Impact Finance Expert

Position Summary

Helvetas is seeking a highly qualified Impact Finance Expert to strengthen its positioning as a strategic actor in impact finance in East Africa. The role will contribute to building a robust regional portfolio by catalyzing partnerships, mobilizing capital, and developing innovative financial solutions that drive sustainable development impact.

The Expert will operate at the intersection of in-house Advisory Services and the International Programs Department, playing a key role in business development, partnership building, and stakeholder engagement, as well as in project and advisory delivery. The position will support country programs in Tanzania and Ethiopia while contributing to Helvetas’ global impact finance agenda, coordinated through Advisory Services.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support the development and acquisition of impact finance projects, including concept notes development, and proposal writing.
• Identify and pursue new business/funding opportunities with donors, development finance institutions, and private sector partners (e.g. impact investors).
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships with donors, investors, financial institutions, and regional ecosystem actors, as well as facilitate partnerships between public and private sector actors.
• Represent Helvetas in national, regional and international forums, networks, and events related to impact finance.
• Lead or support the design and implementation of projects and mandates, including independent delivery of smaller assignments and consultancies
• Manage project delivery, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and reporting
• Deliver advisory services, including feasibility studies, market assessments, structuring and design of blended finance instruments and investment readiness projects.
• Support structuring, financial modelling, and due diligence processes
• Analyze investment opportunities and assess financial and impact performance
• Strengthen Helvetas’ positioning and visibility in the impact finance ecosystem
• Contribute to capacity building, knowledge development in impact finance and capture lessons learned and contribute to internal and external knowledge sharing.

What We Offer

• A unique opportunity to shape and grow Helvetas’ impact finance portfolio in East Africa.
• Engagement in a strategically relevant and evolving field with high visibility.
• Collaboration with international and regional partners across the impact finance ecosystem.
• A dynamic and flexible working environment with regional scope and influence.
• Two (2) years contract with the possibility for extension.

Academic Qualification

• Master’s degree in finance, Economics, Business, Development Studies, Public Policy, or related field of study from a recognized University or College.

Work Experience and Competency

• A minimum of 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
• Background in Consulting, Finance, (Impact) Investment, Private Equity, Venture Capital, Blended or Innovative Finance or SME / Entrepreneurship development, coupled with experience in the development sector.
• Strong experience in project and financial management, proposal writing, and independent delivery of assignments.
• Experience in financial modelling, investment analysis, and/or transaction advisory is an advantage
• Well-established networks with donors, impact investors, financial institutions and local expert organizations.
• Ability to break down/simplify complex concepts and financial structures into clear, simple, and visually compelling formats (e.g. presentations, diagrams) for diverse audiences
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and lead parallel workstreams
• High level of cultural sensitivity and alignment with Helvetas’ values and mission
• Willingness to travel within the region
• Good understanding of the East African impact investment landscape
• Fluent in English (written and spoken)