Investment Specialist - Part-Time Consultancy

Talent Safari

About The Position

Allan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Rwanda (AGGPR) is dedicated to fostering responsible entrepreneurs across Africa to serve the common good. Their vision is an empowered, prosperous, and ethically engaged African citizenry. The mission is to combat poverty by investing in, nurturing, and empowering responsible entrepreneurs and leaders who create meaningful employment and embody ethical leadership. AGGPR's programs include Jasiri Talent Investor, which supports high-potential individuals in forming businesses; Jasiri Growth Accelerator, which invests in high-potential, early-stage startups; and Wavumbuzi, an online challenge for secondary school learners to develop an entrepreneurial mindset. The Investment Specialist role is crucial for strengthening the investment readiness and fundraising capacity of Jasiri Growth Accelerator ventures. This position involves monitoring portfolio performance, identifying and mitigating risks, leveraging investor networks for funding opportunities, guiding financing strategies, and delivering investor readiness programs. The specialist will act as a strategic link to the JGA program team to ensure alignment and measurable impact on venture growth.

Requirements

An undergraduate degree in accounting or finance is required. Alternatively, a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc, MBA, or equivalent) in accounting, finance, or a related field will be considered.
5+ years of experience closing deals and supporting startups through fundraising.
Proven track record in investment, venture capital, or private equity, with particular focus on dealmaking for Seed to Series A.
Solid understanding of startup financing instruments, term sheets, cap tables, and investor rights.
Strong network of investors and financial institutions.
Ability to assess business models, growth strategies, and financial health.
Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, including valuation of early-revenue companies (SAFE, convertible notes, and equity structures).
Practical experience with investment due diligence processes, investment committee materials, and post-investment portfolio support.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present investment cases clearly to internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Familiarity with East African startup ecosystems and investor landscapes is a strong advantage.

Responsibilities

Track venture performance, identify underperforming ventures, and analyze root causes.
Develop and implement performance improvement plans in collaboration with the JGA program team.
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments across the portfolio.
Design and implement mitigation strategies for identified risks, ensuring ventures remain on track for growth.
Deliver investor readiness components to JGA ventures, including data room preparation and pitch preparation, financial modeling, and due diligence support.
Act as a bridge between ventures and investors, leveraging deep networks to facilitate introductions and engagement.
Work closely with ventures to develop tailored funding sourcing strategies aligned with their growth objectives.
Advise ventures on capital structure, deal terms, and negotiation strategies.
Utilize existing investor relationships and networks to create opportunities for JGA ventures.
Organize investor engagement activities such as deal rooms, networking sessions, and one-on-one introductions.
Collaborate with the JGA team to ensure alignment between investment strategies and program objectives.
Provide regular updates and insights on portfolio performance and fundraising progress.
Prepare and deliver regular presentations to the Executive Committee and Investment Committee on portfolio health, investment performance, and key risks/opportunities.