Investment Principal, Principal Investment Fund
- Location: Casablanca, Morocco
Description
Africa50 is a specialist investor in African infrastructure, developing, de-risking and delivering projects to unlock growth across the continent.
Africa50 has raised over US$1 billion so far from 34 African countries, the African Development Bank, two African Central Banks and Africa’s largest pension fund. Africa50 has an independent investment process and seeks to generate commercial risk adjusted returns for its investments across key infrastructure sectors: Energy (including power generation and related parts of the value chain), Midstream gas, Transportation, ICT, Health infrastructure, Education and Fintech.
Africa50’s Principal Investment Fund team mandate encompasses three critical roles: (i) making direct equity investments on a minority basis in late-stage infrastructure projects and growth platforms across Africa; (ii) sponsoring, seeding and managing investments in Africa50 sponsored funds (e.g., the Africa50 Infrastructure Fund); and (iii) seeding investment companies to underwrite specific sector strategies e.g., gas midstream. The team partners with sponsors and developers to structure and execute transactions in sectors such as power, midstream gas, transport and digital infrastructure, delivering sustainable impact and competitive returns. The relatively small size of the team offers Interns the opportunity to work closely with senior members of the firm and to have interactions with management teams and external advisors.
Purpose of the Role
The Investment Principal is expected to drive every stage of the deal life cycle from deal origination to deal execution and portfolio management, in the context of both direct and indirect investments. This will entail supervising analysts and associates in conducting market and company research, screening potential investments, preparing financial models and investment memoranda and undertaking periodic valuation of portfolio companies, while managing critical internal and external stakeholders.
Principal Responsibilities
Develop a strong pipeline of investment opportunities through anticipating market trends and employing sector/country knowledge
Oversee the preparation of financial models and investment memoranda to support investment decisions
Develop high conviction investment hypotheses and present these to the Investment Committee
Coordinate all due diligence processes and manage external consultants
Manage the drafting and negotiation of key investment documentation such as shareholders’ agreements and share subscription agreements
Supervise the performance of portfolio companies and support management teams in delivering on the business plans and value creation plans as well as overseeing Fund and investment company investments
Ensure portfolio companies maintain high environmental, social and governance standards
Monitor the performance of portfolio companies and seek exit opportunities
Build and maintain strong relationships with other key players within the infrastructure space in Africa
Candidate Profile
Required background
- 8 to 10 years’ experience in finance, with at least 4 years in private equity or project finance
- End-to-end deal experience in power, midstream gas, transport or digital infrastructure
- Deep networks and relationships across emerging markets, including Africa
- Demonstrated track record of academic excellence, including an MBA or MSc Finance.
Essential Qualities
- Excellent strategic and analytical skillset
- High Integrity
- Strong work ethic
- High levels of personal initiative and urgency
- Clarity of thought and action
- Alignment with Africa50’s mission, strategy and values
- Positive attitude
- Flexibility/adaptability to a fast-growing organization
Knowledge, skills and experience
Significant work experience in infrastructure private equity
Deep knowledge of the relevant infrastructure sub-sectors in emerging markets, especially Africa
- Understanding of project finance with the ability to structure investments across the financing spectrum
Sound knowledge of legal, policy, tax and regulatory matters
- Superb organizational skills and ability to multitask while maintaining attention to details
Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of potential sponsors, developers and partners, as well as senior government officials
- Culturally sensitive and able to relate to people of diverse backgrounds
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (French a plus)
Location
The position will be based in Casablanca, Morocco with remote working arrangements.
Application
If you are interested in this position, Click here to apply.
At Africa50, we believe inclusive teams drive stronger and more sustainable impact. We are committed to equal opportunity and fair recruitment practices, and we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds. We strive to create a respectful, diverse, and inclusive workplace where everyone can contribute and grow.