Job Description
Company Overview:
Sahel Capital is a leading private investment firm focused on sub-Saharan
Africa’s food and agriculture sector. With a vision to be recognised as the continent’s foremost
food and agriculture private investment firm, Sahel Capital leverages its deep experience across
various value chains to provide capital, build companies, generate returns, and impact lives.
Sahel manages two funds – FAFIN and SEFAA – with a total AUM of US$91 million, all in pursuit
of our mission to transform smallholder farming in Sub-Saharan Africa.
SEFAA, an impact-first fund advised by Sahel Capital, was launched in 2021 to significantly
enhance the business ecosystem for smallholder farming in Sub-Saharan Africa. SEFAA focuses
on Social Agricultural Enterprises (SAEs) that actively and substantively contribute to the
business ecosystem or income opportunities for smallholder farmers (SHFs). SEFAA primarily
invests in debt in 13 countries in Sub-Saharan Africa but also has the flexibility to make equity
and quasi-equity investments. SEFAA invests between $300k and $2.4 million in the SAEs that it
finances, making a direct and meaningful impact on the lives of smallholder farmers.
Job Summary: As a Credit Analyst for SEFAA, you will play a key role in assessing and managing
credit risk for portfolio companies, conducting financial analysis, and providing actionable
insights to support investment decisions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in
credit analysis, financial modelling, and knowledge of private debt and equity transactions.
Key Responsibilities:
• Credit Risk Assessment:
o Evaluate the creditworthiness of portfolio companies and potential investment
opportunities through detailed financial analysis.
o Assess the impact of various financial, economic, and market factors on the
credit risk profile of investments.
o Perform cash flow analysis, sensitivity, and stress testing to assess debt servicing
capabilities.
• Financial Analysis & Reporting:
o Analyze financial statements, including balance sheets, income, and cash flow
statements, to determine liquidity, solvency, and profitability.
Prepare and present comprehensive credit reports outlining key risks, mitigation
strategies, and recommendations for investment committees.
o Monitor existing portfolio companies for changes in credit quality and
recommend appropriate actions when necessary.
• Debt Structuring & Covenant Monitoring:
o Assist in structuring debt arrangements and setting appropriate loan covenants
for portfolio companies.
o Review and monitor compliance with covenants and other terms of debt
agreements, reporting breaches and recommending remedial actions.
• Market & Industry Analysis:
o Conduct industry research and macroeconomic analysis to understand sector specific credit performance risks.
o Track and analyze trends in interest rates, inflation, and capital markets that
impact the credit environment.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Management:
o Collaborate with investment teams to evaluate potential transactions and
provide credit risk input during deal structuring.
o Liaise with lenders, rating agencies, and other financial institutions to stay
informed on market conditions and credit standards.
o Collaborate with lawyers to finalize legal documentation and close transactions
Qualifications:
• Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field. A master’s
degree or MBA is a plus.
• Professional certifications such as ICAN are preferred.
• 3-5 years of experience in credit analysis, financial analysis, or risk management,
preferably within private equity, investment banking, or commercial lending.
• Strong understanding of credit risk, capital structures, and financial statement analysis.
• Experience with debt structuring and covenant monitoring is an advantage.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, Excel, and other financial analysis tools.
• Familiarity with financial databases such as Bloomberg, Moody’s, and S&P.
• Knowledge of private equity, leveraged finance, and debt markets will be an added
benefit.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to present complex financial concepts to
non-financial stakeholders.
• Attention to detail and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Working Conditions:
• Dynamic and challenging environment with opportunities for professional growth.
• The position might require travel within the region
Location: Lagos or Abidjan.
Compensation and Benefits:
• Competitive salary and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance and vacation days.
Application Process:
Interested candidates should submit a CV to careers@sahelcp.com on or
before Friday, 11th of October 2024.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
Sahel Capital is an equal-opportunity employer committed to
diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of
race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.
This job description comprehensively outlines the expectations for the Credit Analyst role within
Sahel Capital’s Impact Fund.
SEFAA_-_Credit_Analyst_Job_Description[1]
