Skip to content Established in 1967, IFU (Investment Fund for Developing Countries) is Denmark's Development Finance Institution, committed to fostering sustainable development worldwide. Currently managing DKK 16 billion (USD 2.2 billion) in capital growing to DKK 36 billion (USD 5 billion) by 2030. IFU is recognised as a top global impact investor, blending financial returns with meaningful societal and environmental outcomes.
In alignment with the Danish Government's new Africa strategy and IFU's subsequent reform, the organisation aims to significantly scale its commitment, targeting 50% of its capital base to be invested across Africa.
To support this enhanced commitment, IFU is in the process of expanding its regional footprint in Africa by establishing new offices in Lagos and Johannesburg, each staffed with a dedicated team of six to eight investment professionals.
About the role
IFU is seeking to build a high-performing team of 6–8 professionals including Investment Directors, Senior Investment Managers and Investment Managers for its new office in Lagos. This dynamic team will play a pivotal role in sourcing, structuring, executing and managing impactful investments across IFU’s core sectors: Green Energy & Infrastructure, Sustainable Food Systems, Financial Services and Healthcare.
Key dimensions of the role
Working in close collaboration with IFU’s Copenhagen head office and the other regional offices, each Investment Director will take the lead in driving the full investment lifecycle – from identifying opportunities to delivering post-investment value creation within their respective sectors. They will be supported by senior investment managers and investment managers, ensuring a comprehensive and collaborative approach to achieving IFU’s mission of fostering sustainable development and measurable impact.
Key responsibilities of the role
1. Investment strategy and execution:
- Collaborate to structure and drive investment processes, including due diligence, financial modelling and the development of value creation and impact creation plans.
- Source impactful investment opportunities within IFU's prioritised sectors: Green Energy & Infrastructure, Sustainable Food Systems, Healthcare and Financial Services.
- Ensure all investments align with IFU's green, just and inclusive impact priorities, as well as the SDGs.
- Utilise multiple financial instruments, including equity, debt, and guarantees, to tailor solutions to each project’s needs.
2. Leadership and team development:
- Investment Directors lead and mentor the team, providing guidance on complex transactions and strategic decisions.
- Senior Investment Managers oversee and support the execution of key projects, ensuring alignment with IFU’s objectives while mentoring junior team members.
- Investment Managers contribute through research, analysis and operational support, driving the execution of investment strategies under senior guidance.
3. Active ownership and value creation:
- The team collectively engages as active owners, driving value and impact creation during the holding period of portfolio investments.
- Develop and implement strong value creation and impact creation plans, with Investment Directors providing strategic oversight and team members contributing to execution.
- Collaborate with stakeholders and board members to track, evaluate and refine project outcomes, ensuring alignment with IFU’s mission.
4. Stakeholder engagement:
- The team builds and maintains relationships with public and private sector partners, leveraging networks to mobilise additional capital.
- Represent IFU at external events, forums and industry networks, strengthening its position as a leading impact investor.
5. Compliance and risk management:
- Ensure all investments meet IFU’s high ESG standards and adhere to legal, environmental and social compliance frameworks.
- Assess and mitigate risks throughout the investment lifecycle, with senior team members providing guidance on complex risk assessments.
Skills and competencies
1. Investment expertise:
- Strong understanding and experience of the investment lifecycle, including sourcing, structuring, executing and managing investments.
- Experience with financial instruments such as equity, debt.
- Proficiency in financial modelling, valuation and due diligence processes.
2. Sector knowledge:
- Expertise in one or more of IFU’s core sectors: Green Energy & Infrastructure, Sustainable Food Systems, Healthcare and Financial Services would be ideal, but general transaction experience is more important.
- Awareness of global trends and challenges in sustainable development and impact investing.
3. Impact-driven focus:
- Demonstrated ability to integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) considerations into investment decisions.
- Strong commitment to fostering measurable impact in line with the SDGs.
4. Strategic thinking and problem-solving:
- Ability to assess opportunities critically and design innovative solutions that balance financial returns and societal impact.
- Proven track record of identifying value creation opportunities and developing actionable strategies.
5. Leadership and teamwork:
- For Investment Directors: Leadership skills to guide and mentor team members and manage complex transactions independently.
- For Senior Investment Managers: Ability to supervise junior staff and support investment lifecycle activities.
- For Investment Managers: Strong analytical and organisational skills to support senior team members effectively.
- Excellent collaboration skills to work within a cross-functional and geographically dispersed team.
6. Communication and relationship management:
- Excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills to engage with stakeholders, partners and investee teams.
- Proven ability to represent an organisation in external forums and build long-term partnerships with public and private sector entities.
7. Cultural and regional awareness:
- Familiarity with the African investment landscape, including local challenges, opportunities, and regulatory environments.
- Ability to work effectively in diverse and multicultural settings.
8. Active ownership and value creation:
- Experience in post-investment value creation, including portfolio management and active ownership.
- Strong capability to develop and execute Value Creation Plans (VCPs) and Impact Creation Plans (ICPs).
Experience
1. Professional background:
- For Investment Directors: 8+ years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, development finance or related fields.
- For Senior Investment Managers: 6+ years of relevant experience in managing investments and leading projects.
- For Investment Managers: 2–5 years of experience in financial analysis, due diligence or similar roles.
2. Educational qualifications:
- Degree in finance, economics, business or a related field. MBA or CFA certification is an advantage.
3. Track record:
- Proven success in delivering impactful investments, with experience in Africa.
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex deals and drive value creation for stakeholders.
4. Technical skills:
- Proficiency in financial modelling, data analysis and investment tools.
- Strong knowledge of ESG frameworks and impact measurement methodologies.
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.