Investment Specialist / Investment Specialistess

Terms of Reference

Investment Specialist (80% or Full-Time)

Catalytic’s mission is to accelerate the design and deployment of catalytic finance solutions for sustainable infrastructure and nature. We identify and develop robust project pipelines, deploying technical assistance to support projects in becoming more investable and impactful. Catalytic seeks to ensure positive social and environmental outcomes alongside financial returns for impact investors, utilizing credible methodologies for measuring and evaluating impacts. Additionally, Catalytic incubates and structures blended-finance funds aimed at scaling up and accelerating the implementation of infrastructure projects that have positive climate impacts.

Catalytic is currently seeking an Investment Specialist. Through Canopy Trust, we have been mandated by multiple donors to support and scale up private-sector, development-focused investments aimed at reducing deforestation in Central Africa, including the DRC, Republic of the Congo, Cameroon, the Central African Republic, and Gabon. To achieve this, Canopy Trust identifies and builds a robust pipeline of investment funds, local projects, and private sector companies that contribute to economic development, the reduction of deforestation, and forest conservation in the region. Canopy Trust provides technical assistance and invests catalytic, concessional capital to enhance direct investments, while also offering de-risking junior capital into suitable investment funds that commit to allocating capital to Canopy Trust’s target countries. The Investment Specialist will primarily focus on the investment activities associated with Canopy Trust.

Role & Responsibilities:

• Independently identify, source, and manage a high-quality transaction pipeline in alignment with Canopy Trust’s mandate, target sectors, and geographies through direct outreach and relevant channels in the region.
• Maintain close proximity and awareness of the Canopy Trust Technical Assistance pipeline to assess which of these TA projects should be prioritized for the investment pipeline while anticipating associated timelines.
• Lead investment processes independently, including screening investment opportunities and preparing documentation for internal decision-making and prioritization.
• Coordinate due diligence processes (financial, operational, legal, integrity, and ESG), perform (credit) risk analysis, and negotiate term sheets (structuring features, conditions precedent, covenants, reporting, and monitoring requirements).
• Prepare high-quality investment memorandums and recommendations for submission to the Investment Committee, along with necessary investment documentation.
• Provide advice, support, and monitor investees.
• Manage Canopy Trust’s investment portfolio, including post-investment activities and analysis.
• Supply data, results, and deliverables for communication, monitoring, evaluation, and reporting.
• Support other investment-related activities of Catalytic as required.

Profile:

• A minimum of 5 years of experience in investment analysis, due diligence, negotiation of term sheets and contracts, structuring and closing transactions, as well as overseeing investees and portfolio management, preferably at an asset manager, investment bank, or financial advisory firm.
• Experience in investment roles within Africa and/or other frontier and emerging markets, preferably in Canopy Trust’s focus regions.
• Proficient in direct private debt investments and structuring; experience in restructuring and workouts is preferred.
• Familiarity with Canopy Trust’s focus sectors and a solid understanding of business development and financial models for infrastructure projects, along with experience in deforestation-free value chain investments.
• Experience in impact and blended-finance investments for climate targets is a plus.
• Experience in managing or investing in investment funds, along with an understanding of blended finance structures and risk mitigation instruments, concessionality, and GP diligence is advantageous.
• Familiarity with international standards, such as IFC Performance Standards and Gold Standard, is a bonus.
• A passion for reducing deforestation and climate mitigation, demonstrating a strong commitment to creating a more sustainable world.
• A team player, flexible, and experienced in multicultural environments.
• Ability to take initiative and think creatively to solve daily challenges.
• Proficient in both English and French, with additional language skills being a plus.
• A minimum Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in business, finance, or economics.

The working station will be in Geneva, Switzerland, or Kinshasa, DRC, with travel required depending on project needs.

This position can start at 80%. However, as the investment portfolio expands, a full-time commitment (100%) may be expected in the future.

Apply online using the form below. Only applications matching the job profile will be considered.