The Aga Khan Foundation, Afghanistan (AKF (Afg)) is an agency of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a group of international, private, non-denominational development agencies working to improve living conditions and opportunities for people in some of the poorest parts of the developing world. The Network’s organizations have individual mandates that range from the fields of health and education to architecture, rural development and promotion of private-sector enterprise and institutions that seek to empower communities and individuals, usually in disadvantaged circumstances, to improve living conditions and opportunities.

The Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) is a non-denominational international development agency established in 1967 by His Highness the Aga Khan. Its mission is to develop and promote creative solutions to problems that impede social development, primarily in Asia and East Africa. Created as a private, non-profit foundation under Swiss law, it has branches and independent affiliates in 19 countries.
AKF seeks to provide sustainable solutions to long-term problems of poverty, hunger, illiteracy, and ill health. In Afghanistan, AKF works with rural communities in mountainous, remote or resource poor areas to improve quality of life in the areas of natural resource management, market development, governance, education, and health.

POSITION OBJECTIVE
Accelerate Prosperity (AP) was launched by Aga Khan Development Network as a joint initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s Industrial Promotion Services (AKFED IPS) in 2016. It was established in Pakistan and Tajikistan in 2016 and subsequently in Kyrgyzstan in 2018 and finally in Afghanistan in 2021. Whilst AP Afghanistan is not a separate legal entity, a legal review and consultation is currently underway to determine a best-fit structure for establishment.

AP facilitates entrepreneurship, employment and socio-economic development through a structured business acceleration program, comprising training, advanced technical support, entrepreneur-led mentorship and tailored start-up and growth financing. Through a competitive process, AP works with start-ups and small and growing businesses (SGBs), in growth industries such as agribusiness, commercial services, digital content, and hospitality. AP leverages the creative power and commercial instincts of the private sector, including AKFED IPS, to address the needs and challenges of budding entrepreneurs, startups and existing SGBs.

As a professional with a strong background in investment, the Investment Analyst plays a pivotal role in the comprehensive oversight and efficient management of AP's investment operations. Reporting directly to the Investment Manager, he/ she assumes responsibility for the strategic direction and execution of the organization's investment activities.

The Investment Analyst’s key duties encompass the supervision of investments and the effective management of the investment portfolio with the mandate to ensure strict adherence to the established Investment Policy and compliance with relevant country regulations.
With an acute focus on portfolio management, the Investment Analyst is instrumental in optimizing investment performance while mitigating risks. In this leadership position, the Investment Analyst collaborates with key stakeholders, utilizing their expertise to make informed decisions that align with the AP’s BP and objectives. The role demands a keen understanding of market trends, economic indicators, and regulatory changes to make well- informed and timely decisions.
In summary, the Investment Analyst is a critical asset to AP, tasked with steering the investment strategy, maintaining regulatory compliance, and safeguarding the integrity of the investment portfolio in alignment with the AP's overall mission and objectives.
 
JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Pipeline Development Activities
•    Support the team in executing outreach, marketing, selection, training, and advisory efforts for identifying promising startups and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs) suitable for AP’s services.

Financing/Investment Readiness Financial Modelling
•    Create robust financial models and investment memorandums (pitch decks) for presentation to Company Name's national investment committees and the Executive Committee (ExCom).

Due Diligence
•    Conduct comprehensive due diligence and risk analysis for select equity investments, guarantees, technical assistance, or other forms of support provided by Accelerate Prosperity and/or its investor pool.

Pitch Session
•    Assist marketing and other team members in organizing final pitch sessions for top startups and SGBs, facilitating connections with potential investors.

Investment Deployment
•    Approval: Support the Country Director in obtaining internal approvals for investment proposals, ensuring overall coordination of business-related activities.
•    Documentation: Work with internal/external legal counsel to ensure the successful conclusion of appropriate legal documentation for all deals, aligning with approvals and achieving financial close (i.e., first disbursement) in a timely manner.

Post Investment Monitoring, TA & Repayment
•    Monitoring: Oversee the monitoring of investees to ensure compliance with financing agreements, institutional and regulatory guidelines, implementation of mutually agreed steps from the due diligence report, and adherence to Accelerate Prosperity's policies and procedures.
•    Training and Mentorship: Provide post-investment training and advisory services to investees based on recommendations outlined in due diligence reports.

Repayments & Exits
•    Ensure timely repayments/recoveries by portfolio businesses and manage exits when necessary.
•    Carries out the responsibilities of the role in a way which reflects AKF(Afg)’s commitment to protecting children in accordance with the Child Safeguarding Policy.

OCCASIONAL SIGNIFICANT DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
•    Any other task: as may be required and/or given by the Investment Manager, Investment Lead or AP Country Director.

JOB SPECIFICATION
This role requires a candidate with a strong foundation in financial disciplines, hands-on experience in the investment landscape, and the ability to navigate the challenges associated with working with startups and SGBs that may lack extensive documentation. The ideal candidate will also possess a proactive work ethic and proficiency in risk assessment and management, particularly within the banking sector.
Educational Background
•    Bachelor/ master’s degree in accounting, economics or qualifications such as ACCA, or equivalent certification/experience. Additional certifications such as CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) or FMVA (Financial Modeling and Valuation Analyst) will be highly regarded.
•    A minimum of 3 years of hands-on experience in the investment and/or finance sector, with a preference for dealing with startups and Small and Growing Businesses (SGBs). Preferred experience in managing investment funds and/or venture capital.
Risk Assessment and Management
•    Proven expertise in risk assessment and management, with a particular emphasis on experience within the banking sector.
 
Proactive Work Ethic
•    Highly proactive and hardworking individual, demonstrating a commitment to achieving goals and driving successful outcomes.
Language Proficiency
•    Fluent in English, national language and other country context required language.

APPLICATION
Interested applicants should submit their CV along with a cover letter to Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org later than 23rd November 2024.

Important Notes:
•    Please quote the Vacancy Number as the Subject of the e-mail when applying.
•    No supporting documents (e.g., diplomas, recommendation letters, identification card(s) etc.) are required at this stage.
•    Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for further assessment.
•    Salary scale: Grade C based on NTA Salary scale.

Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan recruitment and selection procedures reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and safeguarding of children, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees in accordance with AKF(Afg)’s safeguarding policy.

Female candidates are highly encouraged to apply.

Your details and information shared on this advertisement shall remain confidential.

The Aga Khan Foundation Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) promotes a transparent and equitable recruitment process. We reiterate that all services related to job applications, including processing, seminars, and training programs, are provided free of charge.

Our official job announcements are posted on the ACBAR website (acbar.org/jobs). Interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through our designated email address: Jobs.afghanistan@akdn.org. Please note that each job vacancy is assigned a unique identification number for your reference. After you submit your application, you will immediately receive an automatic confirmation acknowledging its receipt.

Aga Khan Foundation - Afghanistan (AKF- Afg) recruitment and selection process reflect our commitment to equal opportunity and protecting children and at-risk adults, beneficiaries, partners, community members and employees from safeguarding violations. We will do everything possible to ensure that only those who are suitable to work with children and at-risk adults are recruited to work for us. In the process of recruitment, selection and appointment AKF (Afg) implement a range of procedures and vetting checks including criminal records disclosures to ensure everyone associated with AKF (Afg) is kept free from harm and abuse is prevented.

Protection from Sexual Exploitation Abuse and Harassment (PSEAH) is the responsibility of everyone, and all selected individuals will be required to comply with AKF (Afg)s Safeguarding Policy at all times.

By sharing your cover letter and resume with AKF (Afg) in response to this job application, applicants consent AKF (Afg) to keep this information on file for Recruitment and Human Resources Management purposes.

We request all job seekers to be attentive and report any instances of individuals or entities claiming to charge fees on behalf of AKF Afghanistan to AKFA.HR@akdn.org. Our commitment to ethical practices ensures that your career aspirations are supported without any financial burden during recruitment.