Investment Principal, Africa at BFA Global

About the Role:

We are seeking a long-term member of the Catalyst Fund family who is excited and committed to investing in technology to create a scalable impact across emerging markets. As our Investment Principal, you will be a core member of our investment team’s leadership. You will lead our end-to-end investment processes, from driving sourcing initiatives to closing transactions. Post-investment, you will work closely with our venture-building teams to define and prioritize the scope of our hands-on support to our portfolio. As part of the leadership team, you will also have a critical role in a diverse and firm-wide set of initiatives to enhance our fund’s operations and strategy.

What you will do:

Your responsibilities will include the following:

• Conduct market research and company research to support, prove or disprove our investment theses
• Develop a pipeline of early-stage ventures that improve the resilience of underserved communities in emerging markets by cultivating relationships with startup founders, angels, accelerators, incubators, venture investors and other partners in our key markets and meeting with entrepreneurs
• Actively lead the end-to-end investment process, as part of the Catalyst Fund, grounded in thorough due diligence and quick execution, prepare investment memos and present opportunities to the Investment Committee
• Manage a portfolio of early-stage impact startups, helping investees leverage the broader Catalyst Fund and BFA Global ecosystem of resources and the external ecosystem you have brought together
• Monitor portfolio performance and generate regular reports on the fund’s performance.
• Manage and oversee fund administration activities
• Represent the Catalyst Fund on boards of our investees where appropriate
• Support the growth of upstream initiatives to foster stronger resilience tech startups entering the pipeline
• Represent the Catalyst Fund investment team in internal and external forums, positioning us as a leader in technology for resilience and impact investing more broadly

Qualifications & Requirements

• 8 – 12 years of experience, preferably in VC or venture-backed tech startups
• Commitment to impact investing in emerging markets
• Deep transaction experience, preferably in emerging markets
• Demonstrated success in leading early-stage investment processes end-to-end (sourcing, due diligence, negotiation, structuring, execution)
• Relevant stakeholder network among financial investors, grant providers, private and public sector partners, and entrepreneur support organizations who are active in tech for resilience and impact investments more broadly
• Experience with portfolio management, including the facilitation of strategic partnerships, follow-on investment and exits
• Advanced degrees preferred
• Outstanding financial and analytical skills (CFA a plus)
• Intellectually curious with a dedication to go the extra mile
• Collaborative attitude with a team-first approach
• Outstanding communication skills, both written and verbal
• You can self-manage and prioritize in a fast-paced environment
• Highest ethical standards
• Attention to detail

Any of the following will be considered a plus:

• Familiarity with financial inclusion and digital financial services innovation for low-income populations, economic development or social business sector
• Familiarity with local startup ecosystems from first-hand experience
• Familiarity working with different cultures and languages
• Experience investing in solutions targeting low-income populations and/or low-connectivity environments (i.e. USSD or SMS-based products)
• Spoken and written language proficiency other than English

Anticipated Start Date: November 2022

Preferred location:

The position can be based in any major African city, with a preference for Nairobi, Kenya or Lagos, Nigeria. Candidates must have local work permits.

Compensation

Compensation will be commensurate with experience.