Senior Commercial Associate - Johannesburg Based

Genesis Analytics

  • South Africa
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 1 month ago
DescriptionABOUT GENESISIn a world undergoing convulsive technological and political change, Genesis partners with key actors to deliver urgent, lasting impact in critical areas.Genesis, an impact firm founded, incorporated and headquartered in Africa, has worked in 46 African countries and more than 100 countries globally. Uniquely, Genesis is focused on the Young World – the arc of countries with young populations stretching across Africa, the Middle East, South Asia and parts of Southeast Asia.By 2030 four in five children will be born in the Young World, making this region central to the future. With growing markets and young, productive populations, Young World countries have the most positive potential trajectory in the world. It is here that investments of all kinds will have the highest social and economic returns.Our job at Genesis is to help societies, governments and businesses across the Young World succeed at three fundamental historic transitions:
  • Reconfiguring economies: creating income for large, rapidly urbanising youth cohorts within a global economy undergoing profound changes
  • A human transition: a fundamental rethink of how societies, governments and markets can ensure the health and cognitive and social well-being of all those young people, including the most vulnerable
  • A just climate transition: both to decarbonise and to manage the human and economic impacts of a global crisis they did not cause
To do this work, we are building a new type of impact firmLOCATION :This role is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. (You should have the legal right to work and live in the location).PRACTICE AREA DESCRIPTIONGroup Services provides support to the business and covers Finance, HR, Business Development, IT, Marketing and Office Management. It consists of a team of valuable experts who provide trustworthy solutions to complex and everyday challenges. We are dedicated to accuracy and reliability and to work with each Practice Area, like interconnected cogs and flywheels, to build a trusted system.As part of Group Services, we have recently started a new service line, the Programme Management Unit (PMU). The PMU manages the operational and relational development and implementation of framework contracts, technical assistance mechanisms, grant management projects, and external PMOs to a wide variety of international donors and partners. Operating globally, the team cuts across all of Genesis Analytics’ expertise areas.ROLE DESCRIPTIONWe are seeking a Senior Commercial Associate who is eligible to work in South Africa and is highly driven to join our dynamic team. Coordinating commercial tasks, developing client connections, and streamlining income sources are some of the ways this function can help our organization expand. We encourage you to apply and become a part of our success story if you have a strong desire to make a difference and you meet the requirements.The Senior Commercial Associate will be essential in guaranteeing the financial viability of projects through efficient management of expenses, financial performance, and budgets. The company's project portfolio will need to be more competitive and profitable through proficiency in cost estimation, budget creation, and he/she will report to the Commercial Manager. In order to enhance our bidding process and win rate, you will do research, create written content, and create tools to assist business development teams and future bid preparation when not working on a single bid.Senior Commercial Associate Duties:
  • Develop and prepare cost proposals in response to RFQs, RFAs, RFPs, and IDIQs as per client requirements, including narratives and related cost documents, ensuring all compliance requirements are met. In collaboration with GA technical staff, prepare budgets in MS Excel for international development project proposals to multiple clients.
  • Examine the narratives and budgets created by each practice area to make sure that GA policies are followed, requirements are satisfied, and profitability is evaluated.
  • Collaborate with Practice areas and stakeholders to develop accurate cost estimates for proposed projects. Evaluate factors such as labour, Project expenses and other relevant expenses to determine project costs.
  • Understand and abide by the company's quality standards and procedures in line with Genesis' objective to deliver work of the highest calibre and pursue ongoing development.
  • Support the development of budget templates, and keeping them updated according to client and Genesis requirements.
  • Conduct financial analysis to assess the profitability and financial viability of projects. Analyse project costs, revenues, margins, and other financial metrics to identify opportunities for cost optimization and revenue enhancement to ensure that submitted proposals are in line GA targets.
  • Assist the Commercial Manager with cost analysis (target costs, benchmarks with similar tenders/projects, competitiveness) to support the delivery of winning bids and contribute in identifying actions to reach target costs or improve offer competitiveness.
  • On negotiation stage, review project contracts and agreements to ensure alignment with payment terms, payment schedules, cost estimates, budgetary constraints, and financial objectives. Identify potential risks and liabilities related to project costs and negotiate favourable terms when necessary.
  • Be aware of and adhere to company quality standards and procedures in accordance with Genesis’ commitment to working to the highest quality standards and striving for continual improvement.
  • Evaluate and select vendors, suppliers, and subcontractors based on GA policies, cost competitiveness, quality, and reliability. Negotiate pricing agreements, contracts, and service level agreements to optimise project costs and mitigate supply chain risks.
  • Create a process for maintaining proposal libraries, including proposal archive, past performance.
  • Calculate & Manage potential tax liabilities (Withholding tax and VAT) for bids.
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate risks related to project costs, such as cost overruns, scope creep, procurement delays, and resource constraints. Develop risk management strategies to minimise the impact of cost-related risks on project outcomes and profitability.
  • Continuously evaluate and improve project costing processes, methodologies, and tools to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and effectiveness. Implement best practices and lessons learned from previous projects to optimize future cost management efforts.
  • Work with the Compliance Officer to ensure compliance with relevant costing standards, regulatory requirements, and internal policies governing project costing and financial reporting. Maintain accurate and transparent project cost records to support audit and compliance activities.
  • Assist the Commercial Manager to prepare and conduct training to maintain compliance
RequirementsGenesis consultants carry a balanced combination of powerful intellect, strong technical skills, and a consulting character to match. Successful candidates for roles at Genesis:
  • Are passionate, self-motivated and energetic problem-solvers
  • Value integrity and exhibit ethical behaviour
  • Are analytical thinkers and fast learners with an excellent academic record
You are likely to have:
  • Bachelor's degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CPA, CMA) is a plus.
  • Seven plus years of experience in project costing, cost estimation, or financial analysis, preferably in the consulting industry.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret financial data, analyse cost trends, and identify opportunities for cost optimization.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and stakeholders.
  • Proficiency in financial modelling, budgeting and advanced excel skills.
  • Detail-oriented mindset with a focus on accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail.
  • Proven ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
  • Previous experience in developing International Development bids is desirable
HOW TO APPLY
  • Please follow the online application process on the career portal of the Genesis website, we are unable to accept any e-mailed CVs or applications
  • Your application will primarily be considered for this role. If that are multiple roles that you are interested in, please submit your application to each position
  • Once you have applied via our career portal, you will receive a system-generated confirmation e-mail that your application was received
  • NOTE: Please be advised that uploaded documents/attachments cannot be bigger than 4MB in total, as the system will not accept your application if the uploaded documents exceed 4MB
  • Communication will be with short-listed candidates only - if you do not receive any feedback on your application within 3 weeks, please consider your application unsuccessful
  • Genesis Analytics reserves the right not to proceed with an appointment of any advertised role
  • All appointments will be made in line with Genesis Analytics’ Employment Equity Plan and Transformation Policies
  • All applications will be treated confidentially
Work LevelSeniorTypePermanentSalaryMarket RelatedEE PositionNoLocationSouth Africa

Genesis Analytics