Africa Adaptation Initiative (AAI) Invites Applications for a Fixed-Term Investment Manager – Apply Before 23 January 2026

Duty Station: Remote
Contract Duration: 12 months

Introduction

The institution is a newly established, innovative, and large-scale investment platform dedicated to strengthening food security across Africa. It operates through a partnership-driven investment model that channels capital into specialized funds and high-potential companies, with a strong focus on scalable and transformative agricultural solutions. By mobilizing private sector participation, the platform addresses the widening gap between Africa’s rapidly growing population and persistently low agricultural productivity.

Africa’s agri-food sector, currently valued at approximately USD 313 billion, is projected to grow significantly in the coming years. This growth presents a substantial opportunity for innovative investment approaches that support micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), farmers, and local communities across the agri-food value chain. The platform is designed to capture this opportunity by deploying flexible capital structures that unlock sustainable impact and commercial returns.

Investment Approach and Focus Areas

The institution has the flexibility to invest across a broad spectrum of agri-food activities through five strategic investment windows:

• Direct investments in agri-food MSMEs
• Regional funds supporting territorialized value chains in priority landscapes, including tropical rainforests in the Congo Basin and coastal mangroves in West Africa
• Investments in established funds of funds with proven experience supporting startups and MSMEs in agri-food systems
• Dedicated country-level flagship investment funds
• Direct investments in high-impact flagship companies

Through these investment windows, the platform supports agri-food MSMEs across production, processing, logistics, and distribution, while indirectly benefiting smallholder farmers and surrounding communities.

Role Overview

The Fixed Term Investment Manager will play a critical role in originating, executing, and managing investment transactions while supporting the strategic development of the institution’s portfolio. The position requires strong investment judgment, hands-on transaction execution capability, and active portfolio management experience within the African context.

The Investment Manager will work across the full investment lifecycle, from deal sourcing and due diligence through transaction structuring, closing, and post-investment portfolio oversight. The role also contributes to capital mobilisation efforts and ongoing refinement of the institution’s investment strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Investment Origination and Execution

• Identify, evaluate, and develop a robust pipeline of investment opportunities across the agri-food sector
• Build and maintain strong relationships with intermediaries, business owners, fund managers, and industry experts
• Lead market assessments, scoping initiatives, and open-call mechanisms for pipeline development
• Structure bespoke and flexible capital solutions across equity, debt, mezzanine, direct investments, and fund-of-funds structures
• Conduct quantitative and qualitative credit, risk, and financial analysis for prospective and existing investments
• Lead comprehensive due diligence processes, including assessment of financial statements, business models, governance structures, market dynamics, and operational risks
• Prepare term sheets and lead negotiations with investee companies, fund managers, and co-investors
• Coordinate transaction documentation, negotiations, and closing processes

Portfolio Management and Value Creation

• Actively manage portfolio investments, working closely with management teams to drive operational improvements and strategic initiatives
• Support the implementation and monitoring of ESG action plans across portfolio companies
• Track financial and operational performance to ensure value creation and risk mitigation throughout the investment lifecycle
• Prepare high-quality portfolio monitoring reports and performance updates

Strategy, Reporting, and Governance

• Prepare and present investment recommendations, portfolio updates, and performance reports to internal stakeholders, investment committees, and external investors
• Support the ongoing refinement of the institution’s investment strategy and sector focus
• Contribute to capital mobilisation initiatives and investor engagement activities
• Ensure full compliance with regulatory requirements, legal standards, and internal investment policies
• Undertake ad-hoc assignments as required to support institutional objectives

Key Skills and Competencies

• Strong entrepreneurial mindset and commercial orientation
• Advanced financial, credit, and valuation skills with the ability to structure complex investment instruments
• Proven experience in financial modelling, private company valuation, and portfolio management
• Ability to engage independently with senior management, investors, and technical partners
• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills, including mentoring junior professionals
• High ethical standards, integrity, and attention to detail
• Excellent negotiation, relationship-building, and communication skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications
• Willingness to travel and work across geographies
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English; fluency in French or another relevant language is strongly preferred

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, Business, Sciences, or a related field
• Master’s degree in Finance or an MBA is strongly preferred
• Professional certifications such as CFA or equivalent are an advantage
• Minimum of eight years’ experience working in Africa in an investment role, preferably within agribusiness
• Demonstrated experience in impact investing
• Prior experience working with or engaging Development Finance Institutions in Africa

Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their applications by email to info@fsa-invest.org, clearly stating “Application – Fixed Term Investment Manager” in the subject line. Applications must include:

• A detailed CV outlining qualifications, relevant experience, and a deal sheet
• A cover letter explaining motivation and suitability for the role
• A financial proposal indicating a monthly lump-sum fee in USD

Shortlisted candidates may be invited to complete a case study and participate in interviews. Final selection will be based on technical ranking and alignment with budgetary parameters.

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Disclaimer: Remote Job Opportunities (RJO) is not the seeking organization. For any inquiries, please contact the responsible organization directly. Please do not send your applications to RJO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.