Investment Officer

About the role

AECF is seeking an Investment Officer to join our growing investments and advisory services team and bring Sub-Sahara Africa investment, deal structuring, investment advisory services, and fundraising expertise to the team.

The Investment Officer will support the portfolio team with pre-investment analysis of potential companies – driving analysis of potential investments to assess financial and impact viability as well as the growth prospects of companies during due diligence.  On post-investment, the Investment Officer will work with the portfolio team to identify the needs of investees towards investment readiness and provide this support as well as provide investment facilitation services, leading investor search, deal structuring and investor negotiations towards increasing access to commercial funding by catalyzing additional capital for portfolio companies.. In addition, they will be responsible for country and sector research and analysis, assisting in the development of operations for new investment products, and providing support with deal origination, due diligence, investment structuring and negotiation, portfolio management, and portfolio reporting.

The role will be based in Nairobi, with occasional travel in the region.

Key Responsibilities

Financial and impact analysis

• Analyzing company accounts, financial projections and impact potential and position these in the investment memorandum for investment consideration.
• Provide updates on financial markets, country 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.
• Develop a strong pipeline of good quality investment opportunities for investment products.
• Conduct detailed due diligence on prospective investee companies and develop the requisite investment memorandum for investment decisions.
• Structure 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. Prepare client/partner presentations and support their decision-making at key transaction stages.
• Lead transaction team through the investment process, actively handling key work and directing and coordinating the work of other team members from across multiple departments toward closing investment deals.
• Take full responsibility and accountability for transaction-related decisions and relationships, to execute transaction documentation and disburse investment capital.
• Manage a portfolio of companies to achieve investment objectives and play a lead role in portfolio management, monitoring, and institutional investor reporting processes.

Investment readiness and facilitation

• Conducting technical assistance and investment readiness assessments for portfolio companies to identify support areas toward building an investor-ready pipeline.
• Coordinate closely with social, environmental, and technical assistance colleagues to add value to portfolio companies, find solutions to specific sector challenges, and target impact.
• Facilitating the investment readiness program for selected portfolio companies, either independently or working with identified consultants, to prepare companies for investment through a rigorous program.
• Execution of investment deals for portfolio companies, working with portfolio companies in all aspects of the transaction process, including valuations, preparing and reviewing of documents, negotiation, and management of advisors through to deal close.
• Cultivate strong relations with funders and relevant investors for AECF portfolio companies.
• Oversee the development and maintenance of a customer relationship management system for investors, lenders, grantee providers, and other partners.
• Report on the AECF Investment Readiness and Facilitation as required by internal and external stakeholders.

Insights and knowledge sharing

• Build a system/technique for deriving knowledge and understanding of investors’ appetites relevant to AECF’s portfolio, building relationships with them, and educating them about the AECF portfolio and investment opportunities.
• Share 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, experience, and attributes:

• 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 at an advanced stage of completion.
• At least five 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 ability to synthesize and present information effectively and tailored to different audiences.
• Excellent business judgment and problem-solving skills to identify issues, present creative, practical solutions, and make and commit to sound decisions, anticipating short and long-term implications.
• Working knowledge of French will be an added advantage.

How to apply

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered based on merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.  AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

If you believe you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, register and apply at https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org. Your application must be received by 13 February 2025 to be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.