Principal (Investment Management) at Robert Walters

About the job

• A leading private equity firm is looking for a Principal to join their team. This role is responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and executing growth-stage investments across Africa, with a strong focus on energy, climate, and enabling sectors. The position leads end-to-end deal execution, actively supports portfolio companies post-investment, and contributes to firm building, investment strategy, and team development.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and manage a strong investment pipeline through founder networks, partners, and ecosystem engagement.
• Lead the full investment lifecycle, including screening, valuation, due diligence, structuring, negotiation, and closing.
• Actively support portfolio companies on strategy, governance, performance, and value creation initiatives.
• Monitor portfolio performance, manage risk, and support follow-on investments and exits.
• Prepare high-quality investment materials, portfolio updates, and investor reporting.
• Mentor junior team members and help strengthen investment processes, research, and fund operations.

Candidate Profile

• 10+ years’ experience in private equity, growth equity, venture capital, or principal investing.
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, or accounting; advanced qualifications (CA, CFA, MBA) advantageous.
• Proven end-to-end deal execution experience, including origination, diligence, closing, and portfolio management.
• Strong financial modelling, valuation, and investment analysis capabilities.
• Deep understanding of African markets with established founder and investor networks.
• Sector exposure preferred across clean energy, manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, or agri-processing.
• Experience engaging with boards and senior management; board-level experience advantageous.

Core Competencies

• Strong investment judgment and ability to underwrite growth-stage risk.
• High ownership, entrepreneurial mindset, and ability to thrive in a lean environment.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Integrity, discretion, and alignment with an impact-driven, inclusive investment philosophy.
• Genuine commitment to building scalable, sustainable businesses while driving both financial returns and impact.