Investment Officer

The Investment Officer is a consultant for the IAP programme who will support the PMU in implementing and piloting the Abaca investment readiness tracking tool and advises grantee companies on preparing investment propositions for submission to specific investors. It is foreseen that the grantee companies will be seeking a mix of debt and equity investments of 500K – 3M. Specific experience with investors focused on that range is preferred.

The consultant will work closely with the IAP Multi-Country Programme Manager to agree on quarterly work-plans and deliverables. Detailed objectives would fall into the following categories:

• Investment Readiness Tool: Pilot the investment readiness tracking tool with selected grantees, provide monthly progress reports, and analyse data to identify areas for improvement in grantee readiness.
• Training Sessions: Review the training developed by consultants who are asked to deliver training on financial literacy and investments for grantees covering topics including funder types, financing instruments and structures, the investment process, investor requirements, and pitching considerations.
• Review a consultant’s development of a Strategic Investment Partners (SIP) program where grantees are paired with investors who provide ongoing mentorship, to ensure it is fit for purpose and does not duplicate with other investment outreach efforts.
• Grantee Development: Assist grantees in developing business plans and financial models, organise practice pitch sessions with detailed feedback, and oversee production of high-quality pitch materials for selected grantees.
• Matchmaking and Deal Support: Identify and introduce potential investors to investment-ready grantees, provide ongoing support including business plan refinement and financial modelling. Document and report on matchmaking efforts and outcomes.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Organise and participate in stakeholder learning events, both locally and internationally, to share insights and increase the visibility of the programme, its grantees, and their innovation. Maintain communication with key stakeholders to align learning efforts with key themes.
• Progress Reviews: Support regular progress reviews of IAP activities. Maintain proper documentation for all investment readiness activities, outcomes, and impact.
• Learning and Knowledge: Support the development of articles or briefs on the IAP or external website/platforms detailing insights and learnings from the program. Encourage and facilitate systemic change, sharing insights with relevant stakeholders.

Requirements

• Regional (Africa, Asia) and international network in the investment community, including angel investors, equity investors, DFIs, private equity groups, institutional investors, impact investors, and financial institutions.
• Experience with investors offering a mix of debt and equity of 500K – 3M Euro preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree/Master’s degree in economics, finance, business administration, or engineering.
• At least 5-7 years’ experience as an investment business expert and/or in investment banking in an international setting.
• Demonstrable knowledge, skills and experience in developing investment proposals, financial modelling, and business skills training.
• Fluence in written and spoken English.