Role Description
The Senior Associate, Investments will play a critical role in developing and executing strategic asset allocation strategies across multiple asset classes. This position requires a skilled investment professional with strong quantitative abilities, deep market knowledge, and the capability to translate complex analytical insights into actionable investment decisions. The role involves direct engagement with portfolio construction, trading execution, and collaboration with senior leadership to optimize client outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Asset Allocation Analysis – Conduct rigorous quantitative and qualitative analysis to develop bespoke strategic asset allocation frameworks. Evaluate market conditions, economic indicators, and risk factors to inform allocation decisions across equity, fixed income, and alternative asset classes.
- Multi-Asset Trading – Execute trades across multiple asset classes including equities (local, East African, African, and global markets), fixed income instruments, private debt/equity, REITs, FX, and derivatives. Ensure optimal execution while managing transaction costs and market impact.
- Portfolio Construction & Optimization – Build and optimize multi-asset portfolios using quantitative models and optimization techniques. Implement portfolio rebalancing strategies, manage cash flows, and ensure alignment with client mandates and risk parameters.
- Investment Research – Conduct in-depth research on equity markets, alternative investments, and macroeconomic trends. Generate investment ideas and theses to support portfolio decisions and identify emerging opportunities.
- Investment Committee Presentations – Prepare and deliver compelling presentations to internal and external investment committees. Articulate investment rationale, risk considerations, and portfolio performance with clarity and precision.
- Risk Management – Monitor portfolio risk exposures, conduct scenario analysis, and implement risk mitigation strategies. Ensure portfolios remain within defined risk tolerances and regulatory requirements.
- Cross-Functional Collaboration – Work closely with other departments including Operations, Compliance, and Distribution. Communicate effectively with key stakeholders to ensure seamless execution of investment strategies.
- Performance Reporting – Contribute to performance attribution analysis and client reporting. Track portfolio metrics, benchmark comparisons, and provide insights to support client communications.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Engineering, Mathematics, Computer Science, or related quantitative field (required)
- CFA Charterholder or progress toward CFA designation (preferred)
Experience
- Minimum of 5 years of practical experience in investment research, trading, portfolio management, or related roles
- Demonstrated experience in equity markets research, trading, and investing, with focus on local and East African markets; Africa-wide and global market experience is an added advantage
- Working knowledge of alternative asset classes including private debt, private equity, REITs, FX, and derivatives
- Proven experience in multi-asset portfolio construction and optimization
- Track record of presenting to internal and external investment committees
Technical Skills
- Expert proficiency in Microsoft Excel (including advanced modeling) and PowerPoint
- Experience with Bloomberg Terminal and financial data platforms
- Proficiency in programming languages (Python, VBA, SQL) is an added advantage
Key Competencies
- Strong analytical and quantitative reasoning with exceptional problem-solving abilities
- Intelligence, intellectual curiosity, and creative thinking
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Exceptional organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with competing priorities
- Collaborative mindset with ability to work effectively across teams
- High level of integrity and ethical standards
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