At a Glance
- Tasks: Support sovereign financing and debt management advisory for government clients in emerging markets.
- Company: Cygnum Capital, a leader in sustainable investment across Africa and beyond.
- Benefits: Collaborative culture, professional growth opportunities, and impactful work.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to travel and make a real-world impact.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team shaping the future of sustainable finance.
- Qualifications: 4-7 years in sovereign financing, strong analytical skills, and relationship-building experience.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join Cygnum Capital - Driving Sustainable Investment Across Africa and Beyond
Location: London or Dubai
Start Date: 01 June 2026
Team: Investment Banking Team (Sovereign & Development Finance)
Reporting: Sovereign & Development Finance Lead
Sector: Investment Banking | 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.
Cygnum Capital is seeking a sovereign financing advisory professional at Senior Associate or Vice President level to join its Sovereign & Development Finance team, supporting investment banking work with sovereign and public sector clients, with a focus on emerging markets in Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Central Asia. It presumes strong collaboration within the Fund team and across the Firm, as well as disciplined execution, sound judgment and a high level of professional integrity.
Responsibilities
- Support the design and execution of sovereign financing and debt management advisory solutions for government and public sector clients.
- Identify and help win investment banking and capital markets mandates, including through public procurement processes.
- Build and deepen relationships with key sovereign and public sector decision-makers and market participants.
- Prepare and deliver clear, persuasive pitch materials and client presentations.
- Work closely with internal teams to execute projects efficiently, including structuring, analysis, documentation and coordination of external stakeholders.
- Contribute to training and mentoring junior colleagues and promote collaboration across business lines.
Who We’re Looking For
- 4-7 years of experience in sovereign or public sector financing advisory, debt management advisory, debt capital markets or related credit structuring roles.
- Strong exposure to debt capital markets and/or credit structuring (e.g. bonds, loans, guarantees, liability management, blended or structured solutions).
- Demonstrated experience in emerging markets, ideally including Africa, the Middle East, Eastern Europe and/or Central Asia.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to engage confidently with senior government and public sector stakeholders.
- Experience with innovative financing instruments (e.g. debt-for-development swaps, results-based or blended structures) is a plus.
- Familiarity with credit rating methodologies, particularly for sovereigns and supranational agencies, is a plus.
- 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.
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!
Senior Associate, Investment Banking 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 collaborative and mission-driven culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities, direct exposure to impactful investments, and the chance to make a tangible difference in communities and the environment. Located in vibrant cities like London and Dubai, Cygnum Capital fosters a dynamic work environment that values initiative and innovation, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
Contact Details:
Cygnum Capital Group Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Associate, Investment Banking
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We think you need these skills to ace Senior Associate, Investment Banking
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