About Us
AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a leading non-profit development organization supporting innovative agribusiness and renewable energy enterprises to reduce rural poverty, promote resilient communities, and create jobs.
We catalyze the private sector by surfacing and commercializing new ideas, business models, and technologies designed to increase agricultural productivity, improve farmer incomes, expand clean energy access, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and improve resilience to the effects of climate change. We finance high-risk businesses that struggle to access commercial funding. We are committed to working in frontier markets, fragile contexts, and high-risk economies where few mainstream financing institutions dare to go.
Over 17 years, we have supported 536 businesses in 27 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, impacted more than 36 million lives, created over 35,000 direct jobs, and leveraged US$840 million in matching funds.
The Role
The Senior Analyst – Strategic Business Development will play a pivotal role in advancing AECF’s challenge fund-driven impact investment and fundraising strategy in West Africa. The Analyst will lead market intelligence efforts, cultivate strategic partnerships, and support opportunity, origination, and proposal development aligned with AECF’s core investment themes. This role is ideal for a dynamic, bilingual professional with strong analytical capabilities, a solid understanding of development finance, and a passion for mobilizing private sector solutions for sustainable development.
This role will report to the Director West Africa.
Key Responsibilities
Market Intelligence and Opportunity Sourcing
- Conduct market research and landscape analyses to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks across West Africa’s impact investment ecosystem.
- Map and maintain an up-to-date database of strategic partners, funders, and investees across the region.
- Track donor priorities, funding trends, and co-investment opportunities aligned with AECF’s sectors and geographies.
Strategic Partnerships and Proposal Development
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the international development and impact investing ecosystem in the region, leveraging these networks to identify and position AECF for new partnership and funding opportunities.
- Support the preparation of high-quality funding proposals, pitch decks, and concept notes for bilateral, multilateral, and philanthropic partners.
- Collaborate with AECF teams to design challenge funds and technical assistance structures that respond to funder and market needs.
- Prepare donor-facing documentation (e.g. slide decks, memos, background briefs) and support relationship management.
- Contribute to impact measurement frameworks and ensure alignment with funder expectations and global standards.
Internal Coordination and Thought Leadership
- Support the Director West Africa in internal reporting, coordination with HQ, and participation in strategic planning sessions.
- Responsible for the marketing and promotional content of AECF West Africa: coordinate and communicate closely with the comms teams, provide marketing plans, and be responsible for the brand building and promotion in West Africa.
- Represent AECF in regional forums, investor roundtables, and donor meetings, as needed.
- Contribute to learning products, case studies, and communications pieces to highlight AECF’s work and influence sector dialogue.
Suitable candidates should:
- Possess aBachelor’s Degree in economics, finance, development studies, business administration, or related field.
- Have at least seven (7) years of experience in impact investing, development finance, management consulting, or donor-funded programs.
- Possess experience and interest in the following topics: climate adaptation and resilience; economic development, agriculture, digital and financial inclusion, diversity, equity & inclusion, or infrastructure.
- Demonstrate the ability to prepare high-quality funding proposals, pitch materials, or investment documents.
- Have research and analysis skills, including familiarity with SME finance, blended finance, and private sector development.
- Possess excellent writing and communication skills in both English and French.
- Have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- Have advanced knowledge in Outlook, Word, and Excel.
How to apply
The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
If you believe you can clearly demonstrate your abilities to meet the relevant criteria for the role, register and apply on: https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org . To be considered, your application must be received by: 24th June 2025.
For more information, please visit our careers page on www.aecfafrica.org
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
