Investment Director (Interim)
Contract / TempJob Overview
Allied Talent Partners (ATP), a Three Cairns Group initiative, is a mission-driven, not-for-profit talent marketplace focused on solving the human capital bottlenecks slowing down sustainable development efforts in emerging economies, with an initial focus on Africa. ATP connects vetted, experienced, context-relevant professionals to high-impact opportunities in energy access and sustainable development – strengthening local capacity and fuelling economic vitality. We specialize in fixed-term, deliverable-driven engagements – from interim leadership and generalist projects to niche technical expertise – handling project scoping, talent vetting and matching, contracting, payroll, and compliance so that our clients can focus on impact.
High-Level Overview
The client is an established pan-African infrastructure investment and asset management institution that is launching a new green infrastructure project development fund. The fund mobilizes public and private capital to support renewable energy, sustainable urban development, climate resilience, and other projects that drive inclusive economic growth and environmental sustainability across Africa.
The Investment Director will play a pivotal leadership role during the fund’s build-out phase, providing strategic and technical expertise to originate, structure, and execute new greenfield projects. This is a 6-month interim role (with potential for extension), designed to help the client accelerate project development capacity, strengthen internal processes, and establish a strong pipeline during its foundational phase. This role will be one of the first team members, working alongside the CEO; the team is expected to be a total of 5 by year end.
Role and Responsibilities
Role: Interim Investment Director
Direct Report: Fund CEO / Head of Investments
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
Direct Report: Fund CEO / Head of Investments
Candidates Required: 1
Key Deliverables:
- Lead origination, structuring, negotiation, and execution of project development investments (USD 3–15 million range).
- Build a robust pipeline of infrastructure opportunities aligned with the fund’s green investment mandate.
- Work directly with project sponsors, developers, and governments to advance projects to bankability.
- Provide technical and strategic leadership to the small initial team, mentoring and guiding junior professionals.
- Support capital-raising activities and investor due diligence processes.
- Represent the fund externally in negotiations and partnerships.
- Contribute to the establishment of investment systems, processes, and internal governance as part of the fund’s early operational phase.
- Collaborate closely with the CEO and the Senior Investment Associate to ensure smooth coordination and execution.
Requirements
Experience Required:
- 12–15 years’ experience in project development, project finance, or infrastructure investment, preferably in power, transport, or renewable energy sectors.
- Proven track record of originating and closing complex infrastructure transactions.
- Background in utilities, DFIs, investment funds, or transaction advisory firms.
- Demonstrated experience leading teams and mentoring investment professionals.
Technical Requirements:
- Expertise in project finance and PPP structures (PPAs, EPC, and O&M contracts).
- Strong financial modeling and transaction structuring skills.
- Ability to lead due diligence, negotiate terms, and coordinate with lenders and public sector stakeholders.
- Proficiency in English; French is an asset but not mandatory.
Other Skills:
- Highly autonomous and adaptable in a lean, start-up environment.
- Strong leadership, interpersonal, and stakeholder management skills.
- Integrity, analytical rigor, and high professional standards.
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-evolving context.
- Comfortable working independently while collaborating remotely with a dispersed team.
Additional information about desired profiles:
This interim role is designed to provide immediate, high-caliber project development capacity during the fund’s launch phase while long-term hiring and systems are established. Success will be measured by:
This interim role is designed to provide immediate, high-caliber project development capacity during the fund’s launch phase while long-term hiring and systems are established. Success will be measured by:
- The origination and advancement of high-quality, investment-ready projects,
- Contribution to internal process and capability development, and
- Active support for early investor engagement and fundraising milestones.
Working Arrangement
Location: Fully remote or location-flexible.
Language:
Travel: Occasional travel within Africa may be required for project engagement and partner coordination.
Terms of agreement:
Start Date: Immediate – October 2025
Contracting Period: