About this role
About the CompanyAllan & Gill Gray Philanthropy Rwanda (AGGPR) has embarked on a journey to develop responsible entrepreneurs across the African continent in the service of the common good.
Our Vision is an empowered, prosperous, productively engaged African citizenry thriving in ethical societies with dignity and hope.
Our Mission is to attack poverty by investing in, nurturing, and empowering responsible entrepreneurs and leaders who benefit society by helping to accelerate meaningful employment creation, while embodying the values and behaviors of ethical leadership.
Our Values are long-term commitment, spirit of humility and significance, excellence, responsible stewards, and diversity and inclusion.
Jasiri, one of AGGPR’s main programs, invests in, nurtures, and empowers entrepreneurs who benefit society and attack poverty through the creation of high-impact new businesses, creating new markets on the African continent.
Jasiri Talent Investor is a one-year program for high-potential individuals who display exceptional entrepreneurial potential to form part of a community of high-impact, responsible entrepreneurs growing businesses from scratch. Participants are funded and guided through a process of team formation, idea generation, business validation, and market entry. The program introduces Jasiri Fellows to equally ambitious co-founders and supports them on an individual, team, and business level through seasoned Facilitators and Coaches.
Jasiri Growth Accelerator invests in early stages, high-potential startups that may still be too risky for commercial funders to invest in. Early-stage ventures with potential for high growth and demonstrated product-market fit are provided with funding to support their growth and assisted with investor readiness.
Wavumbuzi – a Jasiri pipeline building program – is a free annual six-week online entrepreneurship challenge focused on developing the entrepreneurial mindset of secondary/high school learners throughout the country. The challenge is designed to equip students with competencies to be the next generation of global leaders, change-makers, and innovative thinkers.
About the RoleWe are seeking an experienced Investment Specialist to strengthen the investment readiness and fundraising capacity of Jasiri Growth Accelerator ventures. This role focuses on monitoring portfolio performance, identifying risks, and implementing mitigation strategies.
The ideal candidate will leverage deep investor networks and proven deal-making experience to connect ventures with funding opportunities, guide tailored financing strategies, and deliver investor readiness programs. Acting as a strategic link to the JGA program team, the specialist ensures alignment and measurable impact on venture growth.
Duration: This is a 6-month, part-time consulting engagement with the possibility of extension based on performance and results.
What You Will DoPortfolio Performance Monitoring:
Track venture performance, identify underperforming ventures, and analyze root causes.
Develop and implement performance improvement plans in collaboration with the JGA program team.
Risk Assessment & Mitigation:
Conduct comprehensive risk assessments across the portfolio.
Design and implement mitigation strategies for identified risks, ensuring ventures remain on track for growth.
Investor Readiness & Engagement:
Deliver investor readiness components to JGA ventures, including data room preparation and pitch preparation, financial modeling, and due diligence support.
Act as a bridge between ventures and investors, leveraging deep networks to facilitate introductions and engagement.
Funding Strategy Development:
Work closely with ventures to develop tailored funding sourcing strategies aligned with their growth objectives.
Advise ventures on capital structure, deal terms, and negotiation strategies.
Investor Network Development:
Utilize existing investor relationships and networks to create opportunities for JGA ventures.
Organize investor engagement activities such as deal rooms, networking sessions, and one-on-one introductions.
Collaboration with JGA Program Team:
Collaborate with the JGA team to ensure alignment between investment strategies and program objectives.
Provide regular updates and insights on portfolio performance and fundraising progress.
Regulatory Presentations to Committees:
Prepare and deliver regular presentations to the Executive Committee and Investment Committee on portfolio health, investment performance, and key risks/opportunities.
What You HaveAn undergraduate degree in accounting or finance is required.
Alternatively, a relevant postgraduate qualification (e.g., MSc, MBA, or equivalent) in accounting, finance, or a related field will be considered.
5+ years of experience closing deals and supporting startups through fundraising.
Proven track record in investment, venture capital, or private equity, with particular focus on dealmaking for Seed to Series A.
Solid understanding of startup financing instruments, term sheets, cap tables, and investor rights.
Strong network of investors and financial institutions.
Familiarity with East African startup ecosystems and investor landscapes is a strong advantage.
Ability to assess business models, growth strategies, and financial health.
Strong financial analysis and modeling skills, including valuation of early-revenue companies (SAFE, convertible notes, and equity structures).
Practical experience with investment due diligence processes, investment committee materials, and post-investment portfolio support.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present investment cases clearly to internal and external stakeholders.
Key Performance IndicatorsMonthly portfolio performance reports highlighting risks and mitigation plans.
Investor readiness training sessions for ventures.
Funding strategy documents for each venture.
Investor engagement plan and execution report.
Quarterly Portfolio Valuation Analysis report.
Final report summarizing outcomes, lessons learned, and recommendations
Preparation and submission of all required materials for Investment Committee meetings, including investment memos, portfolio health summaries, risk assessments, and recommendations for investment decisions.
Collaboration Lines With JGA: Strategic link to the JGA program team to ensure alignment and measurable impact on venture growth.
With M&E: Co-designs indicators for Investor readiness, feeds venture-level data into portfolio dashboards.
With Ecosystems and Partnerships Manager: Create a platform for peer learning to strengthen alumni ties and create a support ecosystem around funding readiness.