Website Acumen
About Acumen
Acumen is a global organization committed to changing the way the world tackles poverty through investing in social enterprises, emerging leaders, and breakthrough ideas. Founded in 2001 by Jacqueline Novogratz, Acumen has invested over $132 million in 136 social enterprises across Africa, Latin America, South Asia, and the United States. These companies have impacted over 270 million lives by providing essential goods and services to low-income communities. Acumen harnesses the power of patient capital to support entrepreneurs dedicated to solving the problems of poverty. Acumen also runs Acumen Academy, providing transformative leadership programs and a vibrant community of changemakers. Acumen East Africa, established in 2004, focuses on addressing poverty in sectors such as agriculture, education, and renewable energy. The office not only invests in local enterprises but also offers leadership programs and serves as a hub for Acumen’s global activities, bringing together stakeholders in the impact investing ecosystem.
About this Role
The Investments Analyst will play a critical role in sourcing, evaluating, and managing Acumen East Africa’s investment portfolio. This position requires a commitment to the region’s development and a passion for impact investing. The Investments Analyst will leverage their analytical skills to assess the financial and social returns of potential investments, conduct due diligence, prepare investment memos, and coordinate impact assessments. In addition, the Investments Analyst will support fundraising and strategic partnership initiatives and actively contribute to building Acumen East Africa’s network in the impact investing community. This role offers a dynamic and supportive environment, collaborating closely with portfolio companies, Acumen’s Insights and Strategy team, and external partners.
Responsibilities
- Source and identify exceptional investment opportunities providing critical services to the poor.
- Conduct market research to identify potential opportunities, analyze trends, and build relationships to cultivate deal flow.
- Perform qualitative and quantitative analysis on potential investment companies, including financial modeling, valuation analysis, and risk assessments.
- Evaluate and identify quality investment opportunities from a large deal pipeline using analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Prepare and present compelling investment memos for Acumen’s Investment Committee.
- Perform thorough due diligence and structure transactions reflecting appropriate risk/return factors.
- Work closely with legal counsel to document and close investments.
- Support data collection, analysis, and reporting related to Acumen East Africa’s investment portfolio performance.
- Liaise with portfolio companies, the Insights and Strategy team, and external impact vendors to coordinate impact assessments.
- Contribute to developing insight and communication pieces for external audiences.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, business, or related field.
- Must have authorization to work in Kenya on a permanent basis.
- 2-3 years of investing underwriting experience, including financial and operational due diligence of private companies.
- Strong understanding of financial statements and the ability to analyze historical results and model future periods, including running sensitivities of key input assumptions.
- Ability to present an investment track record of both good and bad historical investments.
- Curious, always questioning and probing, and never blindly accepting.
- Ability to thrive under conditions of ambiguity, remain cool-headed when faced with challenges, and exhibit resilience and resolve in a rapidly changing environment.
- Strong professional skills, including the ability to work independently, proactively, and under pressure.
- Excellent communication skills and the ability to be a “storyteller” of Acumen’s work.
- Effectively collaborate with and across teams, seeking and providing constructive feedback.
- Familiarity with the social enterprise sector and a strong commitment to serving the poor is preferred.
- Commitment to, and enthusiasm for, Acumen’s mission and business model.
- High level of empathy in all relationships and encounters.
- Strong self-awareness, ability to identify strengths and weaknesses, and being “coachable.”
- Exceptional relationship and interpersonal skills, including courtesy, tact, patience, and strong team orientation.
- Self-reflective and aligned with Acumen values: generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, integrity, respect.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation package commensurate with experience.
- Full benefits including health insurance and retirement plans.
- Opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Work in a dynamic and supportive environment.
