Investment Director for IFU Impact Ventures

We are hiring an Investment Director who is motivated and passionate about working with commercial and sustainable investments that create impact in countries across Africa, Latin America, and Asia.

The position can be based in either Copenhagen, Nairobi or New Delhi.

IFU Impact Ventures seeks to (i) support businesses in emerging markets that are or can become highly impactful from a climate and/or inclusion perspective through investments in early-stage companies and funds; and (ii) create a pipeline of high potential, impactful opportunities where IFU’s core capital can later invest. The average size of an Impact Ventures ticket is US $2m, focused on healthcare, sustainable food systems, green energy and infrastructure, and financial services.  

The job

The preferred candidate is a fully versatile expert developing and managing investment transactions, reporting to the Head of Impact Ventures.

The selected candidate would be expected to help spot new trends and business models that can further IFU’s climate and/or inclusion goals, and work with the relevant IFU sector teams to: 

• identify investment opportunities in strategic areas and subsectors, leveraging networks of business contacts; 

• screen and assess impactful and innovative potential investment opportunities that are or can become commercially viable; 

• lead deal teams throughout the entire investment transaction cycle, offering guidance to less experienced colleagues; 

• develop investment pipeline and manage demanding business relationships; 

• help investee companies scale by providing advice and/or representing IFU on their boards, and eventually secure financing from IFU and/or other investors.  

• Establish relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders that stretch across several functions and geographies.  

The position can be based in Copenhagen, Nairobi, or Delhi. There is a preference for candidates with an existing work permit for those locations. 

The team

You will become part of the Investment department that consists of over 50 highly qualified and motivated Investment Professionals working in teams covering IFU focus sectors. 

In IFU we attach great importance to good teamwork and collaboration, maintaining a positive atmosphere and having fun together. We help each other out, share our knowledge, and – while each of us hold high standards and integrity to our work – we don’t take ourselves too seriously and share a good laugh.

Your qualifications & experience

Key qualifications are >10 years of full-time experience and track record from private equity, venture capital (preferred), mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, investment banking, or other relevant experience, with direct exposure to emerging markets (preference for Africa and Asia). In addition:  
 

• Master's degree in Business, Finance, Economics, Engineering, or another related field.  

• Experience in one or more of the sector verticals in which IFU invests: green energy and infrastructure, financial services, healthcare, or sustainable food systems. Preference for experience in the first two of these sectors.  

• Experience sourcing investment opportunities and managing an investment process.  

• Experience valuing assets, conducting financial analysis, building financial models, structuring a transaction to optimize its risk/return profile, and negotiating legal documentation. Preference for investment experience in the range of USD $2-3 million tickets.  

• Proven ability to think strategically and collaborate and manage stakeholders. 

• Strong interpersonal skills and business judgement.   

• Experience with project management, including executing against implementation plans.  

• Experience in monitoring and reporting on a portfolio of projects, programs, and/or initiatives. 

• Experience working with junior team members and mentoring those team members.  

• Strong organizational skills and proven ability to work on several assignments simultaneously is required. 

• Outstanding and demonstrated history of analytical, creative problem solving and critical thinking skills is required. 

• Strong written and verbal communications skills in English are required. Proficiency in other languages spoken in emerging markets (French, Spanish, Portuguese, Hindi, etc.) would be a plus.  

• Genuine dedication to development and to IFU’s mission and values. 

• Willingness to travel moderately.  

Working and learning at IFU

IFU’s learning culture provides the tools and organisation for individual development. Learning is an important element of working in IFU, and we will support your personal development through training, sparring and by ensuring that you get exciting and challenging tasks and new opportunities for growth. When joining IFU, you will take part in our extensive onboarding program to get the best possible start in your new role.

IFU offers a hybrid workplace, allowing you to manage your own time effectively. We have a diverse and inclusive working environment with more than 130 talented individuals from 20+ different nationalities. We work seamlessly together with colleagues around the corner, cross the organization and between offices in Asia, Africa, LATAM and Europe.