Investment Analyst

About the role

The role coordinates the sourcing, evaluation, and oversight of impact investments to support portfolio growth and decision-making for Acumen West Africa. It serves as a key analytical position within the Lagos-based team, translating complex data into actionable insights for the Investment Committee and broader portfolio strategy.

Analysts turn data into clear answers. They pull numbers, clean data, build dashboards, and explain what changed and why. The work supports decisions across sales, product, marketing, and operations. Strong analysts pair technical skill with business curiosity. Analysts are the bridge between data and decisions. Most analysts own recurring reports and are expected to improve them over time.

Key facts

What you'll do

Sourcing and pipeline development identify high-potential investment opportunities that deliver critical services to underserved populations across West Africa.

Market and trend analysis is conducted to assess deal flow, evaluate industry dynamics, and build relationships that expand the quality investment pipeline.

Financial and social impact evaluation is performed using financial modeling, valuation techniques, and risk assessment to review companies from both return and impact perspectives.

Qualitative and quantitative review of the deal pipeline applies critical thinking and analytical skills to surface unique business models and value propositions.

Investment memoranda preparation results in clear, compelling narratives and recommendations presented to the Investment Committee for review and decision.

Due diligence execution structures transactions and documents findings in collaboration with legal counsel to ensure terms reflect appropriate risk and return profiles.

Portfolio performance support collects, analyzes, and reports data related to financial results and social outcomes for Acumen West Africa's investment portfolio.

Strategic partnership initiatives contribute to fundraising efforts and the development of productive relationships with funders and operators.

Network cultivation within the impact investing community builds and maintains relationships with partners, investees, and stakeholders to advance shared goals.

External communication pieces develop insight and content for audiences beyond the team to highlight impact, innovation, and sector trends.

Requirements

A Bachelor's degree in finance, business, or a related field is required.

Authorization to work in Nigeria on a permanent basis is mandatory for this position.

A minimum of 2 years of investing or underwriting experience in private companies is required.

Demonstrated ability to analyze financial statements, model future scenarios, and run sensitivity analyses on key assumptions is required.

Nice to have

Prior experience in the social enterprise sector, with a strong commitment to serving low-income populations, is preferred.

Skills & tools

Strong verbal and written communication enables clear storytelling about impact and investment decisions.

Collaboration across diverse teams seeks and incorporates constructive feedback to refine analysis and strategy.

Resilience supports performance in a fast-moving, ambiguous environment with evolving priorities.

Initiative drives independent delivery of high-quality projects under pressure with proactive problem-solving.

Practical notes

This role is based in the Lagos office and reports to a senior Portfolio Lead.

The work demands moral imagination, empathy, and rigorous analytical judgment in line with Acumen's values.

Typical interview steps

Analyst interviews often include a SQL or spreadsheet exercise, a case question, and behavioral rounds. Candidates may be asked to analyze a dataset, define a metric, or estimate an outcome. Presenting findings clearly is tested as often as the analysis itself. Interviewers often test speed and clarity with a timed exercise. Explaining what the numbers mean, not just what they are, is the differentiator.

Good to know

Impact investing focuses on generating social and financial returns for underserved communities.

Private equity style due diligence is common when evaluating early-stage companies in emerging markets.

Financial modeling and sensitivity analysis are core tools for assessing investment viability.

Cross-functional collaboration is typical when coordinating with portfolio companies and strategy teams.

Mission-driven organizations often evaluate both impact outcomes and financial performance.

Clear written communication is essential for preparing investment memos and external narratives.