ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR, INVESTMENTS (Nairobi, Kenya)

ABOUT GIF

The Global Innovation Fund (www.globalinnovation.fund) (GIF) is a non-profit, social impact investment vehicle that finds, funds, and scales-up cost-effective, evidence-based innovations that have the potential to measurably improve the lives of millions of people living on $5 a day or less. GIF was founded to invest in innovations in the public or private sector that will inspire fresh thinking and create better solutions in developing countries.

GIF is focused on doing more with less to turn innovation into impact. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, the development community needs to draw on the resources of the private sector. GIF’s commitment to being part of the bridge between entrepreneurs and development finance challenges us to be creative and to seek the partnerships that drive creativity, dynamism, and collaboration. GIF’s unique hybrid model, as both a UK registered charity/US 501(c)3 and an investor, reflects our dual mission: to invest in innovations that improve the lives of the poor, and to demonstrate how bringing evidence and the power of the private sector to bear can create new solutions to persistent development problems.  

GIF offers grants, loans and equity-type investments ranging from $230,000 USD to $15 million USD to support a range of innovations with strong potential for social impact at a large scale. We support innovators at different phases of development, ranging from early start-up and pilot-testing to rigorous experiments and larger scale implementation. The innovations GIF supports can be located in any developing country and may focus on any sector relevant to international development.

Associate Director, Investments

GIF is seeking an Associate Director, Investments to join its dynamic investment team. GIF’s mandate is to find and fund innovations that have the potential to measurably improve the lives of the world’s poorest people.   

The Associate Director, Investments will primarily 1) Lead deal teams in sourcing and evaluating investments that align with GIF’s goal of scaling promising social innovations through the public and private sector; 2) Lead on GIF’s portfolio management function; 3) Contribute across the organisation to support the organisation’s needs, including development of knowledge and learning products, stakeholder management and, reporting.  The successful candidate will report to GIF’s Managing Director (MD) based in Kenya.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in both grants and risk capital instruments (debt and equity); a deep understanding of the Sub-Saharan Africa markets; and a commitment to impact investing. The Associate Investment Director will play a prominent role in both the grants team and the risk capital team, including GIF Growth, and GIF’s other high-priority investment themes.  The candidate will be based in Kenya.

 Core responsibilities will include:

a)  Deal Sourcing and Evaluation

Play a lead role in sourcing and evaluating investments that align with GIF’s goal of scaling promising climate adaptation and resilience innovations

●        Identify and source potential investment opportunities with a potential to make significant improvements in the lives of people living under $5 a day; 

●        Screen proposals and applications submitted to GIF including through the open window and through strategic sourcing;

●        Conduct due diligence on prospective innovations, including analysing their scaling pathway, evidence, impact assessment, and GIF’s additionality;

●        Prepare investment memos and recommendations to senior leadership and the investment committee.

 b)  Portfolio Management

●        Monitor the performance of portfolio innovations assigned to you, providing strategic support and guidance to help them achieve their scale and impact goals;

●        Assist in the monitoring of performance metrics and impact reporting alongside GIF’s Analytics/Impact team.

 c) Knowledge and learning

●       Support learning from portfolio innovations and developing case studies and knowledge products highlighting successful approaches to achieving climate, development and economic outcomes.

d) Market Research and Analysis

●        Stay up to date with market trends, industry developments, and regulatory changes in Sub-Saharan Africa;

●        Conduct sector-specific research to identify emerging opportunities and challenges; and

●        Provide insights and recommendations to the investment team based on market analysis.

 e)  Stakeholder Engagement

●        Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders including peer funders, innovators, and development organisations to draw in pipeline

●        Contribute across the organisation to support organisation needs including, knowledge management, and reporting.

●        Represent GIF at conferences, panel discussions, and other relevant events to share learnings

 Required Skills, Experience and Attributes

●        A minimum of 7 years of experience and track record in impact investing/banking experience or 7+ years working for multilateral/bilateral organisations especially in private market development initiatives.

●        Understanding of impact evaluation, portfolio management, and of development impact frameworks.

●        Top tier analytic, strategic thinking and project management skills, including strong financial modelling skills, valuation and pricing analysis and excellent written and presentation skills;

●        Proficient in transaction modelling and understanding of transaction structures; as well as grant structuring and development programme design.

●        Professional experience working in Africa is required, with deep understanding of development challenges, regulatory environments, and stakeholder ecosystems.

●        Experience working across diverse contexts to expand access to essential services, strengthen climate resilience, or improve outcomes for women and girls.

●        Advanced degree in international development, economics, finance, business administration or similarly relevant field preferred; additional relevant professional experience may substitute for an advanced degree.

●        Comfort with ambiguity and proven experience thriving in uncharted waters.

●        Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

●        Passion, humility, integrity, team player, proven self-direction and a spirited sense of humour.

●        Fluency in French is a very strong advantage, especially for engagement in Francophone markets.

●        Unrestricted right to work in Kenya is essential in applying for this role.

●        Willingness to travel across sub-Saharan Africa and internationally for due diligence, portfolio management and stakeholder engagement.

HOW TO APPLY

The applicants are urged to follow the instructions here: https://app.beapplied.com/apply/fjuigw5isg The evaluation of applicants will be conducted on the basis of the information submitted in the application and in accordance to the evaluation criteria of the job opening. The application process will close at 13:00pm EAT, 26 August 2025.

Global Innovation Fund is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment, and creating a diverse and inclusive environment where all team members feel valued and empowered. We believe that diverse perspectives drive innovation and strengthen our ability to achieve our mission. We strongly encourage women and individuals from underrepresented groups to apply.

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