Senior Investment Associate

CFA Institute; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 600,000 - 900,000; Full time

Job summary

E Squared Investments is seeking an Investment Associate to implement impact investment strategies and support funding growth. You will work with the Investment Manager on sourcing, evaluation, due diligence, structuring and funding, then hand over to the Post-Investment team.

You will prepare financial models, investment memoranda and boards packs, while building relationships with funders and investees and ensuring timely reporting and governance compliance.

Qualifications

• Honours degree / NQF level 8 in Finance and Accounting is essential.
• CA(SA) / SAICA and Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) credentials are preferred.
• Experience: Up to 6 years in Investment / Asset Management & Treasury is essential.

Responsibilities

• Sourcing, evaluation and transaction execution with due diligence and financing recommendations.
• Execute structuring, closing and funding alongside the Investment Manager; coordinate with analysts and colleagues.
• Prepare financial models, investment memoranda, investment theses, reports and IC/Board packs.
• Research the impact ecosystem, funders, investors and markets; translate developments into insights and blogs for the brand.
• Build trusted relationships with funders, partners, investees and the IC; provide updates and performance reporting.
• Evaluate investment risks; ensure regulatory compliance, governance and confidentiality; assist post-investment handover and portfolio monitoring.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Financial modelling

Investment evaluation

Written and oral communication

Stakeholder networking

Attention to detail

Cross-functional collaboration

Commercial awareness

Education

Honours degree in Finance and Accounting

CA(SA) / SAICA credentials

CFA credentials

Law

Engineering

Job 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.

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.