At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead local currency debt investments and drive sustainable finance across Africa.
- Company: Cygnum Capital, a leader in sustainable investment and asset management.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, professional growth, and impactful work opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to make a real-world impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of investment in emerging markets.
- Qualifications: 7+ years in debt investing with strong expertise in African markets.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Join Cygnum Capital - Driving Sustainable Investment Across Africa and Beyond
Location: London, Amsterdam, Dubai or Nairobi
Start Date: 1 June 2026
Team: Asset Management Team
Reporting: ALCB Fund Lead
Sector: Asset Management | Emerging Markets
About Cygnum Capital
Established in 2008, Cygnum Capital is a leading investment bank and asset manager focused on frontier and emerging markets. With offices in major global cities, we are committed to shaping sustainable financial solutions across Africa and Central Asia. Sustainability is central to our mission; we address global socio-economic and environmental challenges by developing innovative financial products and responsible investment platforms.
What You’ll Do
The Director will join the Fund Team advising the African Local Currency Bond Fund (ALCB Fund). The role reports directly to the Fund Lead. The Director will play a central role in originating, structuring, and executing local currency debt investments across African markets, with a particular emphasis on early-stage origination and proactive pipeline development. The role requires alignment with the Fund's mandate to support domestic capital market development and financial inclusion through commercially sound local currency financing, as well as commitment to Cygnum Capital's wider business objectives. It presumes strong collaboration within the Fund team and across the Firm, as well as disciplined execution, sound credit judgment, and a high level of professional integrity.
Investment Origination & Portfolio Management
- Lead early-stage origination efforts across priority African markets, identifying local financial institutions, non-bank financial institutions, and corporates aligned with the Fund's mandate.
- Build and maintain a pipeline of local currency debt opportunities, with particular focus on first-time borrowers and new market entries.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with issuers, arrangers, regulators, development finance institutions, and other ecosystem participants.
- Conduct credit and financial analysis of potential investees, including assessment of business models, asset quality, capital structure, governance, and local market dynamics.
- Prepare screening memorandums, concept notes, and investment proposals for internal review and Investment Committee consideration.
- Manage existing portfolio exposures, including periodic reviews, covenant monitoring, amendments, restructurings (where applicable), and ongoing client engagement.
- Contribute to portfolio development decisions, including country allocation strategies, and risk-adjusted return analysis in line with the Fund's mandate.
- In collaboration with the Fund Operations team, support internal reporting, including monitoring reports, valuation inputs, and investor reporting materials within agreed timelines.
- Cross-team collaboration supporting the Fund team and/or taking the lead in a variety of initiatives that aim to improve efficiency, communication, quality, etc: creating templates, implementing new standards and tools, ensuring information is properly filed, others.
Deal Execution
- Lead or co-lead transaction execution from mandate to closing, including structuring of local currency debt instruments (e.g., senior loans, subordinated debt, bond subscriptions, structured facilities).
- Manage due diligence processes, including financial, legal, regulatory, tax, and environmental & social assessments.
- Coordinate and oversee external advisors (legal, technical, E&S, counsel, trustees, paying agents, etc.).
- Draft and review term sheets, subscription agreements, and related documentation in collaboration with internal and external counsel.
- Manage internal approval processes, including preparation of detailed credit papers and responses to Investment Committee queries.
- Ensure conditions precedent are satisfied and oversee closing and disbursement processes.
Business Development
- Develop and execute a proactive origination strategy in coordination with the Fund Lead, with emphasis on early engagement and market shaping.
- Strengthen the Fund's visibility and credibility in target markets through participation in industry forums, regulatory dialogues, and stakeholder engagement.
- Support fundraising efforts by contributing to marketing materials, investor presentations, and due diligence processes.
- Provide market intelligence and thematic insights (e.g., local currency trends, regulatory developments, capital market evolution) to support strategic positioning.
Who We’re Looking For
An ideal candidate will demonstrate strong expertise in African debt investing, with capital markets experience a significant plus. This includes experience in structuring and executing debt transactions for financial institutions and corporate transactions. 7+ years of relevant professional experience in debt investing, structured finance, investment banking, development finance, or private credit, with significant exposure to African markets. Largely in client-facing role. Demonstrated experience in originating and executing debt transactions, ideally including local currency instruments. Strong interest and aptitude for early-stage origination and relationship-driven business development. Solid credit analysis and financial modelling capabilities. Experience working with financial institutions and/or corporates in emerging markets. Strong understanding of African capital markets, regulatory environments, and macroeconomic dynamics. Fluency in English is required (written and spoken). Knowledge of French is a plus. Willingness to travel, including across Africa. Academic background in finance, economics, business, or a related field. Ability to operate independently in complex, frontier market environments. Strong alignment with the Fund's mission to deepen domestic capital markets and expand access to local currency finance to SDG-aligned businesses.
Why Join Cygnum Capital?
- Be part of a mission-driven team at the forefront of sustainable finance across emerging markets, shaping the future of investment in Africa;
- Collaborate with dynamic teams and global partners, gaining direct exposure to impactful investments and contributing to the development capital markets;
- Make a tangible difference for communities and the environment by delivering real-world impact through your work;
- Flourish in a flat, collaborative work culture that values initiative, supports professional growth, and offers opportunities to work alongside industry leaders and expand your network both locally and internationally.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now and be at the forefront of capital markets transformation in frontier and emerging markets!
Director, African Local Currency Bond Fund employer: Cygnum Capital Group Limited
Cygnum Capital is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the forefront of sustainable finance in emerging markets. With a commitment to professional growth and a collaborative work culture, employees are empowered to make a tangible impact on communities and the environment while developing their careers alongside industry leaders. The London, Amsterdam, Dubai, or Nairobi locations provide a vibrant backdrop for innovation and engagement in capital market transformation.
Contact Details:
Cygnum Capital Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, African Local Currency Bond Fund
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential colleagues on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its mission. Understand Cygnum Capital's focus on sustainable investment and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to be able to clearly articulate your value and how you can contribute to the ALCB Fund. Keep it concise and impactful – think of it as your personal brand statement that highlights your unique skills and experiences.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit for the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Director, African Local Currency Bond Fund
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Director role. Highlight your experience in African debt investing and how it aligns with our mission at Cygnum Capital. We want to see how you can contribute to our goals!
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on showcasing your skills in structuring and executing debt transactions. We’re looking for someone with a strong background in capital markets, so make sure to include relevant examples that demonstrate your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use straightforward language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re serious about joining our team at Cygnum Capital!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cygnum Capital Group Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Cygnum Capital's mission and the specifics of the African Local Currency Bond Fund. Understand their focus on sustainable investment and how your experience aligns with their goals. This will show that you're not just interested in the role, but also genuinely invested in their mission.
✨Showcase Your Network
Since this role involves building relationships with local financial institutions and other stakeholders, be ready to discuss your existing network in African markets. Share specific examples of how you've successfully engaged with these entities in the past, as this will demonstrate your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions around credit analysis, financial modelling, and structuring debt transactions. Brush up on your technical skills and be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in detail. Use real-life examples to illustrate your expertise and problem-solving abilities in complex situations.
✨Demonstrate Cultural Awareness
Given the focus on African markets, it's crucial to show your understanding of the cultural and economic dynamics at play. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated these complexities in your previous roles and how you plan to approach them in this position. This will highlight your adaptability and commitment to the region.
