Investment Analyst

ORGANIZATION BACKGROUND

Acumen is an international nonprofit impact-investment organization addressing poverty by investing in companies, leaders and innovative ideas. It provides patient capital to early-stage businesses whose products and services improve the lives of low-income and underserved populations. Acumen reports investing approximately USD 154 million in 167 companies and positively affecting more than 500 million lives.

ACUMEN WEST AFRICA

Acumen began working in West Africa in 2011. Its regional investment portfolio has covered agriculture, clean energy, financial inclusion and healthcare. Current regional priorities include agriculture, clean energy and workforce development. Acumen West Africa also works with entrepreneurs, investors, funders, operators and policymakers to promote investment models that address poverty sustainably.

ROLE PURPOSE

The Investment Analyst will help Acumen West Africa build and manage a portfolio of impact-driven, early-stage companies. The analyst will source and assess prospective investments, conduct financial and operational due diligence, support transaction structuring and prepare investment recommendations for Acumen’s Investment Committee. The position will also support data collection, analysis and reporting concerning the performance and social impact of Acumen West Africa’s investment portfolio. The role reports to a senior Portfolio Lead in West Africa.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Source and identify promising businesses providing essential goods and services to underserved populations.
• Conduct market research to identify investment opportunities and emerging trends.
• Develop relationships that strengthen Acumen West Africa’s investment pipeline.
• Review prospective companies and evaluate their value propositions, competitors, industries, operational risks and potential social impact.
• Conduct qualitative and quantitative assessments of prospective portfolio companies.
• Analyse financial statements and historical operating results.
• Build financial models, projections, valuations and risk assessments.
• Test financial projections using sensitivities around important assumptions.
• Conduct financial and operational due diligence on private companies.
• Assess business models, management capabilities, market opportunities and investment risks.
• Assist with structuring investment terms and work with legal counsel to document and close approved investments.
• Prepare clear and persuasive investment memoranda.
• Present investment findings and recommendations to Acumen’s Investment Committee.
• Collect, analyse and report data concerning portfolio performance.
• Support management of Acumen West Africa’s portfolio operations, fundraising and strategic-partnership initiatives.
• Coordinate regional impact assessments with portfolio companies, Acumen’s Insights and Strategy team and external vendors.
• Help build relationships within West Africa’s impact-investing and social-enterprise communities.
• Contribute to external insight, communication and thought-leadership products.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor’s degree; a degree in Finance, Business or a related discipline is preferred.
• At least two years of investment-underwriting experience.
• Experience conducting financial and operational due diligence on private companies.
• Understanding of early-stage businesses and entrepreneurs is an advantage.
• Permanent authorization to work in Nigeria is required.
• Familiarity with the social-enterprise sector is desirable.
• Demonstrated commitment to serving low-income and underserved populations.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Financial-statement analysis, modelling and forecasting.
• Sensitivity and scenario analysis.
• Business valuation and investment-risk assessment.
• Market and industry research.
• Financial and operational due diligence.
• Investment-memorandum preparation.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking ability.
• Ability to work independently, proactively and under pressure.
• Strong written, verbal, storytelling and presentation skills.
• Strong relationship and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to collaborate across teams and exchange constructive feedback.
• Curiosity, resilience, empathy and self-awareness.
• Commitment to Acumen’s values of generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity and respect.
• Commitment to Acumen’s principle of moral imagination.

CONTRACT DETAILS

• Duty station: Lagos, Nigeria.
• Employment type: Not specified.
• Working arrangement: Not specified.
• Contract duration: Not specified.
• Salary and benefits: Not specified.
• Reports to: Senior Portfolio Lead, West Africa.
• Greenhouse job reference: 8658354002.
• Number of positions: Not specified.
• Required work authorization: Permanent authorization to work in Nigeria.
• Official vacancy status: New and accepting applications.

SAFEGUARDING AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

• Role-specific safeguarding requirements: Not specified.
• Equal-opportunity statement: Not specified on the accessible vacancy page.
• Background-check requirements: Not specified.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

Applicants must apply through Acumen’s official Greenhouse recruitment form. A curriculum vitae or résumé is required. The application form also displays optional fields for a cover letter, LinkedIn profile and personal or professional website. The employer has not stated a closing date. Early application is advisable while the official form remains active.