Acumen was incorporated on April 1, 2001, with seed capital from the Rockefeller Foundation, Cisco Systems Foundation and three individual philanthropists. Our desire was to transform the world of philanthropy by looking at all human beings as members of a single, global community where everyone had the opportunity to build a life of dignity. The organization would invest “Patient Capital,” capital that bridges the gap between the efficiency and scale of market-based approaches and the social impact of pure philanthropy, in entrepreneurs bringing sustainable solutions to big problems of poverty.
About The Role
Your role is key to the success of our portfolio in East Africa. It will require understanding the patient capital model, the energy & agriculture sectors, finding disruptive companies with an edge, doing your due diligence, and investing… and then the hard work begins: adding value to their efforts so that they are more likely to break through the noise. Command of the numbers is essential. The edge is understanding how to partner with leaders to help build their business. You will report to the East Africa Director.
You will be accountable to:
- Build a network—unless you already have one—to get in the deal flow (entrepreneurs, other investors, academics, advisors, and those who work in corporates, NGOs, and accelerators).
- Identify a pipeline of companies working to solve energy access & utility problems for low-income learners. Evaluate their model and market opportunity.
- Identify deals. Prepare deals for review. Structure and execute approved deals.
- Document deals. It’s not just paperwork, it’s foundational to investing to document and ensure documents are accessible to Acumen’s Investment Committee, Partners, and the Board.
- Assess how to add value to the companies Acumen has invested in (Is it strategy? Cash flow? Operations? Talent? Where should they focus and why? How can you help?).
- Monitor the social and financial impact of your investment.
- Identify Acumen community members who could represent Acumen at the board level and potentially serve on a board.
- Develop trusted relationships with portfolio company promoters, and potentially represent Acumen on portfolio company boards.
- Develop a network of talent that will add value to investee companies (e.g., sector and functional experts, thought leaders, advisors, partners).
- Build trusting relationships with investors, the donors that have created the opportunity.
- Manage the Education Advisory Committee
- Coach 1 – 2 junior team members in investing skills related to financial modelling, deal negotiation, being a good RM, and adding value.
Qualifications:
- Commitment to the mission.
- Bachelor’s Degree; MBA preferable
- 8 – 10 years of principal investing, including financial and operational due diligence of private companies.
- Understanding of the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses.
- More than strong financial modelling… you can analyze a business and a market.
- Senior level networks in the private, public, non-profit, and philanthropic sectors working in Energy in East Africa preferred. Relationship with relevant grant makers and government a plus.
- Ability to communicate clearly, excellent writing and presentation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with people around the world
- Solid operational skills including problem solving and project management, can work and deliver projects independently, proactively and under pressure.
- Permanently authorized to work in Kenya.
- Full spoken and written English is required. Swahili is also helpful.
- Flexibility to travel, primarily throughout East Africa, but international travel is also likely (20-30%)
Additional characteristics we’re looking for in all roles at Acumen:
- Respect for our values: generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity, respect
- You’re always questioning, always probing, never blindly accepting
- A listener: you take the time to understand what someone is actually saying before you make up your mind.
Compensation
Acumen offers a competitive compensation package commensurate with experience, including benefits.
Deadline
Candidates are encouraged to apply early, as applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
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