Principal Director, Frontier Investments Group

Frontier seeks an experienced investment professional to serve as Principal Director to grow and manage the fund in partnership with the current Principal Director. With a proven track record of getting in and getting out of investments (ideally early stage and in emerging markets), you will find your skills and experience well utilized, investing in companies that will radically enhance the efficiency, reach and scope of financial services at the base of the economic pyramid. Working in a fast growing, entrepreneurial environment, you will help Frontier expand its existing portfolio and set the stage for the raise of a third party fund, leveraging ACCION’s anchor investment. You will be responsible for generating deal flow, building relationships with peer investors, structuring investments, serving on boards and creating exit opportunities. You will be supported by a close-knit and talented group of investment professionals whose common mission is to create new opportunities for aspiring social entrepreneurs in the emerging markets Frontier targets, with a particular focus in India and SE Asia.

Frontier Investments is an early stage equity fund focused on catalyzing breakthrough innovation in financial inclusion. Sponsored by ACCION International, Frontier invests in new technologies and disruptive business models that can powerfully enhance the way financial services are delivered to the poor. Frontier bridges the gap between purely philanthropic and for-profit investing, drawing on best practices in both arenas to generate balanced financial returns and high-impact social gains. Frontier Investments leverages private equity best practices and ACCION’s four decades of experience in emerging markets—including feet-on-the-ground and institutional relationships in four continents. For more information, please go to www.accion.org/frontier.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Manage the entire investment life cycle including pipeline generation, due diligence (leading a deal team), term sheet negotiation, preparation (in consult with legal counsel and syndicate) of investment document, governance and exit;
• Prepare investment proposals and term sheets;
• Structure and negotiate investments and ultimately, the sale of equity positions in Frontier’s current portfolio;
• Mentor Frontier Investment team members to sharpen their skill sets in early stage equity investing and ensure efficient execution of investment mandates;
• Prepare annual audit reports and quarterly portfolio reports for potential shareholders consistent with industry standards for performance reporting;
• Provide value-added guidance and oversight of investments, including representing ACCION on boards, meetings with management and co-investors, collection / monitoring of performance indicators, and participation in governance trainings;
• Develop and implement exit strategies divestment schedules for mature investee companies, identifying potential buyers and value maximization strategies;
• Represent Frontier at selected conferences, workshops, and professional meetings; and

Build and maintain relationships with potential funders, supporting all phases of the fundraising process.

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Early stage equity investing: accomplished investment professional from the venture capital / PE-investing industry with a solid track record of successfully closing deals, helping early-stage business scale, and managing exits in emerging markets
• Emerging markets links (particularly India): is from or has worked /lived in India or one of the core emerging markets Frontier targets, has strong relationships /networks with other investors, managers and strategic partners there in the financial services industry value chain (banks, payment processors/platforms, money transfer organizations).
• Relevant domain expertise (fin tech): operational experience in financial service technology (fin tech) would be ideal, or at least understanding of financial services, payment systems, and information-communication-technology sectors
• Mission-driven, team player: is motivated by our vision of financial inclusion. What matters most is that the person be a team player, deferential (especially of those that might be less accustomed to western terms/ways of doing business), and someone who understands the challenges of investing in the markets we serve. Current team is not looking to necessarily maximize assets under management, but rather to build best-in-class companies will expand and enhance financial service delivery at the base of the pyramid.
• Availability for frequent travel and willingness to live in one of Frontier’s target markets for some period of time to screen deal flow and support companies post investment.
• Professional communication skills (written and oral) in English and (ideally) Spanish; additional languages desirable, including major Indian and African dialects.
• Capable of preparing, conducting and reviewing a variety of financial analytics including financial statements and projections.
• Board and/or investment committee experience highly desirable.
• Desire to work in a collaborative, high-performing team environment, building relationships with other team members and managing a range of responsibilities.
• At least 15+ years of work experience.

How to Apply: Please submit letter of interest and resume online at www.accion.org

About ACCION:

ACCION International is a private, nonprofit organization with the mission of giving people the financial tools they need—microenterprise loans, business training and other financial services—to help work their way out of poverty. A world pioneer in microfinance, ACCION was founded in 1961 and issued its first microloan in 1973 in Brazil. Over time, ACCION has helped build 62 microfinance institutions in 31 countries on four continents. Those institutions are currently reaching millions of clients. In the United States, the U.S. ACCION Network is the largest microfinance lending network in the country and has served tens of thousands of clients with over $275 million in loans since the inception of its pilot program in 1991. For more information, visit www.accion.org.