Impact Investment Manager (P2)

The Common Fund for Commodities (CFC) is an international financial institution established within the United Nations (UN) ecosystem, with 101 Member States across the globe. With poverty alleviation as its core mission, the CFC operates as an impact investment fund for commodity-dependent developing countries. Headquartered in Amsterdam since 1989, the CFC has been instrumental in mobilizing over one billion US dollars in investments for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and smallholder farmers, while acting as a bridge between developed and developing economies in line with global sustainability agendas.

CFC’s Impact Investment Manager is responsible for the origination, assessment and implementation of predominantly debt investments for small and medium size enterprises across the agricultural sector in CFC’s member countries. The ideal candidate for this position would be an experienced investment manager with at least 5 years of experience working in a financial and or development environment and an existing network in the agriculture and food sector

This is a full-time position, currently based in Amsterdam. The candidate will join a small team of dedicated impact investment and technical assistance professionals in a modern office environment. The CFC pays attractive compensation based on United Nations grade levels, including a tax-exempt salary and additional benefits. Remuneration is being offered at the ICSC P-2 level with an initial fixed term appointment of 1 year, renewable subject to satisfactory performance and availability of funding.

The Impact Investment Manager will work as part of a small, dynamic team, reporting directly to our Chief Operations Officer. They will take primary responsibility for:

• Active contribution to a strong pipeline of suitable investment opportunities to further develop CFC’s loan portfolio under consideration of impact, risk and return.

• Leading the full deal execution cycle for trade finance and term loans from origination, due diligence (onsite and offsite), assessment of Social and Environmental (S&E) performance, financial modelling, credit appraisal, loan structuring and documentation.

• Monitoring and managing a portfolio of debt investments in the context of relevant markets.

• Leading legal and commercial discussions with potential investees, from formulating and drafting initial terms and conditions to the negotiation of legal agreements.

• Preparing internal and external reporting/documentation to evaluate and monitor individual transactions and the investment portfolio.

Communication and teamwork. Demonstrates openness in sharing information and keeping people informed, solicits input by genuinely valuing others’ ideas and expertise; is willing to learn from others. This position requires a high degree of collaboration among peers and stakeholders to promote innovative ideas and technologies along the value chain.

Strong functional and operational understanding. The successful candidate must possess a clear understanding of what it takes to manage and implement projects in a complex and critical stakeholder environment with diverging goals and objectives.

Commitment to good governance and ethical business practices. The successful candidate is expected to have a commitment to ethical business practices, diligence and good governance. Understanding of the UN Global Compact principles will be an advantage.

Professionalism. The Impact Investment Manager should show persistence when faced with difficult problems or challenges, must remain calm in stressful situations.

• Advanced University degree (Master’s or higher) in Economics, Business Administration, Agribusiness, Finance or related fields.

• Experience (at least 5 years) of working in a financial and or development environment, ideally in either an impact fund, a commercial/development bank, or a development finance organization.

• Strong analytical skills in finance and credit analysis with solid understanding of accounting standards.

• Experience in assessing business/operational models of SMEs in the agri sector towards easing commodity dependence.

• Solid grounding on commodity value chains and its impact on the alleviation of poverty in the developing world.

• Sound knowledge on the interplay of smallholder agriculture, poverty and impact investment.

• Experience in assessing Social and Environmental (S&E) performance of SMEs in the agri sector.

• Experience with the implementation of (trade finance and term) loan structures, based on understanding of financial risk associated with the underlying project.

• Knowledge of, and interest in rural development, regenerative agriculture, and circular economies, and similar related sustainable finance initiatives.

• Experience in working in a multicultural / international environment, like the United Nations ecosystem, as a member of a diverse team.

• Result oriented, strong team player with excellent interpersonal skills and openness to feedback and new ideas.

• In addition to English, fluency or proficiency in French is considered a distinct advantage.

• It is important to note that the CFC can only offer opportunities to nationals of its Member States. For a full list of Member States please refer to the “About us” section of the CFC website.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 23rd September 18:00hrs (CET).

Please note that applications and CV's should be submitted in English as this is the working language of the CFC

• Applications received after the closing date will not be considered.

• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted and advance to the next stage of the selection process, which involves various assessments.

• The CFC embraces diversity and is committed to equal employment opportunity.

• The CFC reserves the right to appoint a candidate at a lower level than the advertised level of the post.

• All CFC staff are responsible for performing their duties in accordance with the CFC Policies, Code of Conduct and associated guidelines, as well as other relevant accountability frameworks.

• It is the policy of the CFC to conduct background checks on all potential personnel. Recruitment in the CFC is contingent on the results of such checks.