Investment Associate

ABOUT US

The Global Innovation Fund (www.globalinnovation.fund) (GIF) is a non-profit, social-first investment vehicle established as a ‘VC for fragile places’ to find, fund, and scale-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 ideas 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.

POSITION SUMMARY

GIF seeks to hire an Associate based in GIF’s Washington D.C. or London office to join the Investment team. The Associate, as a core member of the Investment team, will be involved in building a pipeline of potential investments, their evaluation, supporting management of deals in the portfolio, relationships with investees and external partners. The Associate will report to the Managing Director, or her designee, who will oversee his or her work. The Associate will be primarily focused on risk capital investments and will be asked to support grant investments contributing relevant technical and industry knowledge and insight.

As a core member of the Investment team, responsibilities will include:

• Responsible for evaluation of investment opportunities, including financial modeling, business plans and due diligence documents. This will include attending meetings with external participants, undertaking research as required, assisting in the preparation of various investment process documents, updating and managing investment records, corresponding with companies, external reviewers, managing internal stakeholders, among other duties;

• Providing in-depth strategic and analytical support in all activities related to the management of investments in the portfolio. This will include tracking portfolio milestones, analysis of investment reports, assistance with various portfolio engagement and support activities, developing knowledge resources and thought leadership on portfolio and identifying best practices across the portfolio, among other duties;

• Support sourcing of investment opportunities, building and prioritizing opportunities investments, and engaging in all processes and documentation involved in bringing an investment to fruition;

• Corresponding with potential investees, supporting the management of those relationships;

• Data management and analysis in relation to GIF potential investees, internal processes and social media.

  GIF is a dynamic and rapidly growing organization; the Associate will be expected to adapt quickly to the needs of the organization and could have a range of other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND ATTRIBUTES

• Proven experience in principal investing in venture capital or private equity;

• Excellent analytical and financial modeling skills;

• Proven understanding of business models, with exposure to social entrepreneurship models as a plus;

• Education in related areas such as business, economics, engineering, agronomy and/or work experience in the areas like technology applications, data analytics, machine learning, agriculture a strong plus;

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy, and outstanding organization skills;

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with an ability to synthesize complex ideas and clearly present recommendations;

• Superior problem-solving and decision-making skills;

• Self-initiator, with ability to work and succeed in a fast-paced, small entity environment;

• Ability to travel internationally, including to developing countries;

• A strong commitment to GIF’s mission and evidence of engagement in the areas of social innovation and international development;

• Ability to interact effectively and harmoniously with others;

• A commitment and passion to learn and develop;

• Resilience, grit and determination to succeed;

• Passion, humility, integrity, team player, and a spirited sense of humor.

PREFERRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE

• Work experience in a developing country context with a local company, investment firm or start-up;

• Ideally institutional level work experience either with an investment firm, management consultancy, or multinational corporation;

• Advanced degree in a relevant subject.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This role will be based in our Washington D.C. or London office. Any job offer made will be subject to the successful candidate having the authorization to work in the USA or UK prior to commencing work at GIF.