Investment Senior Associate, Hardest-to-Reach Amplify

Acumen’s Hardest-to-Reach Impact Debt Fund, Amplify, is looking for a mission-driven Investment Senior Associate with a minimum of 5 years' experience to join the Amplify team and support early-stage investments in the off-grid solar sector in Sub-Saharan Africa. 

About Acumen

Acumen is a global force of entrepreneurs, investors, philanthropists, and social innovators working together to build a world based on dignity. We were founded by Jacqueline Novogratz on the radical idea that business, when cultivated with moral imagination, can break the cycle of poverty. We invest in transformational companies, build sustainable markets, and prepare leaders with the tools they need to create a more just and inclusive future. Since 2001, we have scaled companies and shaped markets in some of the hardest-to-reach communities on the planet, impacting over half-a-billion lives. To learn more visit acumen.org.

About Amplify

Of the approximately 789 million people in the world who currently live without electricity, many will gain access through grid extension and off-grid solar by 2030. But estimates suggest that roughly 215 million people will be left behind because they live in risky or remote areas where investors are unable or unwilling to go. In the last decade, there has been a steady increase in financing available for clean, renewable energy, but that money is largely directed towards wealthier nations. Even when investment dollars are directed to low-income regions, they are not always directed where the need is greatest.

Launched at COP28 and anchored by the Green Climate Fund, Acumen's Hardest-to-Reach Impact Debt Fund "Amplify" is Acumen’s most ambitious energy effort to date. The initiative aims to reach nearly 70 million people across underserved geographies in sub-Saharan Africa, including 50 million first-time energy users in markets where traditional capital has not been able to operate. Amplify is working to unlock clean, affordable, distributed energy for households across 17 “hardest to reach” countries in Africa by providing debt financing to off grid solar companies.

About the role

The Investment Senior Associate will play a crucial role in supporting the investment team with deal sourcing, due diligence, financial modelling, and portfolio management, focusing on investments in off-grid solar energy solutions. The ideal candidate will have a passion for impact investing, particularly in renewable energy, and a deep understanding of the financial and technical aspects of solar projects in the Hardest-to-Reach countries. This role will report to the Investment Lead of the Hardest-to-Reach Impact Debt Fund.

The role is expected to foster strong collaborative working relationships with key stakeholders, including sponsors, and lenders, as well as to raise significant brand awareness for H2R.

Role Accountabilities

Market Research & Deal Sourcing 

• Conduct detailed market analysis to identify investment opportunities in the off-grid solar sector across emerging markets.
• Track industry trends, regulatory changes, and technology advancements in renewable energy, specifically off-grid solar solutions.
• Develop and maintain relationships with developers, entrepreneurs, and industry stakeholders.

Due Diligence

• Take the lead in undertaking, coordinating, and driving due diligence tasks, working alongside junior deal team members with oversight from senior team members. This also includes appointing and liaising with independent advisors. Serve as due diligence point of contact with clients, etc.
• Evaluate business models, market strategies, and the scalability of solar companies focused on off-grid solutions.
• Assess the investment opportunities' potential social and environmental impact in collaboration with the impact team.
• Take the lead in the preparation of final credit proposals to the Investment Committee

Financial Modelling & Analysis

• Build and maintain detailed financial models to evaluate the feasibility and profitability of off-grid solar projects.
• Conduct sensitivity analyses and stress testing to account for economic, political, and operational risks.
• Present investment cases focusing on both financial returns and impact metrics (e.g., reduction in carbon emissions, increase in energy access).

Portfolio Management

• Monitor the performance of portfolio companies, tracking key financial and impact metrics.
• Support the preparation of quarterly and annual reports on fund performance, portfolio risk, and the social/environmental impact.
• Collaborate with portfolio companies to provide guidance on improving financial sustainability and impact performance.

Qualification and Skills Required

• Bachelor's degree in finance, economics, business, engineering, or a related field. A master’s degree or CFA/CPA qualification would be advantageous
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, or impact investing, preferably with exposure to the renewable energy sector
• Experience in emerging markets and/or off-grid solar is highly desirable.
• Strong proficiency in financial modelling, analysis, and valuation techniques.
• Understanding of the renewable energy market, particularly off-grid solar solutions, and the challenges and opportunities in frontier markets.
• Demonstrated interest in impact investing, sustainable development, and/or climate finance, with a track record of working on socially and environmentally focused projects.
• Proficiency in Excel and financial modelling
• Experience in conducting commercial and operational due diligence.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English.
• A commitment to serving people living in poverty.
• A willingness to roll up your sleeves with your team and get to work. Some people need clean energy, after all.
• Self reflective and aligned with Acumen values. 
• Permanently authorized to work in Kenya. Available to work in Nairobi. 

Deadline
Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis through 30th January, 2026.