Description
Role Summary
We are seeking an Investment Associate to implement E Squared Investments’ impact investment strategies and support the sustainability and growth of investor funding within the organisation’s impact goals. Working alongside the Investment Manager, the Associate supports sourcing, evaluation, due diligence, structuring, closing and funding, then completes a structured handover to the Post-Investment team.
Responsibilities
Sourcing, evaluation and transaction execution
Support sourcing and origination, identify and evaluate deals, and assess commercial viability, impact potential, risks and returns. Assist with due diligence and financing recommendations and develop and implement strategies aligned with organisational goals and investee interests.
Execute structuring, closing and funding alongside the Investment Manager. Collaborate with analysts, management and cross-functional colleagues throughout the transaction lifecycle, ensuring accurate documentation and timely execution.
Investment analysis and governance submissions
Prepare financial models, investment memoranda, investment theses, reports and presentations for the Investment Committee (IC). Prepare Board pipeline submissions and take ownership of coordinating complete, accurate IC and Board packs for on-time submission.
Research and market intelligence
Research the impact ecosystem, funders, investors, co-investment partners, markets, sectors and economic trends. Translate social enterprise and impact investment developments into investment insights and produce thought-leadership blogs and content for the E Squared brand.
Stakeholder engagement and communication
Build trusted relationships with funders, partners, investees, the IC, senior management and internal colleagues. Understand stakeholder goals, provide investment updates and performance reporting, and enable effective communication across teams.
Risk, compliance and post-investment collaboration
Evaluate investment risks and adhere to regulatory requirements, governance processes and internal policies. Apply sound judgement and maintain confidentiality in handling sensitive information.
Complete a structured post-investment handover after transaction conclusion. Support portfolio monitoring with Post-Investment colleagues and recommendations informed by board observer participation and feedback to the IC, without assuming primary portfolio ownership or formal board directorship.
Requirements
Job Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
An Honours degree / NQF level 8 qualification in Finance and Accounting is essential. Law and Engineering are preferred fields of study. CA(SA) / SAICA and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credentials are preferred.
Experience: Up to 6 years. Operational execution experience in Investment / Asset Management & Treasury is essential.
Personal Attributes
Alignment with E Squared’s vision, mission and values, and a passion for positive change in South Africa and beyond. A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships with entrepreneurs, partners and colleagues.
Maturity, professionalism, reliability, integrity and discretion. Takes ownership, honours commitments and manages multiple priorities independently, delivering accurate work to high standards and agreed deadlines with minimal supervision. Committed to continuous learning, innovation, sound decisions and constructive feedback.
Skills and Competencies
Strong analytical thinking, systematic analysis, problem solving, financial modelling and investment evaluation. Applies technical and professional expertise to complex problems, with discernment in assessing investment risks, returns and financing options.
Clear written and oral communication, including investment memoranda, reports and presentations. Strong stakeholder networking, attention to detail, organisation and cross-functional collaboration, with commercial awareness of investment decisions and their implications.