Our client is looking for a Chief Investment Officer (CIO) to lead the investment and financial strategy, portfolio performance, and capital-raising efforts across the organization. The role requires a strategic financial leader with a strong background in capital sourcing, investment evaluation, and financial planning, particularly within the agriculture or related industries.

Responsibilities

• Lead capital-raising initiatives, investor engagement, and financial due diligence.

• Develop and maintain relationships with investors and funding institutions.

• Prepare investment memorandums, business models, and investor readiness materials.

• Evaluate investment opportunities, perform financial analysis, and lead risk assessments.

• Oversee origination and strategic decision-making on new and existing assets.

• Optimize shareholder returns through pricing strategies, cost management, and capital structure optimization.

• Develop financial policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.

• Implement investment and capital allocation strategies to align with company objectives.

• Monitor financial performance and ensure compliance with financial regulations and corporate governance.

• Prepare and present financial reports, forecasts, and risk analysis to the CEO and Board.

Key Skills

• Strong expertise in financial management, capital raising, and strategic financial planning.

• Experience managing large-scale investments and overseeing multiple operating companies.

• Strong leadership and team management skills.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship-building abilities.

• Financial reporting and business valuation expertise.

• Ability to conduct investment analysis for acquisitions, mergers, and scale-up opportunities.

• Experience presenting to investment committees, boards, and investors.

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in a CFO or CIO role within agriculture or related industries.

• Proven track record in capital raising, investor relations, and financial strategy.

• Experience in Africa, particularly Southern and East African markets.

• Strong network in finance, agriculture, private equity, and institutional investors.

• Ability to travel regularly to sites, business opportunities, and investor meetings.

Qualifications

• Chartered Accountant (CA) or equivalent qualification; an MBA with a finance or accounting background is advantageous.