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Investment Associate, Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

at Open Society Foundation in Nairobi, Kenya. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Mexico City, Mexico

About the Job

Role Title: Investment Associate

Contract Type: Regular

Reporting To: Managing Director, Investments

Program/Department/Unit Name: Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

Location: Mexico City (Mexico), Rio de Janeiro (Brazil), or Nairobi (Kenya). (This is a hybrid position with the successful candidate expected to spend 50% of their time in the office)

Team Name: Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF)

SEDF is seeking an Investment Associate, to be based at Open Society offices in either Mexico City (Mexico), Rio di Janeiro (Brazil), or Nairobi (Kenya). The Associate will report to SEDF’s Managing Director of Investments and work closely with SEDF’s Investment Principals and Strategy/Impact teams. SEDF Investment Associates support the identification, development and diligence of new investment opportunities. They also contribute to the management of SEDF’s active portfolio. SEDF Associates are flexible, driven, and passionate about advancing socio-economic impact through the deployment of private capital. Because SEDF works globally and across numerous themes, Associates tend to be generalists. Deeper expertise in one or more region or relevant theme is an advantage but is not required.

Key Responsibilities

  • Support the development of investment themes and strategies.
  • Lead relevant landscaping and benchmarking exercises to identify and develop new investment opportunities in line with SEDF’s investment strategies.
  • Support the management of investment processes, including: Ensuring all deals and deal details are properly catalogued in SEDF’s database and other management systems at every stage of the investment process. Drafting investment recommendations, from screening notes and concept notes to final investment memos.
  • Contribute to due diligence, including Supporting Investment Principals and the Managing Director in developing and executing diligence workplans. Developing financial models and financial analysis. Undertaking risk analysis. Contributing to impact and ESG analysis.
  • Contribute to forging strategic partnerships for SEDF at the portfolio and individual deal levels, both within Open Society Foundations and externally with key stakeholders, including impact investors, family offices, MDBs/DFIs, and expert consultants.
  • Support asset management, including overseeing creative ways to add value to SEDF investees.
  • Contribute to the refinement and improvement of SEDF’s investment processes and systems, as needed, including memos and documentation, reporting, and database management.

Qualifications

The Ideal Candidate

  • Strong dedication to advancing impact through investment and private sector engagement.
  • At least 5-7 years of experience in private-sector banking or investment, leading investment transactions, ideally with exposure to Emerging Markets/Global South.
  • Proven track record of successfully leading—and closing—all stages of due diligence for direct equity and debt investments as well as investments through intermediaries/funds.
  • Ability to source and screen investment opportunities against an impact strategy.
  • Ability to undertake sophisticated financial modelling, risk and financial analysis, due diligence, valuations, and structuring.
  • Experience with asset management.
  • Strong commitment to Open Society’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity.
  • Excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.
Apply Now

Open Society Foundation

The Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. To achieve this goal, we award numerous grants annually to global entities and individuals dedicated to promoting tolerance, transparency, and open discourse. Additionally, we actively pursue strategic human rights litigation and impact investing, while fostering innovation and engaging directly with governments and policymakers through advocacy to drive positive change.

The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) is the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations. SEDF deploys patient, risk-tolerant, and catalytic capital to support vibrant, inclusive, and sustainable democracies worldwide. Working across sectors and geographies, the team invests in businesses, funds, platforms, and nonprofit organizations that generate meaningful social impact while advancing Open Society's mission.

We're built on six core values that guide our work. Collaboration encourages teamwork, trust, and open communication. We actively listen and share information to achieve shared goals. Commitment drives us to deliver impactful outcomes for those we support, embrace innovation and take necessary risks. Humility reminds us to listen and consider different perspectives, fostering continuous learning. Inclusivity focuses on advancing diversity and equity in all aspects of our work, enhancing our strength and impact. Integrity guides us to act ethically and honestly, holding ourselves accountable and maintaining our reputation. Finally, Respect ensures everyone's right to dignity, valuing each of our unique contributions. Together, these values support our work to build open societies.

We are committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences, particularly those from marginalized and underrepresented groups. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications, without any discrimination based on race, gender, age, religion, or other protected characteristics. We welcome all qualified applicants who share our vision of advancing justice, democratic governance, and human rights worldwide.

What We Offer

  • Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
  • Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
  • Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
  • Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
  • Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
  • Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
  • Free, healthy, world-cuisine-style lunches or tokens (where our office does not have the scale for café facilities).
  • A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.