Summer Associate, Project Finance

Description

Africa50 is an infrastructure investor and asset manager that contributes to Africa's growth by developing and investing in bankable projects, catalysing public sector capital, and mobilizing private sector funding. Africa50 has raised over US$1 billion so far from 33 African countries, the African Development Bank, two African Central Banks and Africa’s largest pension fund. Africa50 has an independent investment process and seeks to generate commercial risk adjusted returns for its investments across key infrastructure sectors.

Africa50 - Project Finance Team

Africa50’s Project Finance team invests minority equity in late-stage infrastructure projects and growth platforms across Africa. The team partners with sponsors and developers to structure and execute transactions in sectors such as power, transport, ICT, and social infrastructure, delivering sustainable impact and competitive returns.

The relatively small size of the Africa50 PF group offers Interns the opportunity to work closely with senior members of the firm and to have interactions with management teams and external advisors.

The Summer Associate shall also be allocated a buddy / mentor to connect with regularly over the internship.

Principal Responsibilities

This internship allows you to be a part of the growth story of a dynamic and growing pan-African organization. You will learn the fundamentals of infrastructure investing and improve your analytical skills, within an entrepreneurial environment. Summer Associates are fully integrated into the team and have the opportunity to participate in key aspects of infrastructure investing.

The Summer Associate will :

Participate in the development of a strong pipeline of opportunities by anticipating market trends and employing sector / sponsor / country knowledge

Conduct financial modeling and valuation of potential investments

Coordinate and drive various workstreams across due diligence (financial, commercial, legal, technical, ESG)

Participate in negotiations with sponsors

Prepare project-related documents for internal and external audiences

Contribute to monitoring portfolio companies and analyzing potential exit opportunities.

Candidate Profile

Required background

• MBA or MSc Finance finalists or recent graduates.
• Over 4 years’ experience in investment banking (M&A), private equity or similar roles
• Strong modeling and valuation skills; experience in emerging markets preferred.
• Investing experience in power, mid-stream gas, transportation, communication, healthcare, education or fintech sectors is a plus

Essential Qualities

Positive attitude

High Integrity

Strong work ethic

Self-starter. High sense of initiative

Clarity of thought and action

Demonstrated excellence and track record of high performance

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Interest in Africa50’s mission, strategy and values

Strong connection to Africa and intent to have Africa focused career

Significant relevant work experience : At least 4 years of equity investor or similar experience

Solid knowledge of business strategy, accounting, finance and valuation

Strong financial modeling skills (growth equity / private equity experience preferred)

Knowledge of Africa50 investment sector trends (power, ICT, midstream gas, transportation, healthcare, education and fintech) and experience in emerging markets, especially Africa, is a plus

Superb organizational and deal management capabilities. Ability to multitask is critical

Ability to interact directly and independently with the senior management of portfolio companies

Strong inter-personal skills, ability to interact effectively with sponsors, partners and colleagues from various cultural backgrounds; living experience in emerging countries is a plus

Culturally sensitive and able to relate to people of diverse backgrounds

Genuine commitment to sustainable development.

Deep understanding of how investments are executed and structured

Sound knowledge of legal, financial, tax and regulatory matters

Fluent English (French is a plus)

Location

Position is based in Casablanca, Morocco, with flexible working arrangements.

Candidates should be willing to travel regularly.

Application