Background

Accelerate Prosperity (AP) is a global initiative of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN) in Central and South Asia, which follows guidance from the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) Board to develop more formal structures to catalyze enterprises within AKDN’s main area development programs, where economic opportunities remain insufficient. Through patient capital and tailored business advisory to startups and businesses, AP complements broader employment-related programs of AKF and draws significantly on technical expertise from the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s (AKFED) Industrial Promotion Services (IPS), and coordinates efforts with the AKDN’s financial institutions, the University of Central Asia and many other national partners.

AP’s approach combines financial and non-financial support, recognizing that standalone business development services and traditional bank financing are inadequate to catalyze start-ups, grow small firms, and deliver job creation in fragile and emerging markets, particularly for marginalized groups in rural areas.

Job Description:

The Investment Analyst will be responsible for the overall management of activities and operations within his/her investment portfolio, and business acceleration (pre and post-investment technical assistance and mentorship) of Accelerate Prosperity, Pakistan. 

Job Responsibilities

• Training and Advisory
• New Ideas & Early-Stage Businesses: Conduct training and advisory for businesses within the domains of business modeling, information memorandum (IM) or pitch deck development, and financial modeling (FM).
• Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs): Conduct training and advisory for businesses within the domains of business modeling, information memorandum (IM) or pitch deck development, and financial modeling (FM).

• Investment Pipeline Development
• Engage in AP programs to identify and select businesses with investment potential keeping in view commercial viability, AP’s product offering and AP’s mandate.
• Engage in headhunting to identify off-cycle investment cases by engaging with ecosystem players and participating in different panels, discussions, events etc.
• New Investment into Startups and SGBs
• Due Diligence: Conduct necessary due diligence on selected businesses for the purpose of investment. This includes undertaking commercial, financial, accounting and any other types of due diligence necessary for investment decision making. The investment analyst will be responsible for undertaking any other activities that are pre-requisite to structuring of the investment transaction e.g., development of designs, feasibilities, BOQs etc. E&S due diligence wo be undertaken as per AP’s ESMS policy.
• Transaction Structuring & Investment Case Development: Undertake thorough analysis for optimal investment transaction structure. Develop detailed and robust financial models and information memorandums for presentation to investment committee.
• Execution: Lead all activities related to execution of the approved investment cases through to disbursement of funds. This can include supporting investees in fulfilling any condition precedent, formalizing approved transaction structures into formal agreements and/or perfecting collateral.

• Portfolio Management

• Risk Classification: Classify portfolio businesses into risk categories based on PAR and other factors.
• Monitoring: Undertake frequent monitoring of portfolio under management as per in place mechanism. Flag any risk and non-compliance highlighted during monitoring for action. Undertake E&S monitoring as per AP’s ESMS policy.
• Post Financing Technical Assistance: Ensure support is extended to businesses post-financing with any issues or requirements e.g., with regards to marketing, strategy, regulation etc.

Requirements:

• (Required) Minimum of bachelor's in finance, accounting or business. 
• (Preferable) Relevant professional qualifications / certifications such as ACCA, CFA, FMVA etc.
• (Required) Minimum 3 years of relevant hands-on experience in investments, investment advisory, due diligence, transaction advisory or other relevant disciplines.
• (Required) Financial modelling skills.
• (Preferable) Experience in projects related to entrepreneurship, business development, SMEs etc. 
• Preferable location is Peshawar and/or Chitral 
• Technical knowledge of investment cycle.

• Excellent writing and reporting skills. 
• Computer literate (Word, Excel, PowerPoint etc.). 

Soft Skills:

• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English and Urdu. 
• Strong presentation skills.
• Highly proactive and passionate about work. 
• Capable of producing high quality results within often tight deadlines. 
• Ability for multitasking and working under pressure. 
• Ability to distill large volumes of data in short periods of time. 
• Intellectual curiosity and demonstrated record of professional development/growth. 
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to work through complex models to determine the key assumptions, implicit caveats and limitations. 
• Demonstrated ability to work cooperatively with all levels of management.