CDC Group plc Chair Designate

CDC Group plc is the UK’s development finance institution. Wholly owned by government through the Department for International Development (DFID), CDC operates independently under the governance of an independent board.   Backed by a £2.8bn balance sheet, the company’s mission is to support the building of businesses throughout Africa and South Asia, creating jobs and making a lasting difference to people’s lives in some of the world’s poorest places.  Established in 1948, CDC has an enviable reputation for pioneering and patient, yet financially successful, investments in emerging and frontier markets.

CDC is seeking an outstanding and experienced individual with a deep commitment to global development and a belief in the power of the private sector to drive poverty reduction, who will join the board as Deputy Chair and Chair Designate prior to taking over as Chair in 2014. The successful candidate will:

• Lead the Board in overseeing the execution of CDC’s new five year strategy, under which CDC will provide long term equity and debt directly to businesses in Africa and South Asia alongside investment in funds to achieve the twin goals of making a financial return and delivering development impact, in particular though job creation.
• Act as the main conduit for communications between the shareholder and CDC
• Ensure that CDC becomes the highest calibre investing organisation, with the right people and processes in place, including appropriate risk mitigation and best practice corporate governance

Candidates will have:

• An understanding of the challenges of working in developing countries, ideally Africa or South Asia.
• A capability to deal with senior management challenges in both private and public sectors, with a track record of building constructive relationships with government
• Exceptional personal and Board leadership qualities with the ability to lead and manage a Board, strategic change and reconcile diverse stakeholders
• An understanding of investing in the private sector
• Ability to lead a team of high performing individuals

The time commitment is expected to be one day per week.

CDC is committed to diversity and to providing equal opportunities for all. Applications are therefore welcome irrespective of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability.

To apply confidentially, please email cdcchair@zygos.com to request a briefing pack for the role. Alternatively, call +44 (0) 20 7881 2900. Closing date for all applicants is Sunday 23rd June 2013.

For any questions please contact Eleanor Waterhouse on +44 (0)20 7881 2910 or at The Zygos Partnership.