Investment Analyst

About Investisseurs & Partenaires

Investisseurs & Partenaires (I&P) is an impact investment group exclusively focused on Africa’s SMEs with EUR 400m in assets under management. Since 2002, I&P has financed and supported more than 200 entrepreneurs in some 20 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, and sponsored 8 African SME funds; I&P’s team is based in 10 countries including Ghana, Kenya, Senegal, Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Madagascar, etc. (see our website: www.ietp.com/en).

Our mission is to foster the emergence of entrepreneurs and SMEs, which are at the core of an inclusive growth and sustainable development in Africa. I&P manages several investment funds supported by development finance institutions, corporates and HNWIs.

Background on the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund

The Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund (the Fund) is a US$ 200m Fund-of-Funds created by Mastercard Foundation and a consortium of partners led by MEDA. I&P is the Fund Advisor for this Fund-of-Funds, in charge of sourcing, assessing and supporting the portfolio of investment vehicles.

The Fund invests in gender-lens and women-led investment vehicles across Sub-Saharan Africa with a focus on first-time and emerging fund managers. It aims to accelerate the growth of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) across Africa, with the goal of creating work opportunities for young people – particularly young women – and building long-term economic resilience on the continent. The initiative also includes a significant Business Development Services platform that benefits both SMEs and investment vehicles.

More information is available on https://africagrowthfund.org/

About the role

I&P is seeking an Investment Analyst who will work under the supervision of the Director of Fund-of-Funds, to implement the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund's investment strategy, in particular to source, due diligence and support several new investment vehicles on the continent. She/he will work closely with the entire Fund-of-funds team based in Ghana, Senegal and Kenya.

This is a rare opportunity to contribute tangibly to the growth of the African impact investing sector and to the mainstreaming of gender-lens investing, via backing emerging fund managers dedicated to financing African SMEs.

Tasks and Responsibilities

• Conduct initial assessments of investment opportunities in African funds, as part of the sourcing strategy of the Mastercard Foundation Africa Growth Fund
• Support the investment team to undertake due diligence on African funds, including their track record, investment strategy, portfolio and pipeline, impact framework, gender-lens methodology, modeling, legal and tax structuring, organization, etc.
• Research and map the private equity and venture capital sector in Africa, including the pipeline of fund managers and key trends of the sector
• Support the team to capitalize on learnings and communicate achievements
• Support the management of the fund's governance (investment committees, reporting, etc.)

Qualifications

• Currently undertaking a master’s degree with a specialization in entrepreneurship, finance, management or business strategy
• First experience in finance (private equity, venture capital, consulting, or any related field) is mandatory
• Good knowledge or working experience within Sub Saharan Africa’s investment industry
• Experience working with startups and SMEs is a plus
• Open-mindedness, strong ability to adapt and learn in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent analytical, synthesis, and writing skills
• Fit with I&P’s values: entrepreneurial spirit, commitment to development, integrity and high standards
• Passion for the emergence of new fund managers and investment vehicles to finance African SMEs
• Commitment to gender-lens investing and principles of diversity, equity and inclusion
• Full spoken and written English required
• Mastery of Office suite

Position Details

The position will be based in I&P’s office in Paris, France. The start date will be as soon as possible from March 1^st. Remuneration package commensurate with experience.

How to Apply

Email recruitment-fof@ietp.com with the subject Investment Analyst, LAST NAME by January 31^st and attach:

• Your CV (no more than 2 pages) and,
• A one-page cover letter

We thank you for your application. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.