ABOUT THE FINCA VENTURES RESILIENCE FUND
FINCA VENTURES RESILIENCE FUND (THE "FUND”): A new, closed-end venture capital fund that is being built on the balance sheet investing track record of FINCA Ventures, which is the venture investing division of FINCA INTERNATIONAL (“FINCA”). The Fund seeks to leverage and amplify FINCA’s 40-year track record in building pathways out of poverty across 45+countries.
The Fund expects to make investments (convertible note, SAFE, and equity; co-investment and lead) into high-impact, innovative, early-stage, for-profit businesses (Seed, Series A) in Sub-Saharan Africa. These businesses provide transformative products/services and sustainably empower/transform communities, women, smallholder farmers, families on the margins, and their ability to withstand climate shocks by leveraging technology for financial inclusion, improving agricultural productivity, expanding access to quality healthcare, and enhancing educational outcomes.
POSITION SUMMARY
FINCA Ventures is in the process of raising a $40 million of capital for the Fund, expected to achieve first close of $20 million by Q4 2025, and is seeking to recruit 2 Independent Members to join the Investment Committee (“IC”) of the Fund.
The Fund’s strategic priorities over the next 3-5 years include: Build a strong portfolio and pipeline of impactful and financially sound investments as well as attract like-minded investors focused on investing in Sub-Saharan Africa markets and drive catalytic capital together into businesses that strive to deliver high impact with returns.
The primary responsibility of the IC is to take investment decisions on filtering the pipeline of opportunities, and making, restructuring, and exiting investments within delegated authorities set by the FINCA Board. In taking these decisions, IC members are expected to:
- Evaluate investments across the fund’s four core sectors—agriculture, financial inclusion, education, and health—ensuring they align with impact goals, financial returns and risk appetite in climate mitigation, women’s empowerment, and financial upliftment.
- Have (or develop) a deep understanding of FINCA’s mission and ensure that the Fund’s investment process and decisions are aligned with FINCA’s mission.
- Integrate Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and impact criteria into investment decisions, with a particular focus on managing risks associated with high-impact sectors in Sub-Saharan Africa.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
- Assess the valuation and financial health of potential portfolio companies, particularly focusing on working capital management, cash flow optimization, future funding needs/follow up investments.
- Perform periodic portfolio reviews and allocation.
- Provide expert analysis on structured finance, including mezzanine lending and other flexible investment/financing options tailored to early-stage investment and emerging market needs.
- Leverage deep experience in bank lending, credit analysis, and supply chain financing to advise on debt versus equity financing strategies.
- Offer insights on digital and mobile lending models that drive financial inclusion, ensuring scalability and regulatory compliance.
- Engage in robust, rigorous debate, bringing independence of mind, integrity, and humility to the decision-making process.
- Provide regular/scheduled updates and presentations to the FINCA Board on investment decisions, portfolio value and portfolio performance (e.g. watch list items etc.).
LOCATION
Remote, with travel to D.C. and/or Africa for minimum of 1 in-person meeting per year.
TIME COMMITMENT
There will be monthly virtual IC meetings (scheduled in advance) in conjunction with additional committee meetings like quarterly virtual IC meetings focused on portfolio reviews, deep dives into prior quarter performance, certain sectors/investments, and forward planning, etc.
REMUNERATION
The remuneration for membership of the IC is $20,000 per annum.
Travel expenses related to IC meetings, including airfare, accommodation, local transportation, and meals, will be covered by FINCA in line with our travel policy.
SUMMARY OF QUALIFICATIONS
Experience and Skills
- Prior private investment funds experience (preferably venture capital funds), either as an investor or as a fund manager.
- Prior investment committee experience and/or strong networks within Sub-Saharan Africa, and/or with commercial banks, DFIs, and impact investors focused on the region.
- Expertise in one or more of the following areas: agriculture and processing, digital and mobile lending, health tech, edtech, venture debt and diverse investment experience (structures, sectors and markets) .
- A deep understanding of local market dynamics and cultural contexts across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- A demonstrated ability to evaluate investments for different stages of business development, particularly in early-stage enterprises, with an emphasis on both impact and commercial returns.
- Strong intellectual and analytical skills, with the ability to assess the risks and opportunities in high-risk business environments while balancing stakeholders' interests and objectives.
- The ability to develop effective relationships with other board members, management teams, and external stakeholders.
Focus Areas of Expertise and Responsibilities
- Understanding agriculture and processing, and evaluating financing models that support farmers, agribusinesses, and supply chains.
- Evaluating the scalability and risk of digital lending platforms, advising on regulatory compliance, and ensuring that these models contribute to financial inclusion goals.
- Experience in healthcare delivery models, particularly in low-resource settings, or expertise in health tech innovations that can scale across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Designing and evaluating different investment structures that offer flexibility, such as mezzanine debt or convertible instruments, which can be particularly useful in emerging markets and high-growth sectors.
- Portfolio review expertise and being an active member of the IC’s Portfolio Review Committee (PRC) that would be providing regular portfolio valuation updates.
WHY JOIN OUR TEAM?
Successful candidates will have the opportunity to:
- Be part of a diverse team of friendly, collaborative, and highly-skilled professionals building a successful and high-impact investment business.
- Contribute to the strategic development of an increasingly important player in the agriculture, fintech, education, and health sectors across Sub-Saharan Africa.
- Use professional skills to contribute to the economic development of the countries in which we operate.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates must attach a single file that includes:
1. A CV that details all relevant experience.
2. A cover letter that describes the motivation and suitability for this role.
DEADLINE
The deadline for applications is November 30, 2024, and we anticipate holding the first round of interviews for shortlisted candidates in December 2024.