IDB3099 – Lead investment Portfolio Specialist (Equity)

Role Purpose:

The Lead Investment Portfolio Specialist is responsible for managing long-term direct equity investment portfolios with the goal of generating higher returns and increasing the bank’s income. They play a key role in enhancing the return and income of the existing portfolio by rebalancing it according to investment policies. The Lead also participates in sourcing, originating, and implementing equity investments while adhering to policies and mandates. They oversee the evaluation and processing of investment proposals and monitor portfolio performance, exiting investments when necessary. Overall, the Lead Investment Portfolio Specialist optimizes equity portfolios, contributing to the organization’s growth and profitability through effective investment strategies.

Key Accountabilities:

Investment Portfolio Management:

• Assess existing direct equity portfolio and oversee the preparation of a detailed divestment plan to liquidate few of the legacy direct equity investments in private companies and seek approval of the plan from IsDB management.
• Monitor and exit, wherever required and possible, the legacy investment portfolio of real estate funds, among others, to maximize the recovery of the invested amounts and to help re-deploy the funds in more attractive, mandate compliant investment opportunities.
• Participate in the management of IFI and/or non-IFI portfolio of the bank and develop an overall portfolio approach to manage the portfolio.
•  Conduct performance evaluations of equity investments and carry out due diligence for potential equity investments, liaising with internal and external stakeholders, for further analysis / clarifications needed for the proposed investments.
• Monitor the performance and progress of the equity investments and portfolios from different sources (OCR and non-OCR) managed by IsDB.
• Source, originate and execute investments, as per prevailing guidelines and policies  Prepare a shortlist of potential investments for further discussions with the management and seeks and follows up on approvals for investments proposals.
• Monitor the life cycle of investments and recommend exit strategies where appropriate.
• Conduct quarterly reviews on investee companies and contribute to the regular reports prepared by the division.

• Follow up on dividend income generated.
• Contribute to the rebalancing of the portfolio in line with the approved Investment Policies.
• Participate in monitoring the legacy investment portfolio with the objective to exit if possible and maximize the recovery of the invested amounts to redeploy the funds in more attractive, mandate-compliant investment opportunities.
• Serve as a focal point for all matters related to investments in IFIs and/or non-IFIs assigned to him/her, as well as to the portfolios per source of fund.
• Assist the Division manager in presenting division’s key priorities and action plans and in regularly reporting to various internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the development of policies and guidelines governing investments in IFIs and non-IFIs including guidelines on Board representation.
• Create, review and submit customized reports to the IsDB management on the performance of the invested companies and of the portfolio on a regular basis.
• Overview and Implement ESG framework across new investments.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of overall strategy and work plans for the Division.

Operational Excellence Support:

• Provide technical guidance and review the work delivered by lesser experienced team members. 
• Ensure effective implementation and adherence to the respective policies, procedures, and controls so that all relevant procedural / legislative requirements are fulfilled. 
• Keep abreast with the latest developments, regulations and best practices in the field and propose improvements in IsDB.
• Provide necessary inputs in the preparation of the Department Budget and in monitoring the actual expenditure against the approved budget.

Education, Certification and Experience:

Academic and Professional Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics/Business Administration/Finance/ Investments or related discipline.
• Minimum 10 years of experience in Asset Management/ Investment Banking, of which 5 years in Investment/Asset Management & 3 years in a managerial / supervisory role.
• Holding CFA certification is preferred.

Skills & Necessary Knowledge:

• Advanced knowledge of Investment Markets in the relevant Asset Classes.
• Advanced knowledge of investment risk-return assessment.
• Advanced knowledge of Financial Analysis.
• Advanced knowledge of Optimal Portfolio Theory.
• Knowledge of Macroeconomics.
• High degree of confidentiality and protection of sensitive information.
• Ability to maintain a rational and objective demeanor when faced with stressful or emotional situations.
• Ability to plan and prioritize tasks effectively.
• Ability to influence others using rational arguments.
• Ability to identify risks and implement necessary mitigation measures.
• Consistently work to a high standard and look for ways to improve current working practices and processes for the benefit of the Bank.
• Advanced report writing skills.
• MS Office.

Languages:

English Mandatory
Arabic Preferred
French Preferred