Investment Associate

Company Description Systemiq is a system change company and certified B Corp, driving the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. We work across five critical systems—energy, nature and food, materials and circular economy, sustainable finance, and urban transformation—to deliver real, lasting impact. We believe systems change starts with people change. That means curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work.

Since our start in 2016, we have grown to more than 300+ people working across locations in Brazil, Germany, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, UK and the US. We are a pure-play sustainability-focused company, dedicated exclusively to sustainability projects.

Investment Associate – P4F (Kenya)

Location: Kenya
Contract: 12 month FTC ( very likely to extend to a more Permanent contract)
Platform Lead: Nature & Food

About the Role: Investment Associate, P4F (East Africa)

The Investment Associate will be embedded in the East Africa regional team and will report to the Africa Investment Manager. You will play a critical role in identifying, shaping, and supporting high-impact forest-friendly grant and technical assistance investments within the Partnerships for Forests (P4F) programme, which runs until January 2030.

This role demands a combination of strategic insight, investment analysis, financial modelling, stakeholder

Key Responsibilities

Pipeline Development & Opportunity Analysis

• Shape a strategic and balanced regional project pipeline together with the Regional Manager.
• Assess new opportunities through robust investment analysis in line with programme criteria.
• Develop financial/technical factsheets and insights on value chains and pipeline opportunities.
  
  

Investment Analysis & Proposal Development

• Lead development of investor-ready business plans, including financial modelling and commercial strategy.
• Support other Project Officers in designing documents for committee approval.
• Advise on partnership structuring, roles, risks, and expected impact outcomes.
  
  

Project Implementation Support

• Lead development of projects in line with Project Officer responsibilities.
• Deliver ongoing problem-solving support to approved projects as they progress toward scale and investment readiness.
• Contribute to regional strategic planning and reporting.
• Manage and develop the East Africa investment network, in collaboration with the Africa Investment Manager.
• Manage TA resources and grant implementation linked to commercial strategy and investment mobilisation.
  
  

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work with a broad range of partners including private-sector actors, governments, civil society, and donors.
• Coordinate closely with Systemiq's partners, including Palladium (Feker Tadese will take part in partner interviews).

Mindset, Skills & Experience We Are Looking For

Essential

• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills, including financial modelling.
• Prior management consulting experience.
• Experience developing business cases, commercial strategies, and financial models.
• Excellent verbal and written communication in English.
• Experience delivering high-quality outputs under tight deadlines.
• Experience working with multiple stakeholders across sectors (private, government, civil society).
• Knowledge of sustainability, markets, and supply chains.
• Strong personal qualities: integrity, results orientation, inclusiveness, and resilience.
• Comfortable with regional travel.
• Master's degree in economics, engineering, sciences or similar.

Desirable

• 2+ years' advisory/consulting/project experience in international or high-calibre environments.
• Experience with DFID/FCDO-funded programmes.
• Grant management experience in development contexts.
• Experience in agricultural or forest commodities (e.g., cocoa, coffee, palm oil, timber, soy).
• French or East African languages.
  
  

Candidate Profile

You are mission-driven and passionate about sustainability, combining analytical strength with relationship-building capability. You thrive in entrepreneurial settings and are excited by the opportunity to contribute to meaningful system change in East Africa's landscapes and markets.

Additional Information

• Applications from candidates legally eligible to work in Kenya will be considered.
• Visa sponsorship/relocation costs will not be provided

Diversity & Inclusion At Systemiq, we believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to system change and our mission. We are committed to:

• Embedding diverse and inclusive practices in all aspects of our work, including recruitment, performance management, and people processes and policies.
• Providing a supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and perform at their best, regardless of background, personality, gender, sexual orientation, race, mental health, religion, or other characteristics.
• Supporting our people through all life stages, accommodating personal priorities, and promoting a sustainable approach to work and life.

Reward and Recognition The remuneration and benefits package will reflect the successful candidate's experience and expertise.

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