An investment and advisory firm, focused on financing startups and SMEs in the distributed renewable energy sector across Africa, is seeking a Principal Investment Manager to lead investment activities, oversee portfolio companies and drive deal execution.
This role will report directly to the Partners and will play a critical role in sourcing, executing and managing investments for the firm across Africa.
The role is based in Nairobi, Kenya and requires frequent travel across Africa to conduct due diligence, support portfolio companies and represent the firm.
Key Responsibilities
Sourcing & Due Diligence
- Identify and engage with high-potential startups and SMEs in the energy transition sector, including e-mobility, productive use of energy, enabling technologies, mini-grids, C&I and clean cooking across African markets.
- Build and maintain a strong deal pipeline by proactively mapping the ecosystem and cultivating relationships with accelerators, incubators, DFIs and co-investors aligned with the investment strategy.
- Lead end-to-end due diligence workstreams, including leadership assessment, business model and unit economics analysis, market sizing and competitive positioning, technology and operational review, financial modelling and valuation, exit scenarios, and coordination of legal, technical and financial advisors.
- Conduct impact and ESG due diligence, identifying material environmental and social risks and defining Environmental & Social Action Plans (ESAPs) where relevant.
Investment Structuring & Execution
- Lead the structuring, negotiation and execution of equity investments, tailoring investment instruments to company stage and risk profile.
- Prepare and present investment cases, term sheets and supporting materials to the Investment Committee, defending recommendations and addressing questions.
- Lead the negotiation, documentation and closing of final agreements, ensuring alignment of governance, reporting and ESG covenants in coordination with legal advisors.
Portfolio Management & Value Creation
- Monitor the financial, operational and impact/ESG performance of portfolio companies through regular reporting, board meetings and site visits.
- Provide hands-on strategic and operational support to founders and management teams while creating synergies across the investment ecosystem.
- Represent the investment firm on the boards or advisory committees of portfolio companies, contributing to strategic, financial and governance decisions.
Market Development & Fund Strategy
- Build and maintain strong relationships with co-investors, DFIs, growth-stage investors, corporates and broader ecosystem stakeholders across Africa and Europe.
- Represent the investment firm at conferences, investor networking events and industry forums to strengthen visibility and deal flow.
- Contribute to fund strategy, market intelligence and sector research, helping refine the investment thesis and identify new opportunities.
- Support fundraising activities, including the preparation of investor due diligence materials and investor relations activities where required.
Candidate Profile
Qualifications & Experience
- Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business or a related field.
- 5–7 years’ relevant investment experience in Venture Capital, Private Equity or Private Debt, including exposure to African markets.
- Previous impact-related investment experience is essential, including serving as a Board member or Board Observer with responsibility for driving business revenue and portfolio growth.
- Strong financial modelling, valuation and investment analysis skills.
- Strong understanding of equity-related deal structures, including equity, quasi-equity and convertible debt.
- Experience negotiating term sheets, investment agreements and governance structures.
- Track record of working with startups or SMEs in energy, agriculture, mobility solutions or climate technology.
- Exposure to ESG principles and impact measurement frameworks.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
- Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to work autonomously.
- Strong motivation for sustainable development and addressing climate change in Africa.
- Fluent in English and French.
