Senior Associate, Private Finance

Job Posting Organization:
The Clinton Health Access Initiative, Inc. (CHAI) is a global health organization founded in 2002, dedicated to saving lives and reducing the burden of disease in low- and middle-income countries. CHAI operates in over 40 countries and employs a diverse team of individuals who are committed to improving health systems. The organization initially focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but has since expanded its mission to include a variety of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. CHAI works closely with governments and the private sector to create sustainable health systems and maximize impact at scale, ensuring that solutions are led by governments and designed for national implementation. CHAI values diversity and inclusion, recognizing that a diverse workforce enhances its mission and effectiveness.

Job Overview:
The Senior Associate will play a pivotal role in CHAI’s Health Systems Strengthening group, specifically within the Private Finance capability. This position focuses on catalyzing private investment into health systems in sub-Saharan Africa, addressing the structural bottlenecks that hinder capital flow to high-impact health services. The role involves building relationships with private healthcare providers, understanding their financing needs, and leveraging CHAI’s network to design and implement financing structures that can be replicated across various markets. The Senior Associate will work independently in a remote environment, requiring strong analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to communicate effectively with senior stakeholders. This position is not a traditional NGO role; it emphasizes building a scalable private finance platform to unlock capital for health impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:
The Senior Associate will be responsible for several key functions: (i) Developing a deep understanding of high-potential health companies and their financing constraints in sub-Saharan Africa, including managing a sourcing and screening pipeline to prioritize investment-ready businesses. (ii) Designing, piloting, and scaling blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms to unlock investment in health systems, working with various stakeholders to create tailored financing structures. (iii) Providing targeted transaction support to high-impact companies, including refining financial models and facilitating investor outreach. (iv) Supporting communication and strategic projects related to CHAI’s Private Finance work, including developing presentations and advising on opportunities to mobilize private capital for health impact.

Required Qualifications:
Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field, with a CFA or equivalent being a plus. They should have 4-7 years of full-time experience in venture capital, growth equity, investment banking, private equity, corporate finance, transaction advisory, or structured finance, with a proven track record in deal execution and capital raising. Experience working with SMEs or growth-stage businesses in emerging markets is strongly preferred, along with familiarity with the sub-Saharan African context. Candidates should demonstrate ownership of complex Excel-based modeling work and have hands-on experience in corporate/project finance structuring.

Educational Background:
A Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Business, Economics, Finance, or a related field is required for this position. Additional qualifications such as a CFA or equivalent certification are considered advantageous, as they indicate a higher level of expertise in analysis" style="border-bottom: 1px dotted #007bff !important;">financial analysis and investment management.

Experience:
The ideal candidate should have 4-7 years of relevant experience in fields such as venture capital, growth equity, investment banking, private equity, corporate finance, transaction advisory, or structured finance. This experience should include demonstrated success in deal execution, capital raising, or investment readiness advisory, particularly in the context of SMEs or growth-stage businesses in emerging markets. Prior experience in sub-Saharan Africa is strongly preferred, as it indicates familiarity with the regional market dynamics and challenges.

Languages:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory for this position. The ability to develop presentations for senior executives in Microsoft PowerPoint is also essential. While English proficiency is required, knowledge of additional languages relevant to the region may be considered a plus, enhancing the candidate's ability to engage with diverse stakeholders.

Additional Notes:
This position may be based in Nairobi, Kenya; Kigali, Rwanda; or Lagos, Nigeria, with the possibility of considering other CHAI program countries in sub-Saharan Africa, subject to leadership approval and work authorization. The role will require international travel of up to 25-30% to meet stakeholders and coordinate across regions. CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion, and offers a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive.