About the job
A CAREER TO END POVERTY: ABOUT FINCA INTERNATIONAL and FINCA VENTURES
FINCA International is a non-profit organization with a mission to end poverty through sustainable and scalable solutions that are driven by the insights and needs of people in the communities where they live and work. FINCA International was founded in 1984 on the radical idea that giving small loans to people in poverty has the power to transform entire communities in a sustainable way. For 40 years, FINCA has provided tens of millions of low-income people with access to financial services they otherwise would not have. We have long understood that poverty is multidimensional, and we have expanded beyond our global success in financial inclusion. FINCA Ventures was launched in 2018 as impact investing initiative inspired by FINCA’s experience in catalyzing enterprise in the world’s most challenging markets. Today, FINCA Ventures provides patient capital to innovative, high-impact social enterprises. We actively partner with entrepreneurs whose products and services support smallholder farmers, families on the margins, and microbusinesses to build more resilient and prosperous communities across sub-Saharan Africa. FINCA International is seeking a Managing Director to help lead this initiative into its next phase.
SUMMARY
In addition to growing and managing the existing portfolio, the Managing Director will be responsible for designing and structuring a new impact investment fund that attracts external investment. The geographic focus for this fund will be in Sub Saharan Africa. This is an opportunity to join FINCA in a leadership role at an important stage in our journey. The candidate will report to the COO and have close interaction with the Board of Directors and other senior executives at FINCA.
The Managing Director will have primary responsibility for business development and should have extended experience in equity investments and have a deep understanding of blended and/or impact finance and emerging markets investing. S/he is expected to have strong relationships in the African markets to increase the pipeline of viable investments. The ideal candidate brings a passion for impact investing as well as entrepreneurial spirit, and an investment track record. The candidate will also have a good track record of influencing people and creating multi-stakeholder partnerships.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES:
- Further develop and execute on FINCA’s global strategy for impact investing for the next ten years in alignment with FINCA’s mission and values
- Develop the FINCA Ventures fund strategy and assist FINCA International in the capital raise
- Manage the investment process from sourcing, due diligence, deal structuring, closing, monitoring, and exit to achieve investment objectives
- Present on new investments, existing portfolio performance to the FINCA Ventures Investment Committee and the FINCA International Board of Directors
- Oversee the financial performance, social impact, and risk management of the portfolio
- Further develop responsible investment principles / criteria for FV
- Develop and manage workable budgets for the FV team to achieve its targets
- Build and maintain strong relationships with entrepreneurs, co-investors, partners, donors, and stakeholders in the impact investing ecosystem
- Lead, mentor, and motivate a diverse and talented team of investment professionals and support staff
- Set up a FV office in Africa
- Represent FINCA Ventures as a thought leader and a public speaker at relevant events and platforms
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY:
Direct oversight of the Investment Team (Investment Director, Investment Associate).
QUALIFICATIONS:
- Someone who embodies the values of FINCA and is passionate about ending poverty
- Demonstrated expertise and significant experience (10+ years) in direct investing, investment banking or corporate finance with experience in sub-Saharan Africa
- Experience raising an investment fund from institutional investors, donors, or other sources of capital
- Fluency in fund structuring and fundraising with experience working with Development Finance Institutions, Foundations, Donor Advised Fund sponsors and Registered Investment Advisors
- Strong transaction experience in business development, origination, structuring, and portfolio management including technical assistance facility design
- Demonstrated ability to develop and implement business strategies that create positive social and environmental impact through market-based solutions
- Familiarity with multiple financial products including blended finance, quasi-equity and straight equity
- Capacity to manage multiple priorities and deliver high quality work on schedule and work with multicultural teams
- Strong business networks and ability to build and maintain strong relationships
- Ability to work and collaborate with a broad network of stakeholders to deliver outcomes
- Excellent leadership, communication, interpersonal, and negotiation skills
- Knowledge of the markets, industries, and challenges faced by early-stage social enterprises in developing countries
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively internationally (30% of the time) with preference for someone based in Africa or willing to relocate
If you are interested in joining our team and making a difference in the lives of millions of people around the world, please apply with your resume and a cover letter (in one pdf attachment) explaining why you are the best fit for this role. We look forward to hearing from you.
