POSITION SUMMARY
GIF is seeking an Investment Associate to join its dynamic private sector investment team, which finds and funds innovations that have the potential to measurably improve the lives of the world’s poorest people.
The Investment Associate will primarily 1) support deal teams in sourcing and evaluating investments that align with GIF’s goal of scaling promising social innovations through the private sector; 2) support GIF’s portfolio management function; and, 3) contribute across the organization to support the organization’s needs, including stakeholder management, resource mobilization and reporting. The Associate will report to a GIF Investment Director for private sector investments or his/her designee.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in finance, a deep understanding of the African market, particularly West African/Francophone Africa, and a commitment to impact investing. As an Investment Associate, you will play a crucial role in sourcing, evaluating, and managing investments in early-stage companies that align with our mission. The Investment Associate will play a prominent role in GIF Growth, and GIF’s other high priority investment themes across Gender and Climate Adaptation and Resilience.
The Investment Associate’s core responsibilities will include:
·Deal Sourcing and Evaluation:
- Identify and source potential investment opportunities to make significant improvement in the lives of people living in the developing world through networking, market research, and attending industry events.
- Screening proposals and applications submitted to GIF.
- Support deal leads evaluate equity and debt investment opportunities.
- Conduct thorough due diligence on prospective investments, including market analysis, financial modelling, and impact assessment.
- Prepare investment memos and help present recommendations to the investment committee.
- Help prepare transaction documents (engagement letters, proposals, presentations, Information Memorandums, term sheets, valuations etc.) for transactions being contemplated.
·Portfolio Management:
- Monitor the performance of portfolio companies, providing strategic support and guidance to help them achieve their growth and impact goals.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with portfolio company management teams.
- Assist in the monitoring of performance metrics and impact reporting alongside GIF’s Analytics/Impact team.
·Market Research and Analysis:
- Stay up-to-date with market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes in Africa.
- Conduct sector-specific research to identify emerging opportunities and challenges.
- Provide insights and recommendations to the investment team based on market analysis.
·Stakeholder Engagement:
- Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including investors, entrepreneurs, industry experts, and development organizations.
- Represent the company at industry conferences, panel discussions, and other relevant events.
- Help prepare regular impact reports for internal and external stakeholders.
REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ATTRIBUTES
A minimum of 3 years of experience in venture capital, private equity, investment banking, private investment, development finance, strategic consulting or a related field, with at least 2 years of direct buy side investing experience in Africa, with a strong preference for West African/Francophone Africa. Experience of transactions in sectors promoting climate resilience and adaptation is a very strong plus.
Top tier analytic, strategic thinking and project management skills, including strong financial modelling skills, valuation and pricing analysis and excellent written and presentation skills.
Proficient in transaction modelling and understanding of transaction structures.
Professional experience working in Sub-Saharan Africa is required.
Experience across several sectors (Agriculture, Health, Energy, Water, eCommerce, Education, Fintech, Waste Management, Nature Based Solutions) is a plus.
Passion for impact investing and a commitment to driving positive social and environmental change.
Advanced degree in finance, business administration or similarly relevant field preferred; additional relevant professional experience may substitute for an advanced degree.
Comfort with ambiguity and proven experience thriving in uncharted waters.
Demonstrated understanding of the African market and its unique challenges and opportunities
High energy and an entrepreneurial mindset; self-motivated and excited by high-growth environments.
Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Passion, humility, integrity, team player, proven self-direction and a spirited sense of humour.
Fluency in English required, and French desirable.
Willingness to travel as needed.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This role will be based at our Nairobi office. Any job offer made will be subject to the successful candidate having the authorisation to work in and already be living in the chosen location prior to commencing work at GIF.
The target start day is ASAP.
HOW TO APPLY
The applicants are urged to follow the instructions at https://app.beapplied.com/apply/6r84hflzyv. The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application and in accordance to the evaluation criteria of the job opening. The application process will close at 11:59pm BST, 15th January 2025.
