Investment Analyst – AECF Capital at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)
About AECF Capital
AECF Capital is an investment platform being launched by the
AECF, a leading development finance institution with over 18 years of
experience deploying catalytic capital to high-impact enterprises across
Sub-Saharan Africa. AECF has supported hundreds of businesses through grant
financing, technical assistance, and ecosystem development, unlocking private
sector growth in agriculture, renewable energy, financial inclusion, and
climate resilience.
AECF Capital complements AECF’s grant-making and technical
assistance programs by introducing a dedicated impact investment platform that
deploys structured debt, blended finance, and other commercial instruments to
scalable SMEs and financial intermediaries. Our mandate is to deliver
measurable development impact alongside disciplined financial performance,
while institutionalizing catalytic capital and building a sustainable,
Africa-based fund management capability.
The role
We are seeking an Investment Analyst to join AECF Capital’s
founding team in Nairobi, Kenya. This is an opportunity to help build an
investment platform from the ground up, contributing to deal origination,
financial modelling, due diligence, credit analysis, transaction execution, and
portfolio management across agribusiness and other high-impact SMEs, renewable
energy and distributed energy solutions, and financial institutions providing
working capital and on-lending to underserved enterprises.
The incumbent will work directly with the Head of
Investments and senior members of the investment team to structure
transactions, develop investment memos, stress-test financial models, and
strengthen risk and impact assessment frameworks. Beyond individual deals, the
role includes contributing to the development of internal systems, data
discipline, and investment governance processes.
This position is ideal for a highly analytical, commercially
minded professional who is mission-aligned and motivated by building something
enduring, not simply executing transactions, but shaping the DNA of a new
African investment platform.
This role will report to the Head of Investments.
Key responsibilities
Deal sourcing & screening
- Support
the identification and screening of investment opportunities aligned with
our impact thesis and financial criteria
- Build
relationships with intermediaries, accelerators, industry networks, and
potential investees
- Conduct
initial assessments of business models, market positioning, and growth
potential
Financial analysis & due diligence
- Develop
detailed financial models to assess investment viability, risk-return
profiles, and impact potential
- Support
and eventually lead due diligence processes, including financial,
operational, legal, and ESG assessments.
- Prepare
investment memos and presentations for internal decision-making.
Deal structuring & execution
- Contribute
to the structuring of debt instruments, quasi-equity, and blended finance
transactions
- Coordinate
with legal counsel, consultants, and other advisors during transaction
execution
- Support
negotiations and preparation of term sheets and investment agreements
Portfolio monitoring & reporting
- Track
portfolio company performance against financial and impact KPIs
- Prepare
quarterly portfolio reports and flag risks or opportunities proactively
- Support
investees with strategic guidance and access to technical assistance where
relevant
Platform building
- Help
develop investment processes, tools, and templates as we build out the
platform
- Contribute
to thought leadership (blogs, case studies, presentations) on impact
investing in Africa across our thematic areas of focus.
- Participate
in industry forums and networks to position the organization as a credible
investor
Required qualifications, experience, and attributes:
Education
- Bachelor’s
degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business, Engineering, Actuarial
Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related quantitative discipline.
- CFA
Level I (passed) or a professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA) is
an advantage
- Demonstrated
strength in quantitative analysis, financial modelling, or credit
assessment, regardless of academic background, can also be considered.
Experience
- Possess
a bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business,
Engineering, Actuarial Science, Statistics, Mathematics, or a related
quantitative discipline.
- Have
CFA Level I or a professional accounting qualification (CPA, ACCA) will be
an advantage.
- Be
able to demonstrate strength in quantitative analysis, financial
modelling, or credit assessment, regardless of academic background.
- Have
2-3 years of relevant experience in Investment analysis (private equity,
venture capital, investment management).
- Have
credit/risk analysis (commercial banking, microfinance) skills.
- Have
experience in financial advisory or transaction support (advisory,
consulting), impact investment, or development finance.
- Have
strong financial modeling skills (Excel mastery required).
