Investment Specialist

Position: Investment Specialist

Opportunity Type: Full-Time Job

Connexus | www.connexuscorporation.com 

Location: Colombo, Sri Lanka

About the Organization:

Connexus Corporation is an international development consulting firm that provides consulting services in the areas of finance and enterprise development, especially related to rural and agricultural development. Connexus’ mission is to provide high quality global consulting services to transform international development and build local capacity. Connexus is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, or gender identity.

About the Job:

Connexus is seeking an Investment Specialist for the anticipated USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization Activity. This is a preliminary position description and will be clarified after the Request for Proposal (RFP) is released.

Tasks and Responsibilities:

·       Identify potential partner financial institutions (including equity investors and investment funds), conduct needs assessments, and build their capacity to invest in SMEs in agriculture and related sectors.

·       Work with partner financial institutions (FIs) and lead firms to adapt existing products and services and design new products and services to better accommodate SMEs in agriculture and related sectors, including in ways that there is a flow down of benefits to vulnerable populations such as women and youth.

·       Identify agricultural and trade-related investment opportunities and build the capacity of firms to demonstrate investment readiness, including through projected cash flows, financial modeling, and anticipated returns on investment.  Identify potential exit strategies and oversee business valuations.

·       Promote investment opportunities and help partner FIs to expand investments.

·       Coordinate with the finance sector to package significant finance and equity investment deals to support Sri Lanka’s trade and export markets.

·       Work with local and international equity investors, entrepreneurs, pension funds, banks, impact funds, endowments, insurance firms, high-net-worth individuals, the diaspora, and development finance institutions to catalyze investment capital and to facilitate investments in large agriculture and trade-related deals.

·       Monitor and oversee activities that catalyze investment and increase access to financial products and services.

·       Manage and oversee international and local STTA as needed.

Qualifications:

·       Master's degree in business investment, finance, economics, or related field.

·       7-10 years of relevant experience in programs related to growing private sector engagement and investment in agriculture and trade-related fields and experience implementing economic growth programs in Sri Lanka, preferably for USAID-funded projects.

·       Prior experience in management positions, preferably overseeing other finance and investment specialists.

·       Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with institutional and private sector partners and stakeholders, including equity investors and in collaboration with the national government of Sri Lanka.

·       Excellent written communication skills, including ability to produce high-quality project reports.

·       Fluency in English required and other local languages desired.

·       Must be authorized to work in Sri Lanka.

Deadline: April 30, 2024

How to Apply:

Interested candidates can send their resume and cover letter to careers@connexus.email with “Investment Specialist - USAID/Sri Lanka Economic Modernization” in the subject line. No phone calls please.