Sahel Investment Partners: Junior Investment Officer

ABOUT THE ROLE

Location: Abidjan, Ivory Coast
Duration: 6 months
Working hours: Full-time

COMPANY DESCRIPTION

Sahel Investment Partners is a regionally focused private equity fund management and financial services firm operating in the French-speaking Sahel belt.
Sahel Investment Partners is seeking a Junior Investment Officer.
This position represents a unique opportunity to work closely with a group of experienced private equity professionals and participate in all aspects of the investment process: financial modeling, market research, due diligence, transaction execution and portfolio company support.

The Investment Officer position offers the opportunity to progress within the company in the event of exceptional performance. The Intern Investment Officer will be based in Abidjan during his/her first year at Sahel Investment Partners, with the possibility of remaining there, or being transferred to another office from time to time.

General missions and environment of the position

Under the supervision of an Investment Director, the directors of Sahel Investment Partners, and in direct contact with the management teams of the SMEs financed, the Junior Investment Officer will work with increasing autonomy on each stage of the investment cycle. Travel may be considered.

Detailed missions of the position

The main activities to be carried out will be as follows:

  • Active search for investment opportunities consistent with the strategy of Sahel Investment Partners.
  • In-depth strategic and financial due diligence on opportunities.
  • Participate in the execution of transactions and work in collaboration with external advisors to conduct commercial, operational, and financial due diligence of potential investments.
  • Financial analysis and development of financial models on Excel. Build dynamic financial models allowing the analysis of potential investments, taking into account the company's main operational factors, its historical and forecast financial statements, various capital structures as well as the returns generated.
  • Financial and legal assembly of equity and quasi-equity investments.
  • Drafting of notes and presentations to the bodies of Sahel Investment Partners, in particular, the investment committee.
  • Monitoring and support of SMEs in the portfolio (strategy, governance, management), direct participation in the boards of directors and general meetings of SMEs. Work with members of senior management in the development of strategic initiatives.
  • Organization of technical assistance missions to SMEs.
  • Organization of disposals of interests after the investment period.
  • Reporting to the governance bodies of Sahel Investment Partners (audit committee, Impact and ESG committee, portfolio review).

Job strengths

The position offers significant responsibilities with a high degree of autonomy; the opportunity to finance and support some of the best SMEs and young companies in the target region, and to build close relationships with quality entrepreneurs. The position is demanding and very comprehensive, combining relationships, strategic analysis, corporate finance, etc. The position also offers the opportunity to interact with leading investors: venture capitalists with proven experience, successful business leaders from the continent, banks, incubators, etc. Potential development: the position will evolve with the company. Given the nature of the business and the length of the investment cycles, it requires a long-term commitment.

Education, experience, and required profile

  • Business school, engineering school, or Master 2, preferably with a specialization in finance or business strategy, management, accounting.
  • At least 1 year of experience in financial and/or strategic functions, and in connection with the world of SMEs (financing, audit, advisory, entrepreneurship).
  • Personal experience in entrepreneurship, investment, and/or support for SMEs is particularly sought after.

Expected technical and personal skills

  • Entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to development.
  • Interpersonal skills and ability to maintain lasting relationships of trust with entrepreneurs; great ability to listen, support and advise, negotiate.
  • Very good analysis, synthesis, and writing skills (French and English).
  • Skills in financial analysis, business strategy, management, and organization.
  • Strong qualities of rigor and organization.
  • Adaptation skills: ability to integrate an investment methodology.
  • Good knowledge of the Sahel region, Africa, the investor ecosystem, and the realities of SMEs.

Practical Modalities

  • 6-month internship.
  • Position based in Abidjan, Ivory Coast.
  • Expected start date: 11/30/2024.
  • Send CV + cover letter to jobs@sahelip.com.
Back to Job Board