- Have
the ability to read and analyze financial statements, perform ratio
analysis, and assess credit risk.
- Be
able to understand debt instruments, capital structures, and valuation
methodologies, and familiarity with impact measurement frameworks (IRIS+,
SDG alignment) will be an added advantage.
- Exhibits
strong attention to detail, consistently identifying errors before they
escalate into issues.
- Demonstrates
clear communication skills, conveying complex financial concepts in plain,
accessible language, both verbally and in writing.
Core competencies
- Analytical
rigor: You excel at diving into numbers, questioning assumptions, and
finding the story in the data
- Ownership
mentality: You take initiative, follow through, and don’t need handholding
- Mission
alignment: You care about using finance as a tool for positive change
Intern – Monitoring & Evaluation at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)
Job Title: Intern-Monitoring & Evaluation
Closing date: 18/03/2025
The role
AECF is automating impact systems. This will entail digital
collection of impact data from supported businesses, online submission to the
Airtable database, and data visualization in Tableau.
To support this process, the role will be to migrate all
historical data from SharePoint to Airtable.
The role will report to the Data Analyst.
Key responsibilities
- Verify
the status and impact performance of historical portfolio companies and
update company profiles in Airtable.
- Conduct
outreach and desk research to validate operational status, performance
data, and impact metrics.
- Extract,
clean, and upload historical impact data into Airtable in alignment with
internal data structures.
- Reconcile
donor-reported impact figures with verifiable data in Airtable and
supporting documentation; flag and resolve discrepancies.
- Ensure
accurate and timely data entry, validation, and follow-up on missing
information with Impact and Programme teams.
- Support
the organization and standardization of M&E documentation, including
work plans, budgets, PMFs, and donor reports.
- Improve
SharePoint data structures and file naming conventions to enhance
accessibility and system usability.
- Assist
in strengthening data collection tools (questionnaires, surveys, reporting
templates).
- Document
system gaps, recommend process improvements, and contribute to continuous
learning within the Impact function.
- Prepare
summary trackers, discrepancy logs, and periodic learningbriefs to support
data quality and accountability.
Suitable candidates should:
- Possess
a bachelor’s degree in Actuarial Science, Statistics, Information
Technology (IT), Computer Science, Social Sciences, or a related field.
- Have
excellent command of English (both written and spoken).
- Be
proficient in MS Office Suite, MS Excel, and MS Word. Familiaritywith
Airtable and Make is an added advantage.
- Have
the ability to manage your own workload independently, multitask, and
prioritize effectively.
- Be
keen on details and proactive.
- Have
the ability to work effectively in a multicultural environment.
- Possess
great interpersonal skills.
Investments Associate at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)
The role
AECF is seeking an Investments Associate to join our growing
investments and advisory services team and bring Sub-Saharan Africa investment,
deal structuring, investment advisory services, and fundraising expertise to
the team. The Investments Associate will support the portfolio team with
pre-investment analysis of potential companies, driving analysis to assess
financial and impact viability, as well as the growth prospects of companies
during due diligence. Post-investment, the incumbent will work with the
portfolio team to identify investees’ needs for investment readiness and
provide this support, as well as provide investment facilitation services, lead
investor searches, structure deals, and negotiate with investors to increase
access to commercial funding by catalyzing additional capital for portfolio
companies. In addition, they will be responsible for country- and sector-level
research and analysis, assisting in the development of operations for new
investment products, and providing support with deal origination, due
diligence, investment structuring and negotiation, portfolio management, and
portfolio reporting.
The role will be based in Nairobi with occasional travel in
the region.
Key responsibilities
Financial and impact analysis
- Analyzing
company accounts, financial projections and impact potential and position
these in the investment memorandum for investment consideration.
- Provide
updates on financial markets, countries, and sector activities to help
position potential investees’ viability and potential in local and global
markets.
- Creating
financial models that enhance the return on investment of
projects/businesses and financial planning.
