Head of Operations - National Infrastructure Fund

at  GAP Infrastructure Corporation

ABOUT THE FUND

The NIF is a South Africa-based infrastructure Fund pursuing investments and development of infrastructure opportunities.
The Fund is anchored by Gap Infrastructure Corporation (“GIC”) (https://www.gic.co.za/). GIC is a leading infrastructure developer bridging the gap between public and private sector partnerships to build, design, and finance a brighter future for our partners and communities alike. The company is headquartered in Centurion, South Africa. GIC invests in various infrastructure sub-sectors, including water, housing, health, and transportation.

CORE COMPETENCIES AND EXPERIENCE

Experience:
1. Minimum 8-10 years of experience in operations, finance, or investment management
2. Proven track record in managing operations teams and processes
3. Experience in the infrastructure or alternative investments industry
Attributes:

Key skills:

• Operational expertise: In-depth knowledge of fund operations, administration, and management
• Leadership: Strong leadership and team management skills
• Communication: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Analytical: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Risk management: Ability to identify and manage operational risks
• Regulatory knowledge: Familiarity with regulatory requirements and industry standards
• Technical: Proficiency in MS Office, financial software, and systems
• Project management: Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities
• Collaboration: Strong collaboration and stakeholder management skills
• Adaptability: Ability to adapt to changing environments and priorities

Additional skills:

• Experience with fund accounting and valuation
• Knowledge of infrastructure investments and asset management
• Familiarity with industry-specific systems and software
• Experience with compliance and regulatory reporting
• Strong network and relationships in the industry

KNOWLEDGE OF THE INFRASTRUCTURE SECTOR

• An understanding of:
• the role that infrastructure plays in shaping the economy locally and globally
• the role that infrastructure plays in creating value for stakeholders
• An understanding of new trends in the infrastructure sector locally and globally.
• Knowledge of various infrastructure sub-sectors such as water, transportation, energy, etc.
• An understanding of the current participants in the South African and global infrastructure sector, and the players that have the potential to be future participants and partners.

OTHER SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Highly proactive, with an entrepreneurial attitude.
• Highly energetic, hands-on, and motivated to help create, build-out and shape project development opportunities from an early stage.
• Experience in financing first-of-kind projects and associated risk management
• Strong interest in South Africa and contributing to the development of the local economy and infrastructure eco-system.
• Creative and innovative, desire to think and deliver beyond minimum deliverables – ability to think on your feet.

The Head of Operations plays a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the fund, enabling the investment team to focus on investment decisions and portfolio management and will be responsible for, inter alia,
1. Fund Administration: Oversee fund accounting, valuation, and reporting.
2. Investor Relations: Manage investor communications, queries, and reporting.
3. Compliance and Risk: Ensure regulatory compliance, manage operational risks, and implement controls.
4. Operational Due Diligence: Conduct operational reviews of potential investments.
5. Portfolio Management Support: Assist the investment team with portfolio management, monitoring, and reporting.
6. Team Management: Lead and develop the operations team, providing guidance and training.
7. Process Improvement: Continuously review and enhance operational processes, implementing best practices.
8. Vendor Management: Oversee relationships with external vendors, such as fund administrators, custodians, and auditors.
9. Budgeting and Financial Management: Manage the fund’s operational budget and financial resources.
10. Regulatory and Industry Developments: Stay up to date with industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices
11. Thought Leadership: Contributing to industry research, best practices, and standards in ESG and climate finance.