Public Sector Head, Sub-Sahara Africa

Job Purpose:

• To take responsibility as Public Sector Lead for the development and execution of the business strategy for Public sector clients to achieve client acquisition and revenue targets agreed with the Global Public Sector Head and the respective CCOs across the SSA/Africa region.
• To develop and strengthen trusted relationships and sustain strategic dialogue with the clients up to all senior levels, particularly at the Minister level.
• To originate and monetise business opportunities across the entire Citi's product portfolio.
• To drive thought leadership and content relevant to public sector clients' needs and objectives.
• To initiate and lead Public Sector initiatives that progresses the franchise's objectives, performance, and market leadership.
• To lead and mentor junior staff to develop their banking skills set and public sector knowledge.

Job Background/context:

• The Public Sector Group (PSG) serves clients across the Developed and Emerging Markets that include Central Governments, Central Banks, Sovereign Wealth Funds, State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), and Development Financial Institutions (DFIs). Our Corporate Bankers build and grow our long-term relationship with these clients. They orchestrate the delivery of Citi's vast global product platform and develop integrated financing strategies, by acting as a primary point of contact through which our clients utilize our extensive capabilities around the world. Through these efforts, our bankers address our client's most complex global banking needs, helping them solve problems and realize opportunities.
• PSG works with Banking, Services and Markets colleagues to develop innovative and viable solutions for our clients across the full spectrum of products such as fixed income, equity, all forms of derivatives, structured products, FX, export & agency finance, as well as securities and treasury Services. At the same time PSG works with Independent Risk Partners in the management of the bank's risk portfolio and in maximizing risk adjusted revenue and returns.

Key Responsibilities:

• Achieve sustainable revenue growth across the portfolio of public sector accounts in the region.
• Implement calling plans to ensure business development is pursued across the entire client base.
• Originate business opportunities leveraging the entire product portfolio.
• Work with product partners to structure viable and replicable client solutions that are cost effective and scalable.
• Work with Independent Risk to manage the portfolio and individual client risk and achieve targeted risk-adjusted returns.
• Develop industry/segment specialization as appropriate and drive thought leadership and content.
• Represent the Bank and the PS franchise at public forums and serve as speaker and subject matter expert at such forums.
• Lead and mentor junior staff to develop their banking skills set and public sector knowledge.

Key Objectives:

• Deepen Citi Public Sector franchise's access to the senior public sector decision makers in Africa i.e. finance ministers, central bank governors, C-suite of SOEs and regional DFIs.
• Senior leadership responsibility on the convergence of Citi's product suite with Regional DFI capabilities.
• Responsible for strategic franchise initiatives, including representing Citi on high level working groups related to climate finance, energy transition, US-Africa economic collaboration, sovereign debt restructuring etc.
• Represent the bank at prominent industry conferences, seminars and other high level networking events to enhance Citi's Public Sector Africa reputation and visibility.
• Advisor to Sub-Saharan Africa CCO on broader Citi Africa strategy.

Development Value:

• Exposure to Senior Management and Senior Bankers throughout Citi's extensive network.
• Opportunity to develop world-class broad-based banking and client relationship skills.
• Opportunity to work in a large and complex organisation with a demanding customer base and in a challenging and changing business environment.
• Exposure to an open and multicultural working environment.
• Gain experience and insight into the risks and associated mitigation strategies in dealing with Public Sector.

Knowledge/Experience:

• Extensive client interaction at senior level and/or relevant product experience.
• Full knowledge of entire suite of products and possess a corporate finance mindset.
• Proven track record of deal origination and structuring.
• Consistently deliver on revenue and budget targets.
• Strong credit skills and experience, particularly for sovereign credits.
• Geographic and cultural awareness and understanding of operating in Emerging Markets.
• Understanding of development finance institutions.

Skills:

• Analytical - Assimilating new information quickly and relating it to the needs of the client base.
• Proactivity - Identifying new business opportunities.
• Organizational - Managing business across a large client portfolio with diverse client teams.
• Verbal and Written - Communicating the detail of complex client relationship and situations to a broad range of internal contacts.
• Team Player - leverage and coordinate resources across the institution in addressing client needs.

Qualifications:

• Master degree or MBA or equivalent.
• Prior experience in dealing with public sector institutions in emerging markets.
• 10+ years of Corporate Banking and/or Development Finance experience.
• Maintain solid network of contacts and access across SSA.
• English (required), French and/or Portuguese would be a plus.
• The position is intended to be London based.

Competencies:

• Excellent interpersonal skills. Able to create and sustain good personal contacts within the client group, balancing client requirements and Citi's priorities. Confident in meeting clients at a senior level.
• Creativity - Prepared to take the initiative to follow issues through, whilst exercising judgment as to when to seek assistance.
• Networking - Maintaining close contact with product, other industry sectors and risk specialists within Citi.
• Team Player - being able to work in partnership with other individuals on day-to-day and long-term projects.
• Personal Effectiveness - Strives for excellence in client service and demonstrates ability to independently close on business opportunities.