Acumen Fund is a global non-profit venture capital fund, focused on supporting the delivery of critical goods and services at affordable prices to the four billion people earning less than four dollars a day in India, Pakistan, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Acumen Fund seeks to prove that targeted investments, combined with large doses of business acumen, can build thriving enterprises that serve vast numbers of the poor. Its country offices in India, Pakistan and Kenya work closely with the New York team to identify and support local social enterprises. Through our investments we address problems of poverty using market based approaches, demonstrating that there is a role for patient capital, intensive management assistance, and knowledge sharing at the base of the pyramid. Acumen Fund has successfully impacted over 10 million lives so far, through over $35 million invested in South Asia and Africa
(More at: www.acumenfund.org).
Acumen Fund India
First established in January 2006, Acumen Fund's India office has grown to 10 professionals managing a portfolio of approximately $18 million in investments in enterprises that serve the poor. Our goal in 2009 is to grow the portfolio to $ 25 million in investments and focus on the management assistance support we provide our companies.
Energy Portfolio is amongst the newest in Acumen Fund, launched in Q3 2007. Our investments in energy seek to improve access to affordable, safe and clean energy, or energy-efficiency devices, for the poor. With much of the first year spent building expertise in the sector and sourcing pipeline, the India portfolio now includes investments in solar/LED lighting and micro-hydro power.
Position Description
The hire will be directly responsible primarily for managing the energy portfolio in India, including current investments and the development of future investments in the sector. S/he will also be expected to play a significant role globally, helping to build on the existing energy expertise and contribute to the energy strategy in the organization.
Specific responsibilities include:
Portfolio Development and Investment Management
- Managing relationships along with the India Director of current Acumen investees in the Energy sector including providing post-investment management support to current investees;
- Managing relationships with other Acumen stakeholders in the sector including prospective investees, peers, advisors, thought leaders and technical experts;
- Identifying new investment opportunities and carrying out due diligence and financial analysis;
- Leading investment structuring and negotiations with the requisite input from the India Country Director and legal advisors;
- Preparing, presenting and maintaining detailed investment documentation for Acumen Fund Senior Management, Investment Committee, and Board of Directors.
- Actively contribute to the Global Energy Portfolio team by sharing knowledge, supporting team members in their due diligence and informing the strategy.
Business Development
- Working with the India Country Director to build strategic alliances within the country to help meet Acumen Fund objectives, as well strengthening engagement with advisors, partners and other key supporters.
- Participating in fundraising and communication activities to strengthen Acumen Fund objectives in India.
The Energy Portfolio Manager will report to the Country Director, Acumen Fund India.
Qualifications
Candidates for the India Energy Portfolio Manager role should have a passionate commitment to solving the toughest problems of poverty, strong entrepreneurial spirit, and excellent communications and networking skills. Strong candidates will have a blend of private sector and non-profit experience, as well as experience in business management, finance/investing, and clean energy. They will have very strong organizational skills and an ability to manage and deliver projects independently and proactively in a fast-paced work environment. They will also have the entrepreneurial drive to take an idea and turn it into a high-quality finished product through assertive risk-taking and innovation.
- Extensive business/finance experience and experience working in the clean energy sector with 7-10 years of work experience in the same.
- A passionate commitment to Acumen Fund's mission of tackling issues of poverty.
- A strong entrepreneurial spirit.
- A proven ability to project manage/execute.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills; ability to present arguments and analysis in a clear and succinct manner to Acumen Fund management, partners and investees.
- Excellent interpersonal skills; ability to work well in a team and successfully interact with corporate and non-profit partners, as well as end low-income clients in the field.
- Fluency in English and Hindi. Knowledge of other Indian languages a plus.
- Commitment to accuracy, attention to detail and follow-through.
- Commitment to and enthusiasm for Acumen Fund's mission and business model, and respect for the organization's core values: generosity, accountability, humility, audacity, listening, leadership, and respect
- A master's degree in a relevant field (i.e., MBA, ME, MSc, MPA, MPP) will be a plus.
Candidates who cannot demonstrate strong knowledge and relevant experience in the energy sector are advised not to apply for this position.
Compensation
Acumen Fund offers a competitive compensation package, commensurate with experience.
Location
Hyderabad, India
To Apply
Send a cover letter and resume to Shahela Sajanlal at ssajanlal@acumenfund.org, with "Application for Portfolio Manager India" in the subject line.
Unfortunately due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those for whom a possible match is identified.
