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.