Investment and Portfolio Extern

About Accion

Accion is a global nonprofit on a mission to create a fair and inclusive economy for the nearly two billion people who are failed by the global financial system. We develop and scale responsible digital financial solutions for small business owners, smallholder farmers, and women, so they can make informed decisions and improve their lives. Through targeted investment strategies, advisory solutions, and expert thought leadership, we work with local partners to develop and scale cheaper, more accessible, and customer-friendly financial solutions. Since 1961, Accion has helped build 267 financial service providers serving low-income clients in 75 countries, reaching 440 million people. More at https://www.accion.org.

About Accion Venture Lab

Accion Venture Lab is a leading early-stage investor in inclusive fintech, providing seed-first capital and strategic support to innovative startups that are meeting the financial needs of underserved people globally. Our global portfolio and local approach enable us to spot and respond to global trends faster, sharing learnings across geographies. Accion Venture Lab is an investment strategy of Accion and is managed by Accion Impact Management.

Position Responsibilities

Provide in-depth strategic and operational support to portfolio companies. This will include engaging with companies to identify areas of need, developing and scoping projects, and executing on these projects. Projects focus on growth and scale; past projects include:
• Process improvement and growth strategy for a SME lending business in India
• Customer segmentation and channel strategy for a digitized savings circle business in the US
• Product development and sales strategy for a value-chain based SME lender in Tanzania
• Grassroots marketing strategy for an innovative remittance business operating along the US-Mexico corridor
• Acquisition of wholesale debt for a mobile-money merchant payments processor and lender in Kenya
• Pricing and promotions strategy for healthcare and health insurance provider in India
• Business model evolution for a healthcare lending business in Mexico
• Support our Investment Team with sourcing and evaluating potential opportunities. This may include:
  • Responding to inbound emails from founders seeking investment
  • Collaborating with regional Investment Officers to evaluate deal opportunities
  • Assisting with the due diligence process, including financial modeling, deal preparation for investment committees, and interviewing company executives
  • Supporting the Investment Officer in deal structure and negotiation.
• Proactively develop knowledge resources and thought leadership, including supporting the Head of Community with event strategy and structure (virtual and in-person).

Position Qualifications

• Strong entrepreneurial spirit and a passion for entrepreneurship and market-based solutions to poverty.
• Strong research and analysis skills, including financial analytics.
• Outstanding relationship management skills and ability to earn respect of Accion colleagues, investors and enterprises. Existing network within impact investing and/or financial inclusion a plus.
• Exceptional written, communication and presentation skills, and comfortable moving seamlessly between boardroom and field.
• Domain expertise in financial services and/or financial inclusion, particularly financial technology, payment systems, and/or innovative delivery models.
• Experience working in or with startups or growth-stage enterprises in emerging markets.
• Relevant experience in financial services, management consulting and/or VC/PE investing.
• Language skills beyond English strongly preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

• Hourly rate: $30.00
• The above salary serves as a general guideline. Accion considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, training, skills, location, current market conditions as well as internal pay alignment.
• Accion provides a total compensation package, including base salary, discretionary merit-based bonus, and a variety of benefits including health insurance (90% employer funded), life and disability insurance, retirement plans (up to 6% employer match), paid holidays and paid time-off for vacation plus personal days as well as sick days.

Accion is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace culture. Accion seeks qualified applicants without regard to race, color, gender, sex, age, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, marital status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military and veteran status, gender identity or expression, genetic information, change of sex or transgender status, or any other basis protected by law. Accion is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.