Purpose of Role
E Squared Investments provides financial and non-financial support to early-stage social enterprises focused on creating entrepreneurial and income-earning opportunities for unemployed youth in South Africa. We offer support to social enterprises, regardless of their founding origin, with a particular emphasis on entities with social impact goals. Our funding includes grants, equity, and quasi-equity products, and we maintain a rigorous due diligence process to ensure alignment with our impact objectives.
Objectives of Role
Strategic Leadership:
- Develop and implement a comprehensive strategy for the Social Entrepreneurship division in alignment with E Squared's vision, mission, and goals.
- Lead a diverse team of investment professionals to achieve strategic objectives.
- Act as a key member of the Executive Leadership team, contributing to overall organisational strategy and decision-making.
- Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and accountability within the team.
- Recruit, mentor, and develop a high-performance team.
- Conduct regular team meetings and performance evaluations.
- Facilitate professional development opportunities for team members.
Deal Sourcing and Evaluation:
- Source and assess potential investment opportunities that align with social impact goals.
- Conduct due diligence on investment prospects, analysing financial viability, potential risks, and social impact metrics.
- Evaluate the scalability and sustainability of social enterprises, considering both short-term and long-term impact metrics.
- Present investment recommendations to the E Squared Investment Committee.
Portfolio Management:
- Manage a diverse portfolio of social impact investments, working alongside portfolio companies to achieve their business objectives.
- Monitor performance and ensure alignment with impact and return objectives.
- Implement risk management strategies to safeguard portfolio companies and provide strategic guidance and support to enhance their social and financial sustainability and growth.
- Regularly review and report on the performance of investments against impact and return metrics.
Impact Measurement, Management, and Reporting:
- Develop and implement robust impact measurement frameworks to measure the social, environmental, and financial impact of investments.
- Generate regular impact reports for internal and external stakeholders, showcasing the positive outcomes of social and environmental impact investments.
- Demonstrate the organisation’s alignment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Compliance and Regulation:
- Stay abreast of changes in the financial regulation landscape that may impact investment activities in South Africa, including industry trends, best practices, and policy changes.
- Develop, implement, and maintain robust compliance processes, adhering to financial regulations and internal policies.
Experience and Qualifications
Education:
- Post-graduate degree in accounting, finance, business, or a related field; advanced degree (CFA, MBA, etc.) preferred.
- Proven experience in social impact investing, development finance, blended finance, sustainable finance, venture philanthropy, including investment analysis and portfolio management.
- Exceptional financial and investment analysis experience, as well as financial modeling skills.
- Familiarity with impact measurement methodologies and evaluation frameworks.
- Ability to work collaboratively and build effective partnerships.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
Experience:
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant experience in impact investing and development or a related field.
- Strong track record of successful impact investment and portfolio management, demonstrated through previous work history.
- Financial modeling proficiency in building and interpreting financial models, including strong Excel skills.
- Transaction experience: exposure to mergers and acquisitions, blended finance, development finance deals, and/or venture capital will be advantageous.
Competencies
- Passion for social and environmental impact through financial means.
- Demonstrated passion for alternative investments and supporting small and growing businesses in South Africa.
- Innovative and strategic thinker with a long-term perspective on sustainable development.
- Adaptability and resilience with the ability to navigate ambiguity in evolving circumstances.
- Strong sense of responsibility, ethics, accountability, and commitment to upholding the highest standard of integrity.
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