Investments Associate

The Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF) provides catalytic funding in the form of repayable and non-repayable grants to businesses that would not otherwise have access to adequate financing. As an Investments Associate, you will be responsible for sourcing, analyzing, and managing investment opportunities to drive both impact and financial returns. The role involves conducting rigorous financial analysis, structuring complex deals (both debt and equity), and managing a diverse portfolio of companies.

Key Responsibilities

Financial and Impact Analysis

• Analyzing company accounts, financial projections, and impact potential, and positioning these in the investment memorandum for investment consideration.
• Providing updates on financial markets, countries, and sector activities to help position potential investees’ viability and potential in local and global markets.
• Creating financial models that enhance the return on investment of projects/businesses and financial planning.
• Preparation of financial documents for presentation to the internal investment review committee, as well as the investment committee.

Deal Structuring, Negotiations, and Execution

• Sourcing and origination of investments and carrying out the initial investment appraisal of potential AECF portfolio companies towards a healthy portfolio.
• Developing a strong pipeline of good-quality investment opportunities for investment products.
• Conducting detailed due diligence on prospective investee companies and developing the requisite investment memorandum for investment decisions.
• Structuring complex investments (comprising both debt and equity) according to understanding and assessment of client and country risks. Negotiate terms with clients, internal and external stakeholders, and partners.
• Preparing client/partner presentations and support their decision-making at key transaction stages.
• Leading transaction teams through the investment process, actively handling key work and directing/coordinating work of other team members from across multiple departments towards closing investment deals.
• Taking full responsibility and accountability for transaction-related decisions and relationships, to execute transaction documentation and disburse investment capital.
• Managing a portfolio of companies to achieve the objectives of the investment and playing a lead role in portfolio management processes, monitoring, and institutional investor reporting processes.

Insights and Knowledge Sharing

• Developing a system/technique to derive knowledge and understanding of investors’ appetite relevant to AECF’s portfolio, building relationships, and educating investors about the AECF portfolio and investment opportunities.
• Sharing expertise as a subject matter expert, providing advice, peer review, and contribution to knowledge products and program design across the AECF to strengthen internal and/or external client solutions.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• Must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in business or commerce. A master’s degree in business or finance will be an added advantage.
• A CFA-level certification or an advanced stage of completion.
• At least 5-7 years of experience in the field of financial analysis, investment analysis, management consulting, corporate finance, private equity, or venture debt with a proven track record of sourcing, structuring, and closing investments.
• Strong analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information. Knowledge and experience in global financial markets, including expertise in emerging markets.
• Experience in identifying, originating, and qualifying new business opportunities, developing and executing results-driven client engagements.
• Advanced financial, credit, and risk evaluation skills, with demonstrated ability to structure and negotiate a variety of complex financial instruments (debt and equity).
• Demonstrated strong written, presentation, and communication skills in English and the ability to synthesize and present information effectively, tailored to different audiences.
• Excellent business judgment and problem-solving skills to identify issues, present creative, practical solutions, make and commit to sound decisions, anticipating short and long-term implications.
• Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the AECF recruitment portal by following this link: Apply Here which redirects to the official application page at recruitment.aecfafrica.org.