Investment Development Director

Our client is a UK-registered charity that aims to empower underserved populations in Africa and Asia with access to clean energy products and services. 

A unique foundation on the global stage, we use grant, debt and equity funding to support commercially sustainable solutions at the intersection of inclusive growth and a clean energy transition. Our work has already improved the lives of 229 million people.

Charitable Foundation

Investment Development Director.

Up to 12 month contract, start asap

Based – London, Kenya, Nigeria

Salary – London £75-80,000 (FTE); Africa c$80-$90,000 (FTE)

We are seeking an Investment Development Director to join our team and support the scale-up of pionneering enterprises, developing scalable partnerships that will enable smallholder farmers to increase their income. 

The successful candidate will build a pipeline of potential investments, structure deals and prepare proposals for scrutiny and approval, creating opportunities to invest in businesses that enable smallholder farmers (in Sub Saharan African and India) to earn a living income through productive uses of energy and/or the displacement of energy.

The role will require commercial acumen and technical investment skills; along with strong stakeholder management skills to identify new investment opportunities.   

• Responsibilities include:
• Support the development and design of an end consumer financing model for smallholder farmers to access productive use energy solutions at low risk and minimum debt.
• Identify strategic partnership opportunities with organisations who reach smallholder farmers at scale.
• Identify business models and solutions that enable farmers to be more income resilient and potentially diversify their incomes.
• Support deal development and investment proposals that increase the incomes of smallholder farmers.
• Provide business advice and mentoring support towards the effective management and scale-up of a portfolio of strategic partners, working closely with partners and growing their businesses to achieve defined developmental and financial milestones and KPIs.

To be successful in this role you have experience working across India and/or Africa with organisations (including enterprises, intermediaries and or corporates) serving low-income consumers; with a preference on smallholder farmers.  You will also bring:

• Experience in deal origination and writing investment proposals
• Proven and practical experience of a strong commercial acumen
• Networks and experience in the agriculture sector is preferred
• Experience working with complex projects requiring alignment of multiple stakeholders, both internal and external, including low-income consumers
• a background in business or commerce, with a practical understanding of marketing, finance and business development
• A proven and demonstrated interest, supported by practical experience, of sustainable development/ social investment

If you bring business and commercial acumen; enjoy creativity, innovation and entrepreneurial thinking and are a skilled negotiator, influencer and strategic thinker/planner we would love to hear from you. 

This position offers flexible working arrangements and the opportunity to work flexibly with a base at our London Head Office at least one day a week, plus regular travel within our operating markets. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and take safeguarding seriously. All offers of engagement or employment will be subject to satisfactory safeguarding checks and references.

We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and identities and encourage individuals from underrepresented communities to apply. 

We are reviewing and submitting applications on a rolling basis so early submission is advised (the role may close at short notice). 

Interviews are to be held w/c 6th and w/c 13th January 2025.