Political Risk and Structured Credit Leader – Africa

About the role

Marsh is looking for a Political Risk and Structured Credit Leader to head its Political Risk and Structured Credit practice in Africa, based in Cape Town. The role is hybrid, with at least three days a week spent in the office. The practice supports investors, traders, corporates, financial institutions and public-sector organisations navigating political, credit and country risks across Africa and other emerging markets, working closely with colleagues in IMEA and the UK.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the Political Risk and Structured Credit practice across Africa, aligned with Marsh IMEA and UK colleagues and global market relationships.
• Build and execute a multi-year growth strategy covering business development, client origination, pipeline conversion and profitable revenue growth.
• Develop senior relationships with private equity, banks, commodity traders, public agencies, multilaterals, infrastructure investors and corporates.
• Design and deliver an end-to-end client proposition, from origination and risk analysis through structuring, placement, claims support and renewal strategy.
• Personally originate, sponsor and convert priority opportunities, and manage revenue reporting, forecasting, budget planning, client retention and margin performance.
• Provide market intelligence, data analysis and thought leadership on political, regulatory, economic and credit developments affecting Africa.
• Foster collaboration, knowledge sharing and training, coaching and development within the team and wider Marsh network.

Required profile

• At least 8 years' experience in political risk, structured credit, trade credit, country risk, banking, investment, insurance or a closely related specialty.
• At least 3 years' management or senior leadership experience, preferably in a client-facing commercial environment.
• Proven leadership and business-development track record in Political Risk, Structured Credit, Trade Credit, Banking, Private Equity, Infrastructure or Commodity Trading.
• A strong network across African markets and established relationships in London and the wider UK financial and insurance markets.
• Proven ability to execute cross-border strategies and work across IMEA and the UK.

Required skills

• Thorough technical knowledge of political risk and/or structured credit solutions, including structuring and placing large, complex or bespoke insurance programmes.
• Business development, communication, influencing and negotiation skills, able to engage at C-suite, investment committee, treasury, risk and public-sector levels.

Marsh offers professional development, a vibrant and inclusive culture, and a range of career opportunities, benefits and rewards. The company is committed to hybrid work, with colleagues expected in the office at least three days per week.