Investment Facilitation Manager at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

Key Responsibilities:

• Oversight and leadership of the development of the AECF Connect strategy implementation that ensures AECF investees navigate a wide universe of potential funders and secure follow-on capital;
• Sourcing and origination of investments, carrying out initial investment appraisal, due diligence, investment negotiation, value creation and exit strategies;
• Conducting technical assistance and investment readiness assessments for portfolio companies to identify support areas towards building investor ready pipeline;
• Facilitating the investment readiness program for selected portfolio companies, either independently or working 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 Connect funders and relevant investors for AECF portfolio companies;
• Report on the AECF Connect activities as required by internal and by external stakeholders;
• Oversee the development and maintenance of connect customer relationship management system by ensuring the design and structure of the CRM for investors, lenders, grantees and other companies, is fit for purpose and is updated and improved as and when the opportunity arises;
• Build a system / technique of deriving knowledge and understanding of investors’ appetite relevant to AECF’s portfolio, building relationships and educating them about AECF portfolio and the investment opportunities;
• Keep up to date with the operational environment and continuously seek ways to improve and expand upon AECF Investment Facilitation services;

Required qualifications and experience:

• Masters qualification in Finance, Business, Economics, Development Studies, Agricultural Economics, or other relevant field of study;
• At least 8 years of investment experience in; financial services industry specifically corporate finance, transaction services, or investment brokerage and management, Agribusiness or clean energy in a financial, commercial or fundraising role, investment professional in an impact or private equity fund;
• Demonstrated corporate finance rigor in conducting due diligence for private companies and social enterprises, and deal structuring experience;
• Proven ability to develop and manage a portfolio of current and future investees with continuous evaluation of investment readiness and assessment of technical assistance needs;
• Proven project management and implementation skills with the ability to work with a diverse group of clients;
• Very strong analytical and financial literacy skills, including financial modelling, interpreting financing statements, industry research and operational analysis;
• Highest professional standards regarding the substance and presentation of client facing work;
• Commitment to and enthusiasm for AECF’s mission and business model and respect for the organization’s core values;
• Fluency in English is a requirement. French language skills highly desirable.