Junior Analyst At Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund

About Us

The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a development institution that finances early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.

Since 2008, we have invested over US$ 300 million in over 510 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Climate-smart Technologies. We have impacted more than 33 million lives, created over 35,000 jobs, and leveraged over US$ 838 million in matching funds to our portfolio companies.

AECF is headquartered in Kenya, with offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia.

About the Program

The Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF) will co-finance projects from the public and private sectors to promote the uptake of renewable energy technologies, energy efficiency-enhancing investments, and the extension of vocational training opportunities. Nigeria’s Net Zero ambition is based on a transition to full electrification of the economy by 2060 – 250 GW of installed capacity (90% renewable), 80% of the fleet from EV, and clean cooking for 80% of the population. Reaching such targets requires innovative financing and first-loss investments (such as catalytic grants) in technological improvements, productive energy and fuel switching in priority sectors, business model iteration, and scaling for universal access, skills, and job creation in Energy Transition priority sectors.

The Role

The Junior Analyst will assist in the evaluation, management, and monitoring of grant applications and investment opportunities for the Energy Transition Challenge Fund (ETCF). The role will involve conducting financial analysis, drafting investment memos, supporting grant processing, and contributing to portfolio management activities. The incumbent will work closely with the senior portfolio officers and other team members to ensure the effective allocation of resources and the successful implementation of funded projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the assessment of grant applications, ensuring they meet established criteria and align with ETCF’s objectives.
• Coordinate with internal teams to support the grant approval process.
• Conduct financial analysis and due diligence on potential investment opportunities.
• Assist in the preparation of investment reports.
• Monitor the performance of existing investments, providing regular updates to Senior Portfolio Officers.
• Support the management of investees, ensuring investments are on track and objectives are being met.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of portfolio management practices.
• Contribute to the preparation of detailed reports on grant and investment activities, including financial performance and impact assessments.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of all grant and investment transactions.
• Communicate effectively with investees, providing guidance and support as needed.
• Stay informed about industry trends and best practices in grants and investment management.

Suitable candidate should possess:

• Possess a bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field.
• Have a minimum of three (3) years of experience in grants management, investment analysis, or a related field. Experience working in a non-profit or development finance environment will be an added advantage.
• Have strong analytical skills, with the ability to conduct financial analysis and interpret data.
• Be detail-oriented with strong organizational abilities.
• Have the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Be proficient in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and familiar with financial modeling tools.
• Have knowledge of grant-making processes and investment evaluation methods.
• Possess analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective time management skills, and the ability to prioritize tasks.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships with stakeholders.
• Have a commitment to the organization’s mission and values.
• Have an excellent command of English (both written and verbal).