Investment Associate

Role Title: Investment Associate

Contract Type: Permanent

Reporting To: Managing Director, Investments

Department: Soros Economic Development Fund

Location: New York

Team Name: Soros Economic Development Fund

Team description

The Soros Economic Development Fund (SEDF) is the impact investment arm of the Open Society Foundations. SEDF deploys patient, risk-tolerant and catalytic capital to advance OSF’s mission to supporting vibrant, inclusive and sustainable democracies across the globe.

Role Purpose:

SEDF Investment Associates support the identification, development and diligence of new investment opportunities. They also contribute to the management of SEDF’s active portfolio. SEDF Associates are flexible, driven, and passionate about advancing socio-economic and/or climate impact through the deployment of private capital. Because SEDF works globally and across numerous themes, Associates tend to be generalists. Deeper expertise in one or more region or relevant theme is an advantage but is not required.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development of investment themes/strategies.
• Lead relevant landscaping/benchmarking exercises to identify and develop new investment opportunities in line with SEDF’s investment strategies.
• Ensure all deals, and deal details, at every stage of investment process, are properly catalogued in SEDF’s database and other management systems.
• Draft investment recommendations, from pre-concept notes to concept notes to final investment memos Contribute to due diligence, including: supporting Investment Principals and the Managing Director in developing and executing diligence workplans
• Develop financial models and financial analysis
• Undertake risk analysis
• Contribute to impact and ESG analysis
• Contribute to forging strategic partnerships for SEDF at portfolio and individual deal level — both within Open Society Foundations and externally with key stakeholders (impact investors, MDBs/DFIs, expert consultants, etc.).
• Support asset management, including overseeing creative ways to add value to SEDF investees.
• Contribute to the refinement/improvement of SEDF’s investment processes and systems, as needed, including memos and documentation, reporting, database management, etc.

People Responsibilities (Total Team/DRs)

No

Key metrics

• Execution/implementation of investment strategies: build high impact investment pipeline that converts into investments (measured by # of new investments evaluating impact, structure etc.)
• Asset management support: deliverables against AM metrics

Key internal relationships

SEDF and OSF network partners

Key external relationships

Peers including other impact investors, foundations, MDBs, sector/thematic experts/consultants. Relevant networks and associations

The ideal candidate

• Significant experience in private-sector banking or investment, leading investment transactions, ideally with some exposure to Emerging Markets/Global South.
• Strong dedication to advancing impact through investment and private sector engagement.
• Proven track record of successfully leading—and closing—all stages of due diligence for direct equity and debt investments as well as investments through intermediaries/funds.
• Ability to source and screen investment opportunities against an impact strategy.
• Ability to undertake sophisticated financial modelling, risk and financial analysis, due diligence, valuations, and structuring.
• Experience with asset management.
• Strong commitment to Open Society’s core values of humility, commitment, collaboration, respect, inclusivity and integrity.
• Excellent command of spoken and written English. Knowledge of other languages is an asset.

What we offer

• Exceptional opportunities to learn, grow, and make an impact; from a generous annual professional development allowance for every employee to onsite training and learning conversations with visiting experts.
• Excellent benefits and perks to promote well-being and a healthy work-life balance, including:
• Generous time off, as well as our standard Open Society close at year-end (where vacation days are not required) and flexible work arrangements.
• Employer-paid health insurance and dental plans for individuals and families (no employee contribution required).
• Exceptional retirement savings plan (non-contributory for employees) and life insurance.
• Progressive paid parental leave, reproductive and family planning support, and much more.
• A commitment to nurturing a diverse and inclusive workplace, so you can bring your whole self to work and make a positive impact.

The salary range for this role in the US is $150,000 - $190,000 (USD). The final offer is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set and level of experience

Who we are

Open Society Foundations aim to establish vibrant and inclusive democracies where governments are accountable to their citizens. Our operating model organizes grantmaking around specific, time-limited projects, developed alongside support for established partners, enabling us to respond swiftly to emerging needs. We are committed to promoting human dignity, equality, and rights; reimagining democratic ideals and practice; and advancing equity in governance systems.

Guided by our founder’s values and the belief in the art of the possible, we engage directly with global entities, individuals, and policymakers through grants, advocacy, impact investing, and strategic human rights litigation to drