The mission of the Economic Advancement Program (EAP) is to increase economic opportunity for the marginalised in ways that promote inclusive, open and prosperous societies. We work to bend the exercise of economic power towards social justice. We have two overarching goals: (1) enhancing the capacity and agency of economically marginalised populations (2) increasing openness and equity in the economic and business systems in which they live and work. The Economic Advancement Program deploys investments, grants, economic policy advice, and builds stakeholder coalitions to influence the exercise of economic power.

The EAP is looking for an investment professional to support its capital deployment activities in the role of Investment Associate. This role will report to the Director of Investments of SEDF. The role will be based in London, and require potential travel worldwide. The individual would participate in aspects of the business including, underwriting of equity and debt investments, evaluating the business environment in target countries, assisting in portfolio monitoring efforts, and preparing presentations for internal and external parties.

Priorities for the role include:

• Desktop research on investment opportunities in line with OSF and SEDF priorities;
• Participating in multiple stages of investment execution;
• Preparing detailed financial analysis and modelling;
• Assisting on due diligence;
• Working on assigned transactions from concept note stage until final investment recommendation;
• Engaging with the portfolio companies continuously on monitoring, operational, social and financial performance;
• Researches competitive position, market size and industry dynamics;
• Collaborating with colleagues and partners inside and outside the Open Society Foundations, other thematic programs, regional programs and foundations, and the many other departments, units, boards, and entities within OSF;
• Remaining up-to-date on the trends, debates, and innovations in the fields of economic development and PRI and social-impact investing, and maintaining familiarity with the individuals and organizations that play significant roles in those fields.

The successful candidate will combine multiple critical skills:

• Experience in evaluating, modelling and presenting both debt and equity investments, some knowledge of at least one emerging market region;
• Strong diplomatic skills and a naturally collaborative approach;
• Investing background and experience of working with and through peers in complex and uncertain stakeholder environments;
• An understanding of and passion for economic development, and potentially, but not essentially, some experience in impact investing and/or economic development;
• Interest and intellectual engagement at the intersection of investing and economic development, as well as in the other themes prominent in the mission and work of the Open Society Foundations, will be a great advantage;
• Writing and speaking skills in English and proficiency in other languages will be an advantage;
• They must have demonstrated skills as a team player;
• The candidate should expect some travel throughout the world, and will be expected to manage responsibilities across substantial distances and collaborate internationally;
• Transaction execution skills: Candidates will ideally have a strong track record, at least 3 years, in financial modelling and analysis of project / structured finance transactions or investments in real assets;
• Collaborating and influencing: The candidate must have a demonstrated ability to build alliances and work collaboratively in formal and informal settings, as well as fostering an environment of collaboration within the SEDF team as well as with investee companies;
• Results/Impact-orientation: Candidates must have demonstrated the ability to maintain ultimate focus on achieving meaningful and measurable impact and results. S/he must be able to prioritize effectively towards desired outcomes in highly complex and uncertain environments.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.

Closing date: 2 July 2018.

We are strengthened by the diversity of our colleagues across the Open Society Foundations. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, backgrounds, and experiences, and are committed to providing reasonable adjustments so that colleagues with disabilities are able to fulfill the essential functions of the job.