Senior Investment Associate

Position Summary

The Senior Investment Associate will play a pivotal role in driving Pharo Foundation/Ventures Ethiopia’s investment and program strategy and execution. This role involves end-to-end investment and program lifecycle management—from sourcing and evaluating opportunities/programs to structuring deals, supporting project development, and monitoring portfolio performance. The ideal candidate will bring strong financial acumen, analytical rigor, and a passion for impact-driven investments and programs in emerging markets.

Key Responsibilities

1. Investment/program Analysis & Due Diligence

• Conduct comprehensive financial, operational, and market analyses for potential investments/programs across diverse sectors.
• Develop and maintain robust financial models and valuation assessments.
• Prepare investment memos and/or program proposals, risk assessments for internal review and decision-making.
• Participate in due diligence processes, including site visits, stakeholder interviews, and document reviews.

2. Deal Sourcing & Pipeline Development

• Identify and evaluate high-potential investment opportunities aligned with Pharo Foundation and Ventures’ strategic priorities.
• Conduct market research and sector analysis to inform investment theses.
• Build and maintain a strong network of local, regional, and international partners, including entrepreneurs, financial institutions, and development actors.

3. Investment Structuring & Execution

• Lead or support the development of greenfield and brownfield projects
• Coordinate legal, financial, and regulatory documentation with internal teams and external advisors.
• Ensure timely and efficient execution of investment transactions and project development.

4. Project Development & Sector Engagement

• Support the development of early-stage projects to achieve bankable and investable outcomes.

5. Portfolio Management & Value Creation

• Monitor financial, operational, and impact performance of portfolio companies.
• Identify risks and opportunities within the portfolio and recommend appropriate interventions.
• Prepare regular portfolio performance reports for internal and external stakeholders.

6. Stakeholder Engagement & Representation

• Represent Pharo Foundation/Ventures in meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, Investment Office, co-investors, and other key stakeholders.
• Prepare high-quality presentations and reports for diverse audiences.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Economics, Business, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in investment analysis, private equity, venture capital, or corporate finance.
• Strong financial modeling, valuation, and analytical skills.
• Experience working with early-stage or growth-stage businesses is highly desirable.
• Familiarity with the Ethiopian business environment and regulatory landscape is a must.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and financial analysis tools.
• Fluency in English and Amharic; additional languages are a plus.

Key Competencies & Attributes

• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a commitment to impact and innovation.