VC Principal @ Africa Climate Ventures in Nairobi, Kenya

Africa Climate Ventures is seeking a VC Principal in Nairobi, Kenya, to lead investment strategy and support portfolio companies focused on climate-positive growth in Africa. Responsibilities include overseeing due diligence, managing investments, providing strategic guidance, and building stakeholder relationships. The ideal candidate has at least 8 years of relevant experience, strong analytical skills, and a commitment to addressing climate change. The position allows for flexibility and requires some travel within Africa.
Africa Climate Ventures (ACV) is a venture builder focused on starting, growing, and investing in companies that drive climate positive growth across Africa. Our mission is to address the urgent need to tackle climate change by supporting the development and scale African companies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable economic growth while bringing jobs and prosperity to the Continent.

Job Purpose:

As a Principal at ACV, you will join an innovative and committed leadership team. You will spend your days shaping ACV’s portfolio and rolling-up your sleeves to work alongside founders in building world changing businesses across the continent. Principals at ACV work closely with the Executive Team, Investment Committee, and our portfolio companies and play a big role in shaping investment strategy, overseeing due diligence, guiding and growing our ventures, and interacting with the broader climate and investment communities.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Leadership:

· Work closely with ACV executives and the Investment Committee to refine our portfolio approach and strategy.

· Lead the development and management of ACV’s portfolio and pipeline, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.

Investment Management:

· Oversee due diligence teams in assessing potential investments and structuring deals.

· Lead the preparation of investment committee presentations and anchor presentations for approval of deals.

· Drive the execution of deals, from initial review through to closing.

Venture Support & Growth:

· Provide strategic guidance to portfolio companies, supporting them in developing financial systems, budgeting, and capital planning.

· Lead efforts in securing subsequent funding rounds for portfolio companies.

· Develop and execute strategies for successful exits of ACV positions and portfolio companies.

Relationship Management:

· Build and maintain networks with financial services providers, investors, and key stakeholders.

· Act as a key representative for ACV at industry events and forums, promoting our mission and portfolio.

Our Ideal candidate:

Experience:

· Minimum of 8 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, venture capital, or a related field.

· Significant transaction experience, including structuring, negotiating, and closing investments.

· Experience on both the buy and sell side of transactions is desirable.

· Experience working in African markets with a deep understanding of the economic, political, and regulatory landscape.

· Strong network of relationships within financial services and investment communities in Africa.

· Demonstrated commitment to addressing climate change and experience with climate finance structures is highly desirable.

Skills:

· Exceptional analytical, financial modeling, and deal structuring skills.

· Ability to lead and manage multiple projects simultaneously with a results-driven mindset.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.

· Proactive, self-starter with the ability to thrive in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Travel:

· Willingness to travel 20-30% of the time within Africa to engage with ventures, partners, and stakeholders.

Location:

Flexible. The right candidate might join one of our hubs in Kigali, Nairobi, or Johannesburg or extend our reach by giving us a local presence in another African city.

Compensation:

Principals both earn a competitive base salary and vest into shares in ACVs permanent capital vehicle.

Application Procedure:

If you are passionate about climate positive growth for Africa and meet the qualifications, please submit to jobs@africaclimateventures.com with the subject line “Principal – Africa Climate Ventures.”
• Your resume / CV
• A cover letter
• An essay (max 500 words) describing how your addition to our team will expand our capabilities, accelerate our impact, and increase the ROI for our investors

We are an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews. Competitive salary and benefits are commensurate with experience.