Head of IfU Impact ventUres
IFU, as a development finance institution, plays an important role in mobilising private capital into
SDG and climate investments by assessing and improving the investments and mitigating risk for
private investors.
A core underlying business model of IFU is to invest in enterprises that cannot yet attract sufficient
private capital. By investing in such enterprises IFU helps mobilise private capital. When successful
IFU helps develop the business further to a point where IFU can exit its investment and let private
investors take over, thereby mobilising private capital over time for sustainable SDG and climate
impact.
IFU is looking for a colleague to lead the development and scaling up of its new IFU Impact Ventures
initiative. The ambition is that IFU succeeds in supporting and investing in impact ventures, that over
time will contribute significantly to SDG and climate impact in emerging markets and developing
economies. The initiative will support the development of innovative bankable projects and
companies that have the potential to contribute to the scaling of private investment financing in
IFU’s priority sectors.
The head of the IFU Impact Ventures team will be responsible for strategic principles and their
implementation in concrete venture investments, and for developing a competent and dedicated
Impact Ventures team of 2-3 investment professionals. The team will in collaboration with the rest of
IFU’s investment organisation be responsible for investing around DKK 50 million annually.
Key responsIbIlItIes
As head of IFU Impact Ventures, you will:
- Finalise and operationalise a strategy that is aligned with IFU’s impact priorities – focusing on
- Design the end-to-end process for impact venture investing, including criteria for originating and
- Participate in and lead deal teams responsible for venture investments
- Establish and manage a competent team
- Engage with relevant stakeholders
The head of IFU Impact Ventures reports to the Senior Vice President responsible for business
development.
tHe person
We are looking for a person with at least 7 years of experience from impact venture investing in emerging
markets and developing economies (in organisations undertaking such investments or in ventures).
Essential skills
- Deep knowledge of and experience in venture investing and relevant business models
- Strong financial analysis and structuring skills
- Solid network with impact ventures eco-systems in relevant markets
- Experience in managing projects and teams
It would furthermore be relevant to have:
- broad knowledge of blended finance and relevant policy trends
- good understanding of sustainability, SDG, and climate impact
- be self-driven with a high interest and commitment in the field,
- have strong interpersonal, inter-cultural and communication capabilities
- hold at least a master’s degree or equivalent
- be fluent in English both written and spoken. Other relevant languages would be an advantage
- good business judgement and entrepreneurial mindset
- be ready to travel
The head of IFU Impact Ventures would work out of the IFU office in Copenhagen or Nairobi.
Interested? – let’s talK
You are welcome to reach out to Morten Elkjær, SVP responsible for business development, moe@ifu.dk, if
you have questions to the role or IFU.
We hope you find the role and the purpose appealing and would welcome your motivated application and CV
to job5@ifu.dk as soon as possible and by 05 June 2023 EOB at the latest.
1st round of interviews is scheduled for 08 June 2023.
aboUt IfU
IFU is the Danish Development Finance Institution, providing risk capital to private sector companies in
developing countries and emerging markets in Africa, Asia, Latin America and parts of Europe.
Our goal is to be a best-in-class impact investor, making investments that support the green transition, as well
as building just and inclusive societies in developing countries. IFU supports the Sustainable Development
Goals and focuses its investment on four primary sectors:
- Green energy & infrastructure
- Healthcare
- Financial services
- Sustainable food systems
A global organization
IFU has 115+ employees representing 18 different nationalities, with approximately 15 per cent of staff
located at our regional representations in China, India, Singapore, Kenya, Ghana, Brazil and Ukraine.
More about IFU: https://www.ifu.dk/en/about-ifu/
