Senior Analyst – West Africa
Job Title: Senior Analyst – West Africa
Reports to: Director, West Africa

Closing date: 24/06/2025
The Senior Analyst – Strategic Business Development will play a pivotal role in advancing AECF’s challenge fund-driven impact investment and fundraising strategy in West Africa. The Analyst will lead market intelligence efforts, cultivate strategic partnerships, and support opportunity, origination, and proposal development aligned with AECF’s core investment themes. This role is ideal for a dynamic, bilingual professional with strong analytical capabilities, a solid understanding of development finance, and a passion for mobilizing private sector solutions for sustainable development.
This role will report to the Director, West Africa.

Key Responsibilities
Market Intelligence and Opportunity Sourcing
• Conduct market research and landscape analyses to identify emerging trends, opportunities, and risks across West Africa’s impact investment ecosystem.
• Map and maintain an up-to-date database of strategic partners, funders, and investees across the region.
• Track donor priorities, funding trends, and co-investment opportunities aligned with AECF’s sectors and geographies.
Strategic Partnerships and Proposal Development
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders across the international development and impact investing ecosystem in the region, leveraging these networks to identify and position AECF for new partnerships and funding opportunities.
• Support the preparation of high-quality funding proposals, pitch decks, and concept notes for bilateral, multilateral, and philanthropic partners.
• Collaborate with AECF teams to design challenge funds and technical assistance structures that respond to funder and market needs.
• Prepare donor-facing documentation (e.g, slide decks, memos, background briefs) and support relationship management.
• Contribute to impact measurement frameworks and ensure alignment with funder expectations and global standards.

Internal Coordination and Thought Leadership
• Support the Director, West Africa, in internal reporting, coordination with HQ, and participation in strategic planning sessions.
• Responsible for the marketing and promotional content of AECF West Africa: coordinate and communicate closely with the comms teams, provide marketing plans, and be responsible for the brand building and promotion in West Africa.
• Represent AECF in regional forums, investor roundtables, and donor meetings, as needed.
• Contribute to learning products, case studies, and communications pieces to highlight AECF’s work and influence sector dialogue.
Suitable candidates should:
• Possess a Bachelor’s Degree in economics, finance, development studies, business administration, or a related field.
• Have at least seven (7) years of experience in impact investing, development finance, management consulting, or donor-funded programs.
• Possess experience and interest in the following topics: climate adaptation and resilience; economic development, agriculture, digital and financial inclusion, diversity, equity & inclusion, or infrastructure.
• Demonstrate the ability to prepare high-quality funding proposals, pitch materials, or investment documents.
• Have research and analysis skills, including familiarity with SME finance, blended finance, and private sector development.
• Possess excellent writing and communication skills in both English and French.
• Have strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Have advanced knowledge in Outlook, Word, and Excel


How to Apply
The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).
If you believe you meet the criteria for the role, register and apply on https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org . To be considered, your application must be received by: 24th June 2025.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.


About us
The AECF (Africa Enterprise Challenge Fund) is a development institution that finances early and growth-stage businesses to innovate, create jobs, and leverage investments and markets to create resilience and sustainable incomes in rural and marginalized communities in Africa.
Since 2008, we have invested over US$ 300 million in over 510 businesses across sub-Sahara Africa focusing on Agribusiness, Renewable Energy, and Climate-smart Technologies. We have impacted more than 33 million lives, created over 35,000 jobs, and leveraged over US$ 838 million in matching funds to our portfolio companies.
AECF is headquartered in Kenya, with offices in Côte d’Ivoire, Tanzania, Nigeria, South Sudan, Benin, and Somalia