Skip to content AECF is a non-profit organization that supports agribusiness and renewable energy enterprises to reduce poverty, enhance resilience, and create jobs. Over the past 17 years, it has funded 536 businesses across 27 African countries, impacting 36 million lives and creating 35,000+ jobs. AECF specializes in financing high-risk businesses in frontier markets, leveraging $840 million in matching funds. Headquartered in Kenya, it has offices across Africa.
About the role
This role involves structuring deals, investment management, and overseeing MFI wholesale lending and a solar electrification debt fund. The ideal candidate will thrive in a startup environment, setting up operational structures and driving strategy. This role offers career growth, leadership opportunities, and the chance to shape a new investment vehicle in Africa’s SME financing space.
Key dimensions of the role
The Head of Investments, based in Nairobi, Kenya, will have responsibilities including, but not limited to:
Setup and Operationalization
- Establish the Microfinance Working Capital Facility and Solar Debt Fund Advisory Services.
- Define the investment thesis and develop systems, structures, and policies.
- Design and implement investment strategies to optimize lending operations.
- Structure new investment products and secure capital.
Deal Structuring, Negotiation & Execution
- Source and evaluate investment opportunities.
- Lead deal origination, due diligence, structuring, and negotiations.
- Oversee transaction teams and ensure proper fund disbursement.
Financial Analysis & Impact Assessment
- Develop financial models to assess investment performance.
- Continuously improve financial analysis and decision-making.
- Monitor market trends to inform investment strategies.
Performance Monitoring & Reporting
- Establish and track key performance indicators (KPIs).
- Provide regular reports on investment performance and risk.
- Support MFIs in investment readiness, valuation, and growth.
- Guide MFIs through financial structuring and negotiation.
Fundraising & Stakeholder Management
- Collaborate with partnerships to raise funds from donors, co-financiers, and investors.
- Build relationships with funders, regulators, and industry leaders.
- Ensure strong stakeholder engagement for impactful delivery.
Skills and experience
The desired candidate will have, but not be limited to:
- Bachelor’s degree in business, commerce, finance, or a related field; Master’s in finance or MBA is an advantage.
- Professional certification (CFA or equivalent) required.
- 10+ years of investment management experience, including sourcing, structuring, and managing financial sector investments.
- Proven experience with MFIs and a deep understanding of their financial and operational needs.
- Expertise in financial analysis, modeling, and risk evaluation, with experience handling complex financial instruments.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and presentation skills, with fluency in English.
- Analytical and problem-solving abilities, with a strategic mindset for informed decision-making.
Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies have shown that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single qualification. At Millar Cameron, we are dedicated to supporting our clients in building and supporting diverse and inclusive workplaces and culture, so if you’re excited about this role but your past experience doesn’t align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.
Since 2007 Millar Cameron has specialised in sourcing leadership and keyperson talent across a number of industries, including agribusiness, international development, industrial, consumer, financial and professional services, private equity, and technology, media and telecommunications. Our mission and purpose is to positively contribute to the development of Africa, and other emerging markets, through the provision of people.