THE OPPORTUNITY
Investment Officers are instrumental in implementing ACID’s investment strategy, spearheading both direct and intermediate investment opportunities across African markets. This role empowers professionals to identify, oversee, and ultimately realize exits from direct investments in high-potential African enterprises, while also engaging in fund commitments and co-investment initiatives. Key responsibilities encompass managing the full investment lifecycle, from origination and due diligence to portfolio monitoring and strategic decision-making.
Investment management involves overseeing direct investments, requiring expertise in asset allocation, valuation, and risk assessment to optimize financial performance. Candidates should possess a robust understanding of financial markets, demonstrated through relevant qualifications such as CFA or CPA designations, along with proven experience in investment analysis or portfolio management. Responsibilities include conducting thorough due diligence, executing strategic investment decisions, and monitoring portfolio performance to ensure alignment with client objectives or organizational goals. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial modeling, and the ability to generate insightful reports are essential for success in this role.
Evaluating and implementing direct investments in African companies that demonstrate strong potential to fulfill ACID and the Foundation’s strategic goals.
Analyzing investment prospects involves creating and validating assumptions, constructing financial models, evaluating historical performance, and preparing investment memoranda. This process ensures thorough due diligence and informed decision-making for potential opportunities.
Collaborating closely with the ACID team, this role involves crafting valuations, designing investment structures, and establishing critical investment terms to drive strategic decision-making and optimize financial outcomes.
Conducting thorough evaluations to scrutinize and enhance investment proposals, while substantiating key assumptions, projections, and strategic rationales to the ACID team and Investment Committee.
Collaborating with financial, legal, tax, and impact advisors to conduct comprehensive due diligence on potential investment opportunities; crafting detailed diligence scopes, overseeing due diligence execution, and enhancing investment cases based on key findings.
We facilitate the completion of transaction processes by managing legal documentation, structuring required transactions, ensuring compliance with conditions precedent, and overseeing the closing process.
Collaborating closely with leadership teams, we craft and harmonize financial and impact-focused forecasts to ensure strategic alignment across the organization.
Supporting leadership in sustainably scaling operations while fostering dignified employment, we aim to achieve growth and expansion goals, execute mergers and acquisitions, and drive product or service innovation.
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The role involves overseeing and strategically managing fund investments within an investment management framework. Incumbent will be responsible for analyzing market trends, evaluating asset performance, and making data-driven decisions to optimize investment portfolios. Key duties include conducting thorough financial research, assessing risk factors, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial modeling, and a deep understanding of market dynamics are essential. Additionally, the position requires effective communication to present investment strategies and performance updates to stakeholders.
Assessing and implementing intermediate investments in Africa-focused private equity and private credit funds, in accordance with the Foundation’s strategic priorities, constitutes a core responsibility of this role.
Evaluating and comparing fund proposals involves a thorough analysis of investment opportunities to establish performance benchmarks and ensure alignment with strategic objectives. This process includes reviewing financial projections, assessing risk levels, and evaluating the feasibility of proposed strategies to determine their potential for achieving desired returns. The role requires a meticulous examination of each proposal’s strengths and weaknesses, ensuring that recommendations are data-driven and support informed decision-making. Additionally, this position entails comparing multiple fund options to identify the most viable investments that optimize portfolio performance while mitigating risks.
Performing comprehensive assessments of fund managers and fund proposals, evaluating the impact thesis, projected returns, and budgetary allocations.
Drafting and preparing comprehensive internal investment memoranda is a core responsibility of this role. The incumbent will be tasked with creating detailed analyses and reports that evaluate potential investment opportunities. This includes conducting thorough due diligence, assessing financial projections, and synthesizing complex data into clear, actionable insights. Strong analytical and writing skills are essential to convey findings effectively to stakeholders and decision-makers.
We facilitate legal negotiations and manage the documentation of fund commitments.