- Preparation
of financial documents for presentation to the internal investment review
committee, as well as the investment committee.
Deal structuring, negotiations, and execution
- Sourcing
and origination of investments and carrying out the initial investment
appraisal of potential AECF portfolio companies towards a healthy
portfolio.
- Develop
a strong pipeline of good-quality investment opportunities for investment
products.
- Conduct
detailed due diligence on prospective investee companies and develop the
requisite investment memorandum for investment decisions.
- Structure
complex investments (comprising both debt and equity) according to
understanding and assessment of client and country risks. Negotiate terms
with clients, internal and external stakeholders, and partners. Prepare
client/partner presentations and support their decision-making at key
transaction stages.
- Lead
transaction team through the investment process, actively handling key
work and directing and coordinating work of other team members from across
multiple departments towards closing investment deals.
- Take
full responsibility and accountability for transaction-related decisions
and relationships, to execute transaction documentation and disburse
investment capital.
- Manage
a portfolio of companies to achieve the objectives of the investment and
play a lead role in portfolio management processes, monitoring, and
institutional investor reporting processes.
Insights and knowledge sharing
- Develop
a system/technique to derive knowledge and understanding of investors’
appetite relevant to AECF’s portfolio, build relationships, and educate
investors about the AECF portfolio and investment opportunities.
- Share
expertise as a subject matter expert, providing advice, peer review, and
contribution to knowledge products and program design across the AECF to
strengthen internal and/or external client solutions.
Required qualifications, experience, and attributes:
- Must
possess a Bachelor’s Degree in business or commerce. A master’s degree in
business or finance will be an added advantage.
- A
CFA-level certification or an advanced stage of completion.
- At
least 5-7 years of experience in the field of financial analysis,
investment analysis, management consulting, corporate finance, private
equity, or venture debt with a proven track record of sourcing,
structuring, and closing investments.
- Strong
analytical skills to review and analyze complex financial information.
Knowledge and experience in global financial markets, including expertise
in emerging markets.
- Experience
in identifying, originating and qualifying new business opportunities
developing and executing results-driven client engagements.
- Advanced
financial, credit, and risk evaluation skills, with demonstrated ability
to structure and negotiate a variety of complex financial instruments
(debt and equity).
- Demonstrated
strong written, presentation, and communications skills in English and
ability to synthesize and present information effectively and tailored to
different audiences.
- Excellent
business judgment and problem-solving skills to identify issues, present
creative, practical solutions, make and commit to sound decisions,
anticipating short and long-term implications.
- Working
knowledge of French will be an added advantage.
Travel & Protocol Assistant at Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund (AECF)
Job Title: Travel & Protocol Assistant
Reports to: Head of HR & Administration
Closing date: 10/02/2026
The role
The Travel & Protocol assistant will be responsible for
coordinating and supporting all protocol and travel arrangements.
The role holder will ensure efficient, cost-effective,
compliant, and timely travel logistics, delivered with precision, while
delivering excellent customer service and adhering to organizational policies
and donor requirements. The incumbent will provide end-to-end support
throughout the travel lifecycle from initial planning and approvals to
post-travel reconciliation.
The role will support operational continuity by maintaining
travel systems, tracking travel patterns, updating compliance documentation,
and ensuring that the organization can account for staff whereabouts at any
time, particularly important for risk, insurance, and emergency response
protocols. It will also manage mobility protocol requirements and logistics,
visas and travel documentation support, and liaison with hotels, embassies, and
service providers to ensure seamless movement.
This role will contribute to organizational effectiveness by
minimizing disruptions, reducing travel costs, enhancing staff experience, and
maintaining reliable data for planning and reporting.
This role will report to the Head of HR &
Administration.
Key responsibilities
- Plan
and coordinate end-to-end travel, including itineraries, flight options,
hotel bookings, ground transport, and meeting schedules.
- Prepare
and process travel requests in compliance with organizational travel
policies, covering approvals, class of travel, routing, and documentation.
