Investment Analyst Accion International Washington, DC, United States

Investment Analyst

Accion International, Washington, DC

Organization Description:

We are a global nonprofit dedicated to creating economic opportunity by connecting people to the financial tools they need to improve their lives. A world pioneer in microfinance, we were founded in 1961 and issued our first micro loan in 1973. Over time, we’ve helped build 63 microfinance institutions in 31 countries on four continents—Africa, Asia, Latin America and the U.S. These institutions are currently reaching millions of clients. For more information, visit www.accion.org. 

Venture Lab is an Accion-sponsored initiative to invest in and support seed-stage financial inclusion enterprises, catalyzing innovation in financial inclusion and enhancing the way financial services are delivered to the poor. Venture Lab will focus on companies that are post-R&D but have not yet proved their concept or achieved meaningful revenue traction, filling the support gap for seed-stage companies. Venture Lab will prioritize investment opportunities in East Africa and India but will remain globally opportunistic, leveraging Accion’s global footprint and 50-year experience investing in and building financial services business in emerging markets. 

Job Description:

We are currently recruiting an Investment Analyst who will be based in Washington, DC, and will report to the Managing Director of Venture Lab. Qualified candidates may have the opportunity to be travel to and/or work from one of our target markets - Latin America (Mexico or Colombia) Africa (Kenya) or Asia (India or Singapore) after an initial period in the DC headquarters. The role will be highly entrepreneurial, spanning emerging market venture investing, consulting/management, and entrepreneurship, with a focus on cutting edge innovation in financial inclusion. 

Key Areas of Responsibility:

•Provide analyst support to senior staff on the identification and assessment of new investment opportunities, including completing prescreening for companies, conducting background research, collecting/analyzing diligence documents, and managing relevant relationships.
•Assist in managing investment process, including maintenance of deal roster/deal log on Salesforce, coordination of documents, process improvements to enhance efficiency and productivity, and liaising with advisory council, investment committee and Accion Board of Directors.
•Participate in support to investee enterprises, including (as applicable) finance and operating strategy, business development and lead generation, introductions/connections, fundraising support, and seeking opportunities to leverage Accion resources and expertise to benefit the investee.
•Proactively develop knowledge resources and thought leadership, including preparation of documents on investment status and lessons for Accion management/staff and other Lab stakeholders.
•Represent Venture Lab publicly at conferences, events, and working groups as needed.
•Support other Accion departments and initiatives as needed.

Desired Qualifications:

•Strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for entrepreneurship and market-based solutions to poverty;
•At least 2 years of relevant experience in financial services, management consulting and/or VC/PE investing;
•Strong research and analysis skills, including financial and strategy analytics;
•Outstanding relationship management skills and ability to earn respect of Accion colleagues, investors and enterprises. Existing network within impact investing and/or financial inclusion a plus;
•Exceptional written, communication and presentation skills, and comfortable moving seamlessly between boardroom and field.

Preferred: 

•Domain expertise in financial services and/or financial inclusion, particularly financial technology, payment systems, and/or innovative delivery models;
•Experience working in or with startups or growth-stage enterprises in emerging markets;
•Language skills beyond English;
•Relevant advanced degree.

How to Apply:

Please submit your cover letter and resume online at https://jobs-accion.icims.com/jobs/1361/investment-analyst%2c-venture-lab/job or visit www.accion.org for more information. 

Application Deadline: 03/01/2013