Investment Analyst - Free State at National Empowerment Fund

Introduction

• To support the Regional Manager in originating, assessing, structuring, and monitoring investment opportunities within the province. The role focuses on assisting in the evaluation of new applications, financial modelling, and deal packaging in collaboration with NEF sector funds at Head Office. The analyst will also play a key role in supporting business development initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and overall delivery of NEF’s developmental and investment mandate in the Free State.

Job description

Application Assessment and Pre-Screening

• Conduct preliminary assessments of new funding applications to determine eligibility and commercial viability.
• Gather and verify all required documentation from applicants.
• Evaluate applications for compliance with NEF funding criteria and sector priorities.
• Identify applications that require further assessment and prepare requests for additional information.
• Draft initial review reports, including recommendations for progression to due diligence or decline, for Regional Manager’s review.
• Prepare decline and acceptance letters for Regional Manager’s approval.
• Maintain accurate records of all applications, assessments, and outcomes.

Financial Modelling and Investment Analysis

• Build and maintain financial models aligned with NEF’s approved financial modelling standards.
• Conduct comprehensive financial and commercial analysis to determine investment feasibility and sustainability.
• Support the structuring of deals in collaboration with sector Funds at Head Office.
• Perform valuation, profitability, and sensitivity analyses under guidance from senior investment professionals.
• Assist in preparing financial sections of investment reports and due diligence findings for presentation to internal committees.
• Ensure all models and analyses comply with NEF’s investment policies and risk parameters.

Research, Due Diligence, and Report Writing

• Conduct desktop and field research to support due diligence and market validation processes.
• Collect and analyse sector, competitor, and macroeconomic data relevant to proposed investments.
• Assist in the compilation of due diligence reports and investment submissions.
• Prepare concise analytical summaries and inputs for investment papers led by the Regional Manager in collaboration with Head Office Funds.

Business Development and Deal Origination

• Support the Regional Manager in identifying and developing a sustainable provincial deal pipeline aligned with NEF’s mandate.
• Engage prospective entrepreneurs through meetings, SME workshops, and outreach programmes.
• Respond to walk-in and telephonic enquiries and guide clients through the application process.
• Participate in roadshows, exhibitions, and provincial stakeholder events to promote NEF products and opportunities.
• Maintain a database of prospective clients and assist in tracking leads through to formal application stage.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Assist the Regional Manager in managing relationships with key provincial stakeholders, including provincial government departments, municipalities, development agencies, and business chambers.
• Support joint initiatives aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and expanding deal flow in underdeveloped districts.
• Represent the NEF in meetings, forums, and SME development events when delegated.

Portfolio Support and Administrative Duties

• Track progress of pipeline applications and approved transactions for reporting purposes.
• Maintain a central filing and document-tracking system for regional applications.
• Assist in the preparation of periodic performance reports and presentations.
• Support compliance with internal governance and reporting requirements.

Minimum requirements

Experience / Skills Required

• Minimum of 06 months similar experience in the corporate finance/ Banking/ DFI environment
• Financial modelling and deal assessment experience
• A generalist in small and medium enterprises (SMEs), franchise, procurement and entrepreneurship finance area
• Understanding of NEF mandate and investment guidelines
• Possess good analytical, financial modelling skills and methodologies
• An expert analyst demonstrating high command of the abilities required to perform the role
• Business Report writing skills
• Ability to apply NEF processes with ability to move beyond the standard process with help to produce highly insightful diagnoses
• Able to identify important issues and highlight same to team for consideration
• Good at knowledge gathering finds additional relevant information from unusual sources
• Can develop good, actionable recommendations and is a strong contributor in discussions on investment implications
• Structures own work and meet all commitments and targets and exceeds agreed upon work
• Participation in team problem solving
• Contributions to team effectiveness
• Willingness to travel

Qualification Requirements

• Bachelor of Commerce degree in Accounting / Economics / Finance or equivalent.

Competencies and Skills

• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with proficiency in financial modelling (Excel).
• Good understanding of SME finance and basic investment principles.
• Ability to evaluate business plans, interpret financial statements, and identify key risks.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills for report writing and stakeholder engagement.
• Good interpersonal skills, teamwork orientation, and high attention to detail.
• Familiarity with the Free State economic landscape and small business ecosystem will be an advantage.

Apply by: 15 October 2025