Portfolio Officer – Zimbabwe

About the programme

The AECF anticipates launching REACT 2.0 – Energy for Sustainable Growth in Zimbabwe Program, subject to donor approval. The program builds on the achievements of REACT SSA to contribute to sustainable economic growth of Zimbabwe by providing catalytic funding and technical assistance to scale innovative technologies and business models to accelerate access to decentralized renewable energy in underserved rural and peri-urban areas. It also aims to foster the growth of the circular economy and adoption of e-mobility solutions. In doing so, the program aims to drive inclusive economic growth, enhance resilience, and promote long-term sustainability in Zimbabwe.

The role

The Portfolio Officer will be responsible for identifying, appraising, processing, and supervising the portfolio of companies in Zimbabwe, focusing on accelerated adoption of PUE solutions in agriculture, expanding household energy access, and strengthening investment readiness. The incumbent will execute the full investment cycle from origination to monitoring of investments. The role holder is expected to work collaboratively in supporting the Associate Director and other internal stakeholders, as well as in processing grants and coordinating technical assistance for a portfolio of companies.

Key responsibilities

• Lead Pipeline development and portfolio construction, including promoting competitions and sourcing high-potential enterprises.
• Analyze applications, conduct due diligence, develop financial models, and prepare investment memos for presentations to internal and external investment committees.
• Support investees throughout the implementation process to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and adherence to AECF’s grant implementation principles.
• Maintain strong professional relationships with investees (and service providers) to ensure value for money and mitigate risks.
• Conduct regular monitoring of grant implementation, including tracking milestones, compliance, timelines, and deliverables, through analysis of periodic reports and provision of feedback and site visits.
• Review and analyze fund disbursement requests on time and make informed recommendations.
• Prepare regular reports on investee performance, highlighting deviations or delays, and propose corrective action in consultation with colleagues and investees.
• Ensure all investee site visits are conducted periodically, as per the agreed site visit schedule.
• Coordinate technical assistance support for investees in collaboration with internal teams and external service providers.
• Ensure appropriate legal review and opinion for all investments requiring the legal department’s advice.
• Contribute to the preparation of donor reports, management reports, and proposal development for new programme areas.
• Actively support the portfolio learning agenda in collaboration with the Impact, Knowledge, and Insights teams to capture lessons, enhance AECF’s reputation, and drive systemic change across market systems.
• Foster ongoing improvement of the portfolio through insights gained from continuous learning.
• Ensure compliance with internal controls and risk management of the portfolio in accordance with the wider AECF Management Framework.
• Implement the programme-level risk and mitigation framework, in line with the overall AECF Risk and Compliance Management Framework.

Suitable candidates should:

• Possess an advanced university degree in finance, business administration, accounting, economics, development finance, or a related field.
• Professional certification, such as CFA, ACCA, CPA, or equivalent, will be an added advantage.
• At least 5-7 years of progressive experience in development finance, investment management, venture building, impact investing, or related experience.
• Experience managing blended finance, results-based schemes, or challenge funds is highly desirable.
• Proven track record in structuring and managing investments in SME’s, renewable energy or climate-related sectors with strong financial analysis and modelling skills, experience with due diligence processes (financial and operational), and portfolio management (monitoring, reporting, and risk management).
• Hands-on experience working with early-stage enterprises, understanding of the work and challenges of renewable energy companies and agricultural value chains in Zimbabwe.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills working with investees, government stakeholders, and other stakeholders.
• Possess excellent interpersonal, presentation, writing, and communication skills, and attention to detail.
• Have the capacity to plan and organize one’s work effectively and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Show focus and commitment to achieving quality results.

How to Apply

The AECF is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

AECF does not charge a fee at any stage of the recruitment process (application, interview, meeting, processing, training, or any other fees).

If you believe you meet the criteria for the role, register and apply on https://recruitment.aecfafrica.org . To be considered, your application must be received by: 29th October 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.