- Support
travel claims and reconciliations by verifying that expenses align with
approved itineraries and policy rules.
- Manage
airport transfers, including pickups, entry/exit support, and special
arrangements for visiting dignitaries where applicable.
- Act as
the contact person for staff traveling to handle any changes,
cancellations, rebookings, missed flights, and disruptions, and facilitate
communication with travel agents, hotels, and ground transportation
service providers.
- Assist
with lost luggage, delays, entry refusal, and any hotel issues arising for
stakeholders on travel.
- Provide
visa and immigration support, including preparation of visa letters, entry
permits, alien cards, and other diplomatic or administrative documentation
as required.
- Prepare
and issue confirmed itineraries, travel packs (tickets, bookings,
contacts, agendas), visa/entry documentation packs, event/protocol
checklists, and coordinate with vendors for quotes, comparisons, and
service issue resolution.
- Participate
and contribute to establishing a protocol office for AECF, including
mapping out key issues under this docket, shaping protocols, maintaining
records, and updating policies. Update the relevant host country offices
on protocol norms and travel procedures.
Suitable candidates should:
- Possess
a bachelor’s degree in business administration, travel & tourism
management, or any related field.
- Have
three (3) years of experience in travel coordination, protocol, or
administration, preferably within regional organizations, or in travel
agencies handling international bookings.
- Have
experience managing travel across multiple world regions, including visa
and entry requirements.
- Have
the ability to maintain accurate travel trackers, calendars, and
compliance documentation.
- Have
the ability to manage and prioritize multiple tasks, respond to urgent
travel needs, and have a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Possess
excellent communication, customer service, and problem-solving skills
Program Operations Assistant
The Program Operations Assistant will work with all program staff to support strategic program implementation by providing day-to-day support in the consolidation and coordination of the program activities. The role-holder is also responsible for supporting program transition activities that lead to the successful launch of programs and supporting the competition and implementation activities of different programs. This role is central to the efficient and timely delivery of program commitments at AECF, and the role holder is required to be agile, innovative, and provide a speedy turnaround for processes.
This role will report to the Head of Program Operations.
Program Administration Assistant
Closing date: 18/06/2025
The Role
The Program Administration Assistant will be responsible for providing comprehensive support to the Director of Programs and the programs department. The role holder will provide end-to-end support on the program activities, manage documentation, and ensure that project timelines and objectives are met. This dynamic position requires the ability to anticipate needs, think critically, and offer solutions to problems with a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.
This role will report to the Director of Programs.
Business Analyst
Reports to: Associate Director- Agribusiness
Closing date: 18/06/2025
The Business Analyst will be responsible for the sector’s performance. This includes providing performance and decision-making support for the Agribusiness sector against the set targets and KPIs per the approved program plan for the year.
The role-holder will develop and maintain the sector’s reporting to ensure the achievement of annual performance targets. They will build dashboards and reports at the program level that will facilitate thorough analysis of outcomes to better understand how well we meet our strategic objectives.
The incumbent will guide budget spending and cost monitoring for the different programs and ensure adherence to donor requirements.
The role will report to the Associate Director – Agribusiness.
Finance Officer
Closing date: 18/06/2025
Purpose of Role
The finance officer will be part of the core finance team at AECF which is responsible for overall financial management. The incumbent will serve as the finance liaison to AECF’s donors and will represent AECF at any donor and program partner meetings and ensure consolidation of the periodic award budgets, financial reports, strong tracking of program expenditures, continual analysis of program cash flow, ensuring compliance with AECF’s and donor policies.
The role holder will also have responsibility over the program general ledger monthly review ensuring ledger data is up to date and accurate to assist in preparation of financial reports to management, donors and the board.
This role will report to the Senior Finance Officer.
Operations Assistant
Job Title: Operations Assistant
Closing date: 18/06/2025
We are seeking an Operations Assistant who will work closely with the Director of Operations (DOO) to design strategies that maximize AECF’s business operations efficiency. The role holder will also provide administrative support to the DOO’s office.