Country Manager, East Africa

Develop country perspectives and strategies across East African markets to guide pipeline development and Investment Committee decision making. 

Provide regular insights on sector trends, macro-economic developments, regulation, policy shifts, and material transactions. 

Gather and disseminate on the ground intelligence to support investment teams in identifying opportunities early and managing portfolio risks effectively. 

Map leading businesses, promoter groups and sector ecosystems to identify pathways for origination across products and sectors. 

Offer local insight to sector led market mapping initiatives and coordinate in country activities such as thematic roadshows. 

Build a network of sector experts and advisors to support BII deal teams and portfolio companies. 

Work with Investment teams in market to originate proprietary transactions aligned with BII’s mandate, impact objectives, and sector strategies. 

Proactively market BII’s product offering and cultivate senior level relationships with promoters, financial institutions, advisors, DFIs and MDBs. 

Lead origination strategies in priority countries, building strong pipelines and fostering repeat sponsor relationships. 

Provide local insight and due diligence support, including market intelligence, background checks, regulatory interpretation, and policy context. 

Recommend local consultants and coordinate on the ground support to enable efficient and effective execution. 

Act as a regional advisor to the Investment Committee, offering grounded market perspectives and constructive challenge. 

Support London and regional teams in monitoring portfolio companies, identifying early warning signals, and managing complex situations. 

Contribute to post investment value creation through collaboration with Development Impact, E&S, BI and value creation colleagues. 

Enhance BII’s visibility through speaking engagements, participation in local events, and thought leadership. 

Build and manage relationships with UK government representatives (FCDO/High Commissions), DFIs/MFIs, and the wider development community. 

Engage with local governments, regulators, and ecosystem actors to support BII’s operations and represent BII during official visits. 

Manage and mentor junior and mid level colleagues in the Kenya office, supporting capability building and career development. 

Contribute to the Africa Graduate Programme through mentoring, rotation design, and performance feedback, fostering inclusive leadership.

You are a strategic and commercially astute leader with deep understanding of the East African markets in particular, Kenya, and the ability to translate local insights into investment opportunities. You bring gravitas in engaging senior business leaders, government representatives, investors and stakeholders, and you are comfortable representing BII at the highest levels. 

You have a strong track record in origination, market mapping, and business development, with the judgment to assess risk and opportunity in complex emerging market environments. You are an effective communicator via written and verbal forms.  You are comfortable presenting to large groups and can synthesise complex information quickly and clearly. 

You thrive in dynamic environments, can manage multiple priorities, and operate with independence, integrity, and collaboration. You are committed to developing people and contributing to BII’s learning culture. Above all, you are aligned with BII’s mission, values, and impact-driven approach. 

You will help lead, develop and grow the team, acting as both a role model and a trusted partner to colleagues across the business. You have the judgment and flexibility to move seamlessly between strategic priorities and day-to-day operational needs, bringing energy, pragmatism and a willingness to get stuck in wherever required. As a culture carrier, you understand team dynamics, bring people together, help connect colleagues across geographies, bridge gaps between London and local offices, and actively contribute to building a cohesive, motivated and high-performing team. 

Significant experience working in commercial banking, corporate finance, investment banking, M&A, investment advisory, investment management, DFI or private equity. 

Proven track record of originating equity, debt and/or mezzanine deals within the East African market 

Existing relationships within the local business, investment banking, lending, DFI, MFI, and PE communities 

Experience working with international development institutions (World Bank, IMF, Africa Development Bank, etc.) and/or relevant UK government departments (FCDO, DIT) 

Impact-led, commercially rigorous 

Tenacious in the face of challenges 

Collaborative and caring