Senior Portfolio Manager: WAM Group - Ecobank

The candidate is responsible for proactively identifying, originating, and executing high-conviction investment opportunities across African and international markets, while leading strategic research that positions the firm ahead of competitors. The role focuses on anticipating market shifts, uncovering under-researched opportunities, and translating deep forward-looking insights into differentiated portfolio strategies and new investment initiatives.

An understanding of Financial Statements of companies and the analysis of these statements is a must. A Senior Portfolio Manager should be able to perform and interpret financial ratios, valuation of companies, debt capacity assessment and Yield curve positioning and analysis.

The role combines investment leadership, strategic execution, market expansion, and stakeholder engagement to support sustainable growth and superior risk-adjusted returns.

JOB CONTEXT

The role requires the ability to establish and manage relationships with key actors in the financial markets such as Brokers, Treasurers of Banks, Corporate Issuers, Transaction advisors on Equity and Fixed Income issuances, and Key corporate clients such as Insurance Companies, Pensions Fund Trustees, Endowment Funds and Provident Fund Clients

Internally, the Lead Portfolio Manager is required to manage key relationships with functional Units such as Compliance, Internal Audit, Sales and Business Development, Middle Office and Operations. It requires being on top of issues and making significant input during Management meetings of respective Asset Management business in- Country.

Key Responsibilities

Proactive Investment Opportunity Identification

• Continuously originate new investment ideas across asset classes, sectors, and geographies
• Identify mispriced, under-researched, or emerging opportunities ahead of broader market adoption.
• Develop early-stage investment theses based on structural trends, policy shifts, demographic changes, and capital flow dynamics.
• Lead idea generation forums and investment pipeline development to ensure a consistent flow of actionable opportunities.
• Maintain an active watchlist of future investment themes and high-potential markets.

Strategic & Forward-Looking Research

• Drive proactive, hypothesis-driven research that anticipates market developments rather than reacting to them.
• Lead macroeconomic, geopolitical, regulatory, and sector research focused on identifying future growth inflection points.
• Translate strategic research into investable strategies, portfolio positioning, and product development ideas.
• Benchmark the firm’s research outputs against competitors to ensure differentiated insight and market leadership.
• Integrate global trends and cross-market intelligence into African investment strategies.

Investor Meetings and Presentations

• The Portfolio Manager is expected to co-ordinate and develop a calendar for meetings with all key investors of EDC Asset Management. This is to ensure that investors are met at least twice a year.
• Assist with the preparation of Investor Presentations. These presentations will cover Economic and Financial Market Reviews, Portfolio Reviews (including Key Holdings and asset mix, portfolio performance and attribution), Economic and Market Outlook, Investment Strategy, and recommendation. For Pension Fund Trustees and Insurance Firms, this activity is performed on a quarterly basis.

New Market & Investment Development

• Identify and assess new African and frontier markets for investment entry before they reach mainstream investor focus.
• Conduct deep market intelligence on regulatory frameworks, capital market evolution, and institutional readiness.
• Lead due diligence on new asset classes, instruments, partnerships, and investment platforms.
• Support the development of market entry strategies, including engagement with regulators, local partners, and market infrastructure providers.
• Recommend timing, structure, and scale of entry into new markets.

Portfolio Strategy & Execution

• Translate identified opportunities and strategic research into portfolio construction and asset/capital allocation decisions.
• Execute high-conviction investments aligned with long-term strategic themes.
• Balance innovation with disciplined risk management and fiduciary responsibility.
• Monitor portfolio performance and refine strategies as market conditions evolve

Competitive Intelligence & Market Positioning

• Track competitor strategies, capital flows, and product offerings to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Provide insights to senior management on how to position the firm as a thought leader and early mover in innovative products
• Contribute to the firm’s investment narrative through research papers, market outlooks, and strategic commentary.
• Present strategic research, opportunity pipelines, and investment themes to executive management, investment committees, and clients.
• Engage with institutional investors, DFIs, policymakers, and market participants to gather forward-looking intelligence.
• Represent the firm at investment conferences and industry forums as a senior thought leader.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Experience & Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Business, Finance, Mathematics, Statistics and Engineering
• Relevant Regulatory Certification
• Master’s degree in finance, Economics or an MBA is an added advantage
• Professional Certification such as CFA, ACCA, CA, etc is a plus
• At least 5 – 9 years’ experience in Finance and Investments.

Skills, Capabilities & Direct Attributes

• Demonstrate thought leadership and strategic thinking.
• Capable of managing multi-functional operational teams.

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