Officer stories: Khalid Khadduri

As published in the 01/2021 issue of the OPEC Fund Quarterly.

Most memorable project:

Leading the fundraising for a bank in Sri Lanka. Taking the lead role, we partnered with the Austrian Development Bank and DEG to provide the first international funding from development finance institutions (DFIs) to the bank. The transaction required a lot of effort from all parties to guide the bank through the process for the first time, while ensuring all lenders were comfortable from risk, financial, legal, environmental and social perspectives. There was full stakeholder engagement from the bank’s board and senior management right through to branch managers and credit officers responsible for sub-loans to small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). 
We had the opportunity to meet with all stakeholders – including the Central Bank and, importantly, some of the SME owners who would benefit from our facility. The project demonstrated the importance of effective partnerships in fulfilling our mandate. It was rewarding to get this deal over the line and support both the banking sector and SMEs in Sri Lanka.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

We cover a broad range of geographies and sectors, and no two projects are the same, even when it comes to repeat business. Changing market conditions and other dynamics make sure of that. Communicating effectively, understanding differing and evolving partner requirements, building relationships that last and then delivering sustainable development impact – this is what I enjoy.

Development ambition:

Our flexible and prompt response to the COVID-19 pandemic has emphasized the important role DFIs such as the OPEC Fund play in times like these. The support we have provided over the last year, across all our operational windows, shows what can be achieved through effective cooperation and playing a countercyclical role.

What’s special about working for the OPEC Fund?

The diversity of our stakeholders – be it colleagues, clients, partners or end-beneficiaries. In the morning, we can be meeting with Central Bank officials and bank CEOs, and in the afternoon with rural SME owners. It’s a diverse and extremely rewarding environment to work in. At the end of the day, our job is about people.

Before joining the OPEC Fund:

I studied in the UK and began my career with Société Générale. Before joining the OPEC Fund, I also worked for EFG Eurobank and finally Barclays. I worked in trade finance and then primarily managed international corporate clients, highnet worth individuals and professional service firms.