INVESTMENT ASSOCIATE (PRE-INVESTMENT)
JOHANNESBURG
12 MONTH FIXED TERM CONTRACT
OUTLINE
DEADLINE: 11 NOVEMBER 2026
Department – Pre-Investment Unit
Reports to – Head of Pre-Investment
Overview:
To conduct structured preliminary technical, commercial, financial, compliance and risk screening of funding applications, strengthen investment readiness, and prepare well packaged opportunities for progression to the Funds and Regions. In addition, apply deal-making judgment to determine whether financial structuring is feasible and aligned with risk appetite.
Responsibilities:
Eligibility and Mandate Assessment
Assess applications against the mandate, product criteria and sector priorities
Identify misaligned or non-fundable applications at an early stage
Confirm strategic fit and developmental impact alignment
Assess total exposure and eligibility thresholds
Technical Assessment
Evaluate the operational feasibility of proposed projects, including:
CAPEX reasonability and alignment with project scope.
Project implementation timelines and key execution milestones.
Infrastructure readiness, including land, utilities, and logistics access.
Supplier arrangements and input availability.
Production capacity, scalability, and operational efficiency.
Management and technical capability to execute the project.
Compliance with sector regulatory requirements and permits.
Technology suitability and operational processes (where applicable).
Operational risks that may affect implementation or sustainability.
Job creation projections and alignment with developmental objectives.
Commercial and Market Assessment
Assess industry outlook, market demand and competitive positioning.
Evaluate pricing sustainability and business model resilience.
Analyse route-to-market strategies and distribution channels.
Validate demand through contracts, letters of intent or off-take agreements.
Assess market concentration, cyclicality and seasonal risks.
Financial Assessment
Develop and interrogate financial models to assess:
Revenue and cost assumptions
Contribution margins and break-even analysis
Working capital adequacy
Cash flow sustainability
Debt service capacity (DSCR)
Sensitivity analysis (base, upside and downside scenarios)
Funding structure suitability
Return indicators (ROI / IRR where applicable)
Compliance and Governance Screening
Conduct preliminary compliance checks including PEP and delinquency screening.
Verify legal entity status and ownership documentation.
Identify potential conflicts of interest.
Highlight governance weaknesses and regulatory gaps.
Identify ESG and environmental compliance risks.
Assess the applicant’s (company and shareholders) existing exposure in relation to previously approved funding.
Flag legal and regulatory gaps.
Risk Identification and Mitigation
Identify key credit, operational and market risks
Assess structural weaknesses in deal configuration
Propose risk mitigation strategies prior to progression
Ensure risk areas are clearly articulated for Fund-level due diligence
Deal Packaging and Recommendation
Prepare comprehensive pre-investment screening reports.
Structure transactions in accordance with requirements and governance requirements.
Ensure transactions are at least 80% investment-ready before referral.
Ensure transactions are substantially investment-ready before referral.
Present vetted transactions at internal pipeline forums.
Provide recommendations on application outcomes.
Minimum Requirements:
Experience/Skills Required:
Minimum 4–7 years proven deal-making experience in:
Corporate finance
Private equity
Investment banking
Development finance
Structured lending
Demonstrated track record in:
Financial modelling and valuation
Structuring investment transactions
Preparing investment committee memoranda
Negotiating term sheets
Identifying and mitigating investment risks.
Market, technical and industry analysis to support investment decision-making.
Prior deal execution experience is essential.
Qualifications…