THE OPPORTUNITY
Investment Officers are instrumental in implementing ACID’s investment strategy, spearheading direct investments in high-potential African enterprises from inception through management to eventual divestment. The role also encompasses intermediate investments, such as fund commitments and co-investments, providing diverse engagement opportunities. Key responsibilities involve:
Dedicated professionals overseeing direct investment portfolios within the investment management sector are responsible for executing and monitoring capital allocations to private companies, real estate ventures, or other alternative assets. This role demands proficiency in financial modeling, due diligence, and market analysis to identify and assess high-potential investment opportunities. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, industry expertise, and a track record of successful deal execution. Responsibilities include structuring transactions, negotiating terms, and actively managing portfolio companies to drive value creation and optimize returns.
Conducting thorough assessments and implementing direct investments in African enterprises that are strategically aligned with ACID and the Foundation’s goals.
Analyzing potential investment opportunities involves creating and evaluating underlying assumptions, constructing detailed financial models, reviewing historical performance metrics, and preparing comprehensive investment memoranda.
Crafting valuations, designing investment frameworks, and establishing critical deal terms are among your core responsibilities, accomplished in close partnership with the ACID team.
Conducting thorough examinations to scrutinize, validate, and enhance investment propositions, as well as articulating and defending foundational assumptions, projections, and strategic investment rationales to the ACID team and Investment Committee.
Collaborating with financial, legal, tax, and impact advisors, you will conduct thorough due diligence on potential investment opportunities. This involves designing diligence scopes, overseeing due diligence processes, and enhancing investment cases based on key insights uncovered during assessments.
Proactively facilitate transaction execution by managing legal documentation, structuring required transactions, ensuring compliance with conditions precedent, and overseeing the closing process.
Collaborating closely with leadership, you will contribute to the creation and harmonization of forecasts, encompassing both financial projections and impact assessments.
Supporting leadership in scaling operations sustainably while fostering dignified employment, the role involves achieving growth and expansion goals—including mergers and acquisitions, product development, and service expansion.
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Investment management professionals oversee fund investments, ensuring strategic allocation and growth of assets. They conduct comprehensive market research, evaluate investment opportunities, and develop tailored strategies to optimize returns while mitigating risks. This role requires a deep understanding of financial markets, strong analytical skills, and proficiency in investment tools and software. Responsibilities include monitoring portfolio performance, conducting due diligence on potential investments, and providing regular reports to stakeholders. Candidates must possess relevant certifications, such as CFA or CAIA, and demonstrate a track record of successful fund management.
Evaluating and deploying intermediate investments in African-focused private equity and private credit funds, in accordance with the Foundation’s strategic goals, constitutes a core responsibility of this role.
Evaluates and compares fund proposals against established benchmarks to determine their viability, potential return on investment, and alignment with strategic objectives.
Performing thorough due diligence on fund managers and their proposals, encompassing evaluations of impact strategies, return projections, and budgetary assessments.
Crafting comprehensive internal investment memorandum represents a key responsibility within this role, requiring meticulous attention to detail and a thorough understanding of financial analysis. The incumbent will be tasked with producing well-researched documents that effectively communicate investment opportunities, risks, and strategic recommendations to key stakeholders. Proficiency in synthesizing complex financial data into clear, concise, and persuasive narratives is essential, as is the ability to adhere to established formatting and compliance standards. Strong written communication skills, analytical acumen, and familiarity with investment principles are all critical to success in this position.
We facilitate legal negotiations and prepare documentation for fund commitments. This role involves assisting with the drafting, review, and finalization of contractual agreements to ensure compliance and alignment with organizational objectives. Additionally, we provide support in coordinating with stakeholders to streamline the negotiation process and address any legal or procedural concerns that may arise.
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The thematic research team conducts in-depth investigations into specific topics, producing comprehensive analyses that inform strategic decisions across various sectors. Team members identify emerging trends, evaluate market dynamics, and assess competitive landscapes to generate actionable insights. Strong analytical abilities, proficiency in data interpretation, and expertise in relevant research methodologies are essential. Candidates should possess excellent written and verbal communication skills, the capacity to synthesize complex information, and a collaborative mindset to work effectively with cross-functional stakeholders. Experience in qualitative and quantitative research, industry knowledge, and a track record of delivering high-quality deliverables are highly valued.
Under the purview of ACID’s investment themes, perform comprehensive thematic research to bolster internal expertise and consolidate organizational perspectives.
Conduct comprehensive thematic research to uncover and develop compelling investment opportunities tailored to strategic objectives.
Research findings are distributed internally to advance the Foundation’s overarching goals and strategic priorities.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, you will be responsible for compiling and analyzing financial data, producing monthly and quarterly reports, and ensuring accuracy and compliance with regulatory standards. Your role entails overseeing the preparation of financial statements, tracking key performance indicators, and presenting findings to senior management to support strategic decision-making. Additionally, you will collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather relevant data, maintain meticulous records, and implement improvements in reporting processes. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and exceptional attention to detail are essential for success in this position.
Diligently overseeing the accurate reporting of investment and impact theses, as well as monitoring the portfolio’s performance to ensure alignment with established objectives.
Conduct periodic internal reports and perform comprehensive annual reviews of designated direct and fund investments.
Prepare comprehensive portfolio-wide reports to support strategic decision-making processes.
WHO YOU ARE
Seeking candidates with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, coupled with at least three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Preference will be given to applicants who hold advanced degrees or possess specialized certifications pertinent to the industry. Demonstrated success in prior positions, particularly in leadership or project management capacities, is highly valued.
A recognized institution must award a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field; possession of a master’s degree or Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation is advantageous.
We seek candidates with a minimum of seven years of professional experience, including at least five years dedicated to private equity or private credit investing, with a marked preference for investment opportunities in Africa.
Proficient knowledge of investment fundamentals, critical factors influencing major African markets, and the inherent risks associated with operating in intricate and dynamic market environments is required.
Skills
Proficiency in quantitative analysis—such as financial modeling and financial analysis—along with exceptional written communication and presentation capabilities, including expertise in PowerPoint and memo composition, is required.
Proven expertise in conducting thorough research and evaluating investment prospects within emerging markets is essential. The ideal candidate will possess a strong capability to analyze and assess potential investment opportunities in these dynamic economic environments.
Proven ability to analyze and interpret intricate financial data with precision and insight.
Highly adaptable professional capable of navigating dynamic priorities and thriving in fast-paced settings with flexibility and resilience.
Thrives amidst ambiguity and uncertainty with poise and adaptability, demonstrating resilience in dynamic environments where clarity is not immediately apparent.
Values
Professionalism, cultural adaptability, and unwavering ethical standards that embody the Foundation’s core principles are essential qualities for this role.
A collaborative professional who actively contributes to a unified work environment, fostering effective teamwork and collective success through shared goals and mutual support.
Through collaborative engagement with management teams, colleagues, co-investors, and external stakeholders, we foster strong partnerships built on mutual trust and shared objectives.
Exemplify unwavering dedication to the core values and long-term vision articulated by the Mastercard Foundation.
Individuals must be authorized to work in the United States.
This position is available to professionals located in Nairobi, Kenya, or Johannesburg, South Africa. Applicants must possess valid work authorization specific to the country in which they are applying.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
7 years
