Job description
Acumen seeks a committed Portfolio Manager to help build and manage an investment portfolio of game-changing enterprises that provide goods and services to the poor in East Africa.
Responsibilities
As Portfolio Manager, you will play a key role in the success, development and impact of Acumen’s portfolio in East Africa. As part of your core function, you will grow our portfolio by identifying and developing a strong pipeline of investment opportunities and provide management support to existing portfolio companies by building relationships, identifying key challenges and mobilizing resources. In addition, you will play a critical role shaping Acumen’s portfolio strategy, management process, team and influence in East Africa. The Portfolio Manager reports to the East Africa Director/Associate Director for Portfolio.
More Specifically, You Will
Identify, cultivate and execute a pipeline of fresh investment opportunities providing critical services to the poor
Identify pipeline: Build an exhaustive network of relationships (including corporate, entrepreneur, NGO, academic, investor, advisory) to identify new pipeline opportunities for Acumen.
Conduct Investment Processes: Develop attractive opportunities by building relationships with promoters; conducting evaluations and analyses; thorough due diligence; and structure and execute investments
Investment documentation: Prepare, present, and maintain detailed and compelling investment documentation for Acumen’s Investment
Committee, and Board of Directors
Develop and implement a post-investment management strategy to add significant value to investee companies
Assess portfolio company needs related to post investment support; design and implement post-investment management interventions in partnership with Global Post Investment Manager
Serve in a senior relationship capacity for Acumen East Africa, developing close contact with portfolio company promoters, including representing Acumen on portfolio company Boards
Design and evaluate and report on key metrics to measure the social and financial returns on investments
Develop long-term relationships with external stakeholders including funders, advisors, thought leaders, sector and functional experts to provide business development and strategic post-investment management across the East Africa Portfolio
Team Leadership
Manage 1-2 junior team members; coach and support them in developing investing skills related to financial modeling, relationship management, deal negotiation and post investment support
Work in close partnership with the Associate Director of Portfolio and East Africa Director and across the global portfolio team to support sector-specific initiatives and share learning
Qualifications & Characteristics
Bachelor’s Degree is required; MBA preferable
Strong financial, modeling and business analysis skills as demonstrated by prior experience is required
Ideal candidates will demonstrate accomplishment through some of the following experiences:
7-10 years of principal investing experience, including financial and operational due diligence of private companies. Understanding of early stage businesses and entrepreneurs is a plus OR
7-10 years of management consulting or operational experience with a proven track record of delivering operational and management support to companies or internal units
Significant commitment or experience with the social enterprise sector in East Africa
Solid operational skills including problem solving and project management skills, including ability to work and deliver projects independently, proactively and under pressure
Superior team management skills; demonstrated success as a supervisor and coach to junior team members
Strong communication skills and ability to be a “storyteller” of our work
Familiarity with the social enterprise and impact investing sectors
A good understanding of our key sectors of focus.
Authorization to work in Kenya is required
Additional characteristics we’re looking for in all roles at Acumen:
Commitment to, and enthusiasm for, the organization’s mission and business model, and respect for our core values: generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity, respect
Moral Imagination: The humility to see the world as it is, and the audacity to imagine the world as it could be. It also includes but is not limited to the following:
Displaying high level of empathy in all relationships and encounters
Possessing deep self-awareness and ability to identify own strengths and weaknesses
Actively listening and focusing on hearing what others are saying
Good understanding of financial concepts and our investing model
Solid operational skills including problem solving and project management skills, including ability to work and deliver projects independently, proactively and under pressure
Effectively collaborates with and across teams, seeks and provides constructive feedback
Exceptional relationship and interpersonal skills: courtesy, tact, patience and strong team orientation
Strong communication skills and ability to be a “storyteller” of our work
Ability to thrive when there is ambiguity, remain cool-headed when there are curve balls, and withstand the tests of a rapidly changing environment with resilience and resolve
Curious – always questioning, always probing, and never blindly accepting
A sense of humor (really)
Compensation
Acumen offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including full benefits.
Application Requirements
Please submit a resume and responses to the following questions here:
Why are you on fire to work for Acumen? Be specific. (MAX: 200 words)
What are your top 2 skills relevant to this position, and how have they made you successful in the past? (MAX: 150 words)
Deadline
The deadline for application is 30th September 2018. Candidates are encouraged to apply as soon as possible as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis,
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