Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Start date: April 2025
Kenya work authorization preferred
About KOIS
KOIS is a leading international impact investment and innovative finance advisory firm. We turn projects with high societal and environmental impact into tangible investment propositions for public and private sector clients. We do so by creating innovative financing mechanisms and managing impact funds. We deploy capital in social enterprises and investment funds to generate a financial return, and meaningful and positive impact on society and the environment.
At KOIS, we believe in the power of finance and business – usually in collaboration with the public sector and NGOs – to help solve the world’s most pressing social and environmental problems. We believe that a radical transformation towards purposeful investment in the private sector can happen. We trust that a paradigm shift towards more outcome-orientated KPIs in the public and philanthropic sectors is possible. We know that collaboration between the for-profit and not-for-profit sectors is the best way to scale impact solutions.
KOIS has two practices: asset management and innovative finance advisory. This position belongs to the innovative finance advisory practice. Our advisory services arm designs, structures, and implements innovative financial solutions responding to key societal issues. We differentiate ourselves by innovating to offer the best fitted financing solution for each project responding to the unique needs and challenges in the sector.
KOIS has a global reach, with a track record spanning over 25 countries across all continents and with offices in Nairobi, Mumbai, Brussels and Paris.
Job Description
KOIS is seeking an experienced and committed Innovative Finance Manager to join our Nairobi office. This role offers an exciting opportunity to lead impactful projects in an entrepreneurial and collaborative environment. The Manager will play a key role in structuring innovative financial solutions, managing complex projects, driving business development efforts, and building the Nairobi office to create sustainable social and environmental impact. We seek candidates with strong experience in innovative and blended finance and backgrounds in impact investment and/or management consulting.
Tasks
Responsibilities
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- Lead project teams: Manage teams of 2-4 people, overseeing the development of innovative financial solutions, such as blended finance funds and development impact bonds.
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- Design and structure financial products: Oversee the structuring of innovative impact finance products to fund critical societal initiatives.
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- Conduct research and analysis: Guide in-depth analyses of societal issues, such as healthcare, education, livelihoods, and environmental challenges, to inform project design.
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- Engage with clients: Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, presenting findings and delivering tailored solutions.
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- Business development: Identify, design, and lead business development opportunities, including preparing proposals, pitching to clients, managing relationships with potential partners and funders, and attending and presenting at conferences.
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- Contribute to KOIS’s Africa strategy: Support the growth of KOIS’s presence in Africa by engaging with local and international stakeholders, identifying new opportunities, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality projects.
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- Knowledge building: Stay updated on industry trends, emerging instruments, and best practices to ensure cutting-edge expertise within KOIS projects.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
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- Education: A Master’s degree in Finance, Business, Economics, International Development, or a related field. An MBA is desirable but not required.
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- Experience: 5-8 years of relevant work experience in consulting, banking, or impact investing, with demonstrable experience in project management and client engagement.
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- Analytical skills: Proven ability to structure and solve complex problems, with strong financial modelling and project management expertise.
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- Project and team management: Experience managing teams and delivering results in fast-paced, high-stake environments.
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- Client engagement: Strong client-facing skills, including the ability to present effectively to senior stakeholders and build long-term relationships.
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- Sector knowledge: Familiarity with topics such as health, education, livelihoods, gender, climate, or nature is a plus.
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- Languages: Fluency in English (spoken and written) is required. Knowledge of Swahili or other regional languages is an asset.
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- Technology proficiency: Advanced skills in Microsoft Office Suite, particularly Excel and PowerPoint.
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- Attributes:
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- Entrepreneurial mindset and proactive approach.
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- Strong commitment to integrity, honesty, and transparency.
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- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
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- Ability to work with international, multi-cultural teams.
Benefits
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- Join a team that is passionate about driving real-world impact through innovative finance.
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- Learn and grow with hands-on experience in impactful projects.
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- Work with clients and partners across Africa and beyond, gaining international exposure.
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- Collaborate with a supportive and multi-disciplinary team that values your input.
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- Explore different sectors and gain broad knowledge through diverse assignments.
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- Enjoy a friendly work culture that encourages creativity and innovation.
