Latest Vacancies at Norfund

12 month contract (potential to go permanent)

Norfund is looking for a graduate trainee/analyst with a keen interest in investments and private sector development in developing countries to join their team. The Norfund Southern Africa office is based in Cape Town, covering the countries Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. Norfund’s investment sectors are Renewable Energy, Financial Inclusion, Scalable Enterprises (Funds, Agribusinesses & Manufacturing, and Green Infrastructure). The role will mainly be affiliated to Scalable Enterprises, specifically Agribusiness, Manufacturing, and Green Infrastructure.

Seeking a result-oriented person with a strong interest in impact investing and active ownership. It is key that you enjoy working independently as well as part of a team and can be a value additive resource for others in our investment departments. The person employed will be included in the project teams on a range of investments and will report to the Regional Director for Southern Africa.

Roles and responsibilities

• Support the investment teams in all phases of the investment process, from the assessment of new opportunities through investment, development and exit, in our countries in Southern Africa
• Financial analysis, valuation, financial modelling and preparation of investment proposals and papers
• Conduct investment research, country, and industry analysis
• Assist project leader in active ownership of portfolio companies
• Update portfolio management systems and investment activity reports
• Support in the assessment of risks and provide recommendations for risk mitigations

Qualification's and experience

• Bachelor's degree in Business, Economics, Finance or equivalent with a strong academic record. CFA or part advantageous or newly qualified CA (SA)
• 1 years experience in financial modelling advantageous.
• A team player with strong analytical skills, great attention to detail and good interpersonal skills
  Result oriented and with a structured, proactive, and efficient work style
  Excellent communication skills in English.
• Fluency in languages of the coverage countries in Southern Africa is an advantage

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Key responsibilities

• Collaborate in teams and support project managers on investment projects across investment departments Scalable Enterprises, Renewable Energy and Green Infrastructure.
• Assess environmental, social, and human rights risks and impacts of direct and indirect investments against local regulations, IFC Performance Standards, World Bank EHS Guidelines and other relevant guidelines during due diligence.
• Negotiate sustainability requirements into investment agreements and clarify expectations for investments.
• Monitor investments against agreed E&S requirements, follow up on E&S Action Plans, and identify opportunities for E&S interventions to reduce risk and add value.
• Support clients in developing their E&S management systems through knowledge transfer and training.
• Work together with Norfund’s other E&S specialists or other internal stakeholders to continuously improve our internal systems and procedures related to E&S or other relevant topics.
• Cooperate closely with co-investors and other European Development Finance Institutions (EDFI) in the field of E&S risks and impact management.
• Represent Norfund in external meetings, industry events, and fora on E&S risk management.

Qualifications

• Relevant education, preferably at the master’s degree level in environmental science, social science, engineering, or economics.
• Minimum 7 years of professional experience in E&S assessments, such as ESIA development, EHS audits, and investor-led due diligence and monitoring work.
• Good understanding of international standards, particularly the IFC Performance Standards and WB EHS Guidelines, ILO standards, Human Rights instruments, and knowledge of local legislation.
• Subject-matter expertise in environment, hydrology, biodiversity, land-related issues, OHS, human rights, labour rights, or management of community relations is an advantage. Exposure to certification schemes such as ISO 14001, OHSAS, SA8000 is beneficial.

Personal qualities

• Result-oriented with a structured, proactive, pragmatic, and efficient work style.
• Capacity to work independently as well as in teams.
• Excellent communication skills (spoken and written) in English.
• Flexible and willing to travel.
• Strong interpersonal skills and motivation to achieve results through collaborative and constructive engagement with portfolio companies