Senior Research Associate-Agribusiness and Investment at Bioversity International

About the position

• The Alliance of Bioversity and CIAT is seeking a motivated and dynamic individual to join our team as a Senior Research Associate for the UU CFSA and AICCRA projects.

Key duties & responsibilities

Investment Readiness Assessment:

• Through the process of a diagnostics, evaluate the readiness of agribusinesses for investment by assessing their financial documentation, business plans, and overall financial health.
• Identify gaps in financial preparedness and provide recommendations for improvement.

Financial Research and Analysis:

• Conduct in-depth financial analysis of participating agribusinesses, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and cash flow statements.
• Assess financial risks and opportunities, considering market dynamics, industry benchmarks, and sustainable business practices.

Financial Modeling:

• Develop and maintain financial models to simulate various scenarios and forecast the financial performance of agribusinesses.
• Assist entrepreneurs in understanding the financial implications of different business strategies.

Fundraising Research and Support:

• Conduct research on the fundraising landscape for capital providers in the sector and map appropriate funding partners in grants, debt and equity for the portfolio of agribusinesses.
• Collaborate with agribusinesses to prepare compelling financial narratives and presentations for potential investors.
• Provide guidance on structuring investment deals, valuations, and negotiating financial terms.
• Support agribusinesses in developing effective fundraising strategies aligned with their financial goals.

Capacity Building:

• Offer training and capacity-building sessions to enhance the financial literacy of agribusiness owners and management teams.
• Provide ongoing support and mentorship to strengthen financial management practices within the cohort.

Risk Management:

• Identify financial risks that may impact agribusiness sustainability and work with entrepreneurs to develop mitigation strategies.
• Stay informed about industry trends and regulatory changes that could affect financial stability.

Collaboration with Investors:

• Facilitate communication between agribusinesses and potential investors to streamline due diligence processes.
• Cultivate relationships with impact investors, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to expand funding opportunities.

Market Research Analysis

• Conduct comprehensive market research to identify trends, competitive landscapes, and potential opportunities or challenges in support agribusinesses in the cohort.
• Integrate market insights into financial assessments and strategies to enhance business competitiveness.

Continuous Improvement:

• Contribute insights and feedback to refine the accelerator program's financial support mechanisms.
• Stay abreast of evolving financial best practices and incorporate innovative approaches to enhance program effectiveness.
• The Senior Research Associate will play a pivotal role in equipping agribusiness

Requirements

• Degree in Economics, Finance or Business Administration.
• Minimum 3 years working experience in sustainable finance, climate finance, impact investing and/or venture capital.
• Excellent financial modelling and research skills.
• Sound experience working with asset owners, asset managers, corporates, public and private donors etc.
• Experience working in East and Southern Africa
• Sound experience providing hands-on support to businesses, and in particular agribusinesses. Experience in a startup, SME or entrepreneur environment is an advantage.
• Solid knowledge of innovative financial instruments and in particular sustainable land use and climate smart food systems.
• Good understanding of food systems and climate related challenges in developing countries, and how environmental and social issues relate to business risks and opportunities.
• Intellectually curious and business-driven to deliver innovative and high impact results to clients.
• Critical thinker able to analyze complex information and produce high quality work products in an easy-to-understand manner.
• Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills.
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative and decentralized environment, and operate under tight deadlines.
• Solid knowledge of Microsoft Office, with advanced Power Point/presentation skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.