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 committed to improving health systems. The organization initially focused on the HIV/AIDS epidemic but has since expanded its mission to include a wide range of health issues, including infectious diseases like COVID-19, malaria, and tuberculosis, as well as non-communicable diseases such as cancer and diabetes. CHAI emphasizes the importance of sustainable health systems and works closely with governments and the private sector to achieve its goals. The organization values diversity and inclusion, ensuring that all applicants have equal opportunities and that its workforce reflects a variety of backgrounds and experiences.

Job Overview:
The Senior Associate will be a key player in CHAI’s Health Systems Strengthening group, specifically focusing on catalyzing private investment into health systems in sub-Saharan Africa. This role is not traditional NGO work; it involves building a scalable private finance platform that sources high-impact health businesses, prepares them for investment, and unlocks appropriate capital to expand access to affordable, high-quality care. The Senior Associate will engage with private healthcare providers, understand their financing needs, and leverage CHAI’s network of financiers to design and implement effective financing structures. The position requires a highly motivated individual with strong analytical and communication skills, capable of functioning independently in a remote environment. The role offers significant autonomy and exposure to senior stakeholders, with the opportunity to make a substantial impact on health systems in Africa.

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. This includes managing a sourcing and screening pipeline, engaging with businesses to understand market dynamics, and building relationships with financiers. (ii) Designing, piloting, and scaling blended finance and risk-sharing mechanisms to unlock investment in health systems. This involves working with various stakeholders to create tailored financing structures and validating design assumptions through pilot mechanisms. (iii) Providing targeted transaction support to high-impact companies by assisting with financial modeling, fundraising materials, and 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, as is prior work experience in sub-Saharan Africa. 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. A CFA or equivalent qualification is considered an advantage, indicating a strong foundation in financial principles and investment strategies.

Experience:
The position requires 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. Candidates should have demonstrated experience in deal execution, capital raising, or investment readiness advisory, particularly in emerging markets and with growth-stage businesses.

Languages:
Strong written and verbal communication skills in English are mandatory. Proficiency in additional languages relevant to the regions of operation may be considered beneficial but is not explicitly required.

Additional Notes:
The 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 up to 25-30% of the time to meet stakeholders and coordinate across regions. CHAI is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to diversity and inclusion in its workforce.