We’re Hiring: Director, Asset Management (ALCB Fund)
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.
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