decision making summarizing business performance, market trends, and growth strategies. 

• Provide clear recommendations based on data-driven analysis, highlighting opportunities for improving business efficiency, profitability, and market positioning. 

• Present new business models, financial projections, and capital-raising strategies to investors, explaining the commercial and environmental viability of waste management projects. 

Skills and Qualifications: 

Education:

 • Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, or a related field (required). From an Internationally recognized institution 

• Master’s degree or PhD (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) in Business, Finance, or Environmental Management, Environmental Sciences, or Any Engineering discipline would be preferred. 

• Professional certifications such as ACCA, CFA, CPA, or PMP (Project Management Professional) are highly desirable. 

• ESG Certification highly preferred. 

Experience: 

• 10+ years of experience in business financial modelling, strategy implementation, or financial planning within infrastructure, environmental or industrial sectors. 

• 5+ years in a leadership role, with proven experience managing cross-functional teams and collaborating with senior executives. 

• A working knowledge in Waste Financing or in a related sector (e.g., renewable energy, sustainability). 

• Applicant knowledge or worked in the ESG space will be an added advantage.

 • Proven track record in capital raising and securing funding for large-scale infrastructure projects. 

• Strong network with funding institutions, private equity firms, development banks, and International Government bodies. 

Technical Skills: 

• Expertise in business modelling and financial analysis tools, including Excel, financial software, and project finance models. 

• In-depth knowledge of project finance structures, including debt and equity financing, PPPs, and capital structuring. 

• Familiarity with industry-specific regulations, accounting standards (e.g., IFRS), and environmental compliance standards. 

• Strong proficiency in market research, competitor analysis, and economic modeling. 

• Should be apply able to speak or comprehend one international language ie French, English, Spanish. 

Soft Skills: 

• Excellent communication, presentation, and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence key stakeholders and build strong relationships with investors and financial institutions. 

• Strong leadership capabilities, with experience managing high-performance teams and cross-functional collaboration. 

• Strategic thinker with the ability to assess business risks, identify growth opportunities, and optimize business models for sustainability and profitability. 

• Highly analytical, with a keen ability to synthesize complex data and provide actionable insights. 

Key Competencies: 

1. Business Strategy & Modelling Expertise: Ability to design and refine business models that drive long-term growth, profitability, and sustainability in the waste management sector. 

2. Capital Raising & Financing: Deep understanding of project finance, capital raising strategies, and structuring funding deals to secure financial backing for waste management projects.

 3. Investor & Stakeholder Relations: Established network with funding institutions, investors, and government agencies, along with strong relationship-building and negotiation skills. 

4. Market Intelligence: Expertise in market analysis, competitor benchmarking, and identifying emerging opportunities and threats in the waste management industry. 

5. Risk Management & Optimization: Proficiency in identifying financial, operational, and regulatory risks, and developing strategies to mitigate these risks while optimizing business performance. 

6. Leadership & Team Collaboration: Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide and inspire teams, foster cross-functional collaboration, and ensure alignment between financial and operational goals.

 Applicants should send their recent CV and Cover Letter the subject line should be the position you are applying for. 

Application Deadline: November 30th 2024