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Conducting in-depth thematic research forms a core component of this role, requiring a meticulous examination of subjects to uncover meaningful patterns and insights. The position demands a keen analytical mind equipped to interpret complex data, synthesize findings, and present actionable recommendations. Proficiency in qualitative and quantitative research methodologies is essential, alongside strong written and verbal communication skills to convey conclusions effectively. Candidates must demonstrate expertise in data collection, trend analysis, and the ability to work collaboratively across teams to drive informed decision-making. Familiarity with research tools, software, and databases is also required to ensure accuracy and efficiency in delivering high-quality insights.
Deliver focused thematic research across relevant sectors to enhance ACID’s investment themes, fostering internal expertise and consolidating key perspectives.
Conduct thorough thematic research to uncover and develop compelling investment opportunities.
Facilitate the internal circulation and dissemination of research findings to advance the Foundation’s overarching strategic goals.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, this position is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of comprehensive reports that analyze organizational performance, financial metrics, and operational efficiency. The role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to gather and validate data, ensuring accuracy and timeliness of information. Key duties include generating weekly, monthly, and quarterly reports, presenting findings to senior leadership, and identifying trends or areas for improvement. Proficiency in advanced Excel, data visualization tools, and business intelligence software is required, along with strong analytical and communication skills to translate complex data into actionable insights.
The role involves maintaining accurate reporting and achieving performance targets aligned with the investment and impact strategies of the portfolio.
Conduct internal periodic reporting and perform comprehensive annual portfolio reviews for designated direct and fund investments.
Assist in the development and maintenance of comprehensive reporting across the entire portfolio.
WHO YOU ARE
Seeking candidates with a bachelor’s degree or higher in a relevant field, coupled with at least three years of hands-on experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in industry-specific software and tools is essential, alongside strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. Ideal applicants will demonstrate a track record of delivering measurable results in fast-paced environments, with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Exceptional communication skills, both written and verbal, are required to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
A recognized institution must confer a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or a related field. Candidates holding a master’s degree or the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation will be viewed favorably.
With a minimum of seven years of professional experience, including at least five years specifically in private equity or private credit investing, candidates should possess a strong preference for deal flow and opportunities within Africa.
Proficiency in investment fundamentals, key market dynamics across major African economies, and the risks associated with operating in intricate and evolving market environments is required.
We are seeking a highly motivated individual with a strong background in [specific skills or fields, if mentioned], possessing excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities. The ideal candidate will demonstrate proficiency in [specific tools, software, or methodologies], along with a keen attention to detail and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential for effectively conveying complex information to diverse stakeholders. The role requires a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a dynamic work environment. Prior experience in [relevant industry or field] is highly desirable, as is the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of accuracy and efficiency.
A high level of proficiency in quantitative analysis is essential, encompassing financial modeling and financial analysis, alongside exceptional written communication and presentation abilities, including expertise in PowerPoint and memo writing.
Experienced in conducting thorough research and evaluating investment prospects within emerging markets.
Proven ability to analyze and interpret intricate financial information with precision and insight.
Adaptable and capable of handling shifting priorities efficiently within a dynamic workplace.
Adaptable to uncertain or ambiguous situations, demonstrating resilience and flexibility in dynamic environments.
Values
Professionalism, cultural awareness, and unwavering integrity are essential qualities that align with the Foundation’s core values, reflecting a commitment to ethical conduct and respect across diverse settings.
We seek a collaborative professional who thrives in team settings, working effectively with colleagues to achieve shared objectives. Your ability to communicate openly, support peers, and contribute positively to group dynamics is essential. You should demonstrate reliability, adaptability, and a willingness to engage in collective problem-solving to drive team success.
We collaborate closely with management teams, colleagues, co-investors, and other stakeholders to foster a partnership-driven approach in all interactions.
Demonstrate unwavering dedication to upholding the core principles and long-term aspirations of the Mastercard Foundation.
Individuals must possess legal authorization to work in the country where the position is based, ensuring compliance with all applicable employment laws and regulations. This requirement applies to both citizens and non-citizens, and candidates must provide documentation verifying their work eligibility upon request. Failure to meet this criterion may result in disqualification from consideration for the role.
This position is open to applicants residing in Nairobi, Kenya, or Johannesburg, South Africa. Applicants must possess valid work authorization for the specific country to which they are applying.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA , Professional Certificate
Experience Required
7 years
