Director, African Local Currency Bond Fund in London

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!