Partnerships and Investment Lead – British High Commission
The partnerships and investment lead will support delivery of BHC’s Strategic Economic Growth Plan, with a focus on more investment into Tanzania, particularly from UK firms, into critical minerals, clean energy, financial sector and infrastructure.
The job holder will sit within the Sustainable Prosperity Team in the British High Commission, reporting to the Economic Advisor. They will work closely with other members of the British High Commission team, particularly the economic diplomacy lead, private sector and economic advisor and political officers to support delivery of these objectives.
As an outward facing role the job holder will be responsible for building and maintaining a strong external network with Government of Tanzania and UK businesses (particularly prospective UK exporters/investors). They will build an understanding of UK interest and capability in key sectors (critical minerals, infrastructure and energy) to generate and progress a pipeline of investments. On critical minerals they will support existing and prospective UK interest in the sector, including mining firms, UK financing expertise and critical minerals related infrastructure.
They will also maintain relationships with International Finance Institutions to understand their project pipelines and assessment of major infrastructure investments and the potential for UK involvement (via UK investment or UKEF).
The position will support the delivery of the Mutual Prosperity Partnership- the UK’s MOU with the Government of Tanzania- including leading on the ambitious FDI outcome goal, and government dialogue platform; supporting the 6 monthly and annual meetings and following up on actions agreed.
The post holder will be expected to build an understanding of the range of UK tools to achieve these goals, including UK FDI, UKEF and associated export wins, central and bilateral programming and DBT sector leads. They will have an existing knowledge and experience of private and public investment in Tanzania.
The candidate will need to be an excellent communicator (written and oral) and have the proven ability to work directly and credibly with the government and private sector on investment. This includes an understanding of deal origination through to closure, including private and public sector investment, and an ability to advise UK companies on the nature of opportunities in different sectors.
Roles and responsibilities
In this role, jobholder will be responsible and accountable for:
- Establishing and maintaining a strong stakeholder network in country. Maintaining good relationships with government of Tanzania leads, particularly in relation to infrastructure, energy, critical minerals, finance and PPPs.
- Establishing and maintaining a pipeline of UK investment and export potential into Tanzania, and linking with opportunities on the ground.
- Able to use these networks to identify investment opportunities in public and private sector, and turn these into transactions/deals.
- Supporting critical minerals private sector engagement and deal flow.
- Supporting delivery of the UK’s Industrial Strategy and building R&D partnerships
- Support delivery of the 6 monthly technical level meetings MPP between the UK and Tanzania, and the Annual Dialogue between the High Commissioner and Ministers.
- Leading pipeline development, project origination and due diligence for instruments that form part of the MPP offer, e.g. UK Export Finance and PIDG.
- Develop a strong understanding of the broader UK offer on growth, trade, development and investment in order to identify larger investments/sectors where the team can deploy several levers to achieve scale.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- First class communications and English drafting and presenting skills
- At least 5 years’ experience either in the private sector, ideally working for an international firm, and/or in government supporting private sector companies in doing business
- Knowledge and understanding of Tanzanian market and experience in international/Tanzanian/East African trade and investment issues
- Experience in building a wide network of government, private sector, international community, Development Financial Institutions and using relationships to deliver objectives.
- Demonstrated resilience to manage multiple workstreams concurrently, with the ability to implement, benchmark against national and international evidence and deliver to tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of financing instruments, such as PPPs, Sovereign and infrastructure bonds, de-risking instruments and blended finance.
- Strong political economy awareness and ability to spot opportunities to influence and build partnerships.
- A self-starter and business minded attitude, experienced in working independently and under uncertainty.
- An organised and proactive approach to work and a willingness to continually learn and improve.
- A commitment to contributing to a positive working environment grounded in inclusion, respect, kindness, and collaboration.
Technical skills / experience / qualifications
- Degree in business, economics, management, finance or related field
- Understanding of deal structuring and closure
- Experience in the energy, minerals and infrastructure sectors, including financing