Principal Consultant

Job Description

JOB SUMMARY

Nathan is an international economic development firm that specialises in private sector growth and investment, working with a range of government and multilateral funding agencies, and partnering with the private sector and investors. Our work spans politically and economically complex environments in emerging markets, fragile states and post-conflict states in Africa and Asia. As part of our private sector development and investment work, we lead assistance to firms and markets in these contexts that helps them grow, export, attain higher valuations and secure appropriate investment (including commercial and impact investment, and debt, equity and mezzanine instruments).

Our London-based economic development team is expanding, and we are looking for candidates who are at an advanced stage in their careers (10+ years of experience), with strong leadership potential, a commitment to development, excellent analytical skills and exemplary relationship management skills.

The successful candidate will join our team in London with the option should the candidate prefer, of spending extended time in Asia and Africa after an initial period spent at head office. This full-time role will report to the Head of Private Sector Development/Investment and will work in a matrix structure with other practices.

The role encompasses technical delivery, programme management and business development. Technical work involves supporting firms to innovate and grow, facilitating linkages with investors and buyers and crowding in impact and other classes of investors. In addition, undertaking research and analysis to improve policies and overcome specific constraints. Principal consultants are expected to lead (under the oversight of Heads of Practice) project management, overseeing the smooth delivery and function of the project, managing budget, contracts, compliance and forecasts, reviewing progress, priorities and driving actions to ensure success. Business development involves engaging with clients and potential clients and developing opportunities through participation in preparation, design, research and writing for proposals.

All team members have the option to receive ongoing investment training as well as mentored support from senior staff, alongside a structured performance management process. This facilitates meaningful career progression professional development for all staff by building individual and team skillsets, enhancing knowledge, and developing new approaches.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Nathan believes that relationship management, with firms in emerging markets, investors, stakeholders, donors and funding agencies, and others is the foundation of our work in improving lives. At this principal level, the candidate will be engaged in building and maintaining good relationships with stakeholders (the private sector, investors, experts, consultants, government counterparts, business intermediary organisations, donors, and development financial institutions). The role requires:

Technical delivery

• An ability to investigate and identify the needs of investors and firms in sub-Saharan Africa and Asia, identifying solutions for their needs, including finding and engaging the right expertise, partners or innovative solutions.
• An ability to work well with senior professionals across these stakeholders, using sound judgment to establish trust and demonstrate added value.
• Proactively and responsibly driving forward strategic priorities in partnership with others.
• Managing substantial information quickly and effectively.
• High-quality desk-based research on detailed factors constraining investment and export by firms (macroeconomic, sectoral and firm-level).
• In-person research through interviews with investors, buyers, and firms to understand firm-level, buyer-level and investor-level obstacles.
• Analytical recommendations on overcoming risks, constraints, and the design of new private sector development/investment interventions to project teams and senior staff.
• Producing compelling communications using strong evidence, that is able to contribute information, viewpoints and recommendations to stakeholders, further cementing the credibility of the relationship.

Programme management

• Leadership of project management, overseeing the smooth delivery and function of the project.
• Strong problem-solving skills, ability to be calm under pressure.
• Quality assurance of project teams in-country.
• Oversight of projects and reviews project progress, priorities and drives activities and actions as needed.
• Budget oversight, contracts, project performance, compliance and forecasts.

Business Development

• Contribute to new work through participation in preparation, design, research and writing for proposals within priority technical areas.

Cross-cultural teamwork

• Work productively with diverse teams - different language abilities and experiences but shared objectives. Plan time effectively, while also contributing to developing the workplan of the whole team, taking into account the different capacities, knowledge and skillsets of team members.
• Thrive in a flexible environment while being task-oriented and committed to delivering on time.
• Communicate effectively (especially with non-technical language when needed) to mobilise teams to achieve goals.
• Contribute to Nathan’s team and family culture; pitch in when needed, roll up your sleeves, get into the details, and don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Corporate management

The candidate will join our cadre of Principal Consultants at Nathan who are also engaged in the following activities:

• Line-managing junior staff in line with Nathan’s performance management system.
• Supporting corporate priorities as they emerge, including contributing to Nathan’s corporate strategy.
• Assisting Heads of Practice and developing new skills as needed by the firm.
• Contributing specialist inputs into other practice-area proposals, tenders, client engagement and projects as determined by the Managing Director.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

This is an exciting opportunity for a candidate who is looking to build the next stage of their career in private sector development and investment. You will be committed to contributing your skills while learning and growing in a challenging role as part of a smart, dynamic and passionate team. You will be intellectually driven, with an interest in exploring big issues and what makes and moves markets and inspires people. Bringing a can-do attitude and strong teamworking ethic, your dedication will be rewarded with opportunities for growth and career progression, and you will play a key role in driving Nathan’s own growth and expansion. Nathan is committed to bringing new experience and skills to our teams and we strongly encourage applications from candidates from outside the development sector.

• Degree in business, economics, public policy, finance, accounting, or related field. Significant experience in related sectors without a degree will also be considered.
• Ten or more years of relevant work experience in private sector development/investment in Afrca/Asia . Fifteen years and more preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership capacity – ability to develop and socialize new ideas and execute against them successfully.
• Strong capacity to collaborate with diverse teams in multiple geographic locations, as well as with internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong communication skills—able to articulate ideas, communicate tactfully, and give and receive feedback.
• Adaptability to a rapidly changing environment, including reprioritization or reassignment of responsibilities.
• Interest in and / or experience with both private and public investments, capital markets or related quantitative fields.
• Superior relationship and client management skills.
• Solid analytical and critical thinking skills: including the ability to frame issues, identify key points, draw conclusions, and exercise good judgement.
• Strong data analysis skills – understanding what the data tells you and what it does not tell you.
• Interest and drive to mentor and develop both subordinates and peers.
• Excellent attention to detail, adherence to deadlines and consideration of follow-through.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Proven computer skills, including fluency in Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Willingness to travel throughout Africa and Asia (up to 40% travel post-pandemic).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Strong financial acumen.
• Knowledge or experience of working with FCDO / EU and other major international development donors.
• Proven experience supporting consulting services or international development projects.
• Experience of quality management systems.
• Experience in the financial sector (with an investment bank, consulting firm, contractor, supplier, corporate banking unit, private equity firm or impact investor) or with international buyers.
• Excellent writing experience with expert command of grammar and ability to adapt communication style to suit different audiences.

WHAT WE OFFER

We offer an exciting work environment based in London where you will be part of a passionate, entrepreneurial and creative firm culture that has high standards of delivery and an excellent work ethic. You will have the opportunity to work on a portfolio of projects in your area of expertise across Africa and Asia as well as the chance to work as part of multidisciplinary teams. We offer a competitive salary, pension plan, life assurance policy, discretionary performance-based bonus, and flexible working arrangements.

Nathan is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all applicants regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation.

About the Organization

Nathan is a private international economic and analytics consulting firm that works with government and commercial clients around the globe to deliver practical solutions and achieve lasting results. Whether building frameworks for economic growth or navigating regulatory hurdles, securing infrastructure financing or evaluating and assessing disputes, Nathan’s experts serve as trusted partners, offering clients the analysis, technical advice, and strategies they need for sound decision-making. Known for both technical and service excellence and with corporate offices in the US, UK and India and more than 40 programme offices around the world. More information about Nathan can be found at nathaninc.com

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