Chief Investment Officer

Chief Investment Officer

Department: Management Consultants

Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time

Location: Africa

Reporting To: Managing Director

Description 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 looking for a Chief Investment Officer to oversee the investment portfolio of a new renewable asset management company and lead the capital strategy that enables its growth. The CIO will inherit an existing portfolio of distributed renewable energy assets and will be responsible for evaluating performance, guiding capital allocation, and developing the investment systems needed to manage the portfolio from a commercial perspective. While not involved in day-to-day operations, the CIO will play a central role in raising blended and commercial capital for new investments and expansions, positioning the organisation as a credible, investable platform for long-term renewable energy development.  

Role and Responsibilities
Role: Chief Investment Officer
Direct Report:  Managing Director
Candidates Required: 1

Key Deliverables:

1. Investment Strategy & Portfolio Oversight (Non-Operational)

• Develop the organisation's investment strategy for the inherited portfolio, focusing on commercial performance, risk exposure, and long-term value creation. 
• Build analytical frameworks to assess asset performance based on data provided by operations teams. 
• Identify strategic opportunities for reinvestment, expansion, or restructuring based on investment returns, in close collaboration with the operations team 
• Provide portfolio insights that guide capital allocation while maintaining a clear separation from operational decision-making. 

2. Capital Mobilisation for Portfolio Expansion

• Lead the capital-raising strategy to secure funding for new investments, expansions, and potential acquisitions. 
• Engage with donors, DFIs, commercial lenders, and equity investors to mobilise capital. 
• Prepare investment cases, portfolio narratives, and funding proposals that articulate investable opportunities. 
• Negotiate terms for financing structures, partnerships, and blended finance instruments. 

3. Investor Relations & Market Positioning

• Manage relationships with donors, DFIs, commercial lenders, and equity investors, serving as the organisation's primary investment-facing representative. 
• Develop an investor relations approach that includes regular updates, portfolio reporting, and communication of pipeline opportunities. 
• Prepare investor materials such as presentations, data rooms, and reporting packages that meet financier expectations. 
• Maintain transparent, proactive engagement with capital partners to build trust and position the organisation as a credible, investable platform. 
• Coordinate with the CEO on strategic investor engagement and high-level fundraising efforts.

4. Deal Structuring & Transaction Leadership

• Lead structuring and execution of transactions related to new investments, project expansions, concessions, and acquisitions. 
• Oversee commercial due diligence and financial analysis; coordinate with technical and operational teams for required inputs. 
• Ensure investment committee processes are rigorous and well-documented. 
• Manage external advisors involved in legal, technical, and financial structuring. 

5. Asset Valuation, Modelling & Portfolio Analytics

• Establish valuation methodologies for inherited and future assets. 
• Lead portfolio-level modelling and scenario analysis to guide investment decisions. 
• Build tools and dashboards to track financial performance and support investor communication. 
• Ensure modelling informs reinvestment and capital mobilisation decisions. 

6. Investment Governance & Risk Management

• Develop investment policies, approval processes, and governance standards aligned with investor expectations. 
• Identify financial and market risks across the portfolio and recommend mitigation strategies. 
• Ensure compliance with national requirements and financier standards. 
• Lead investment committee preparation and documentation. 

7. Team Development & Capacity Building

• Build an investment team skilled in modelling, due diligence, and transaction structuring. 
• Define recruitment priorities, competencies, and performance expectations. 
• Foster a culture of analytical rigour and commercial discipline.

Requirements Experience Required:

• 10-12 years' experience in infrastructure investment, project finance, private equity, asset management, or investment banking. 
  
• Senior leadership experience in an investment-focused role within an infrastructure, energy, or financial institution (e.g., investment fund, development finance institution, or infrastructure investment team). 
  
• Experience evaluating and managing investment portfolios from a commercial perspective. 
  
• Proven track record raising capital for new projects, portfolio growth, or institutional expansion. 
  
• Strong experience structuring transactions involving blended finance, concessional capital, or credit-enhancement instruments. 
  
• Direct experience working in African power or infrastructure markets.

Technical Requirements:

• Strong capabilities in valuation, investment analysis, modelling, and deal structuring. 
• Deep understanding of how to design and execute investment strategies for asset-based businesses. 
• Ability to coordinate complex transactions involving multiple stakeholders. 
• Familiarity with regulatory and financial frameworks relevant to infrastructure investment.

Other Skills:

• Strong communication and presentation abilities for engaging investors, government, and internal stakeholders. 
• Excellent relationship-building and negotiation skills with capital partners. 
• Sound commercial judgment and analytical rigor to inform investment decisions under uncertainty. 
• High integrity and professionalism appropriate for an investor-facing leadership role. 
• Strategic thinking with the ability to balance near-term capital needs and long-term portfolio growth. 
• Collaborative leadership style that works effectively with the CEO, operations, and the Board. 
• Adaptability and resilience suited to an early-stage, institution-building environment. 

Working Arrangement
Location: In-person, based in Abuja
Travel: Regular travel for site visits, regulatory engagements, and partner meetings

Terms of agreement:
Start Date: February 2026 
Contracting Period: 2 years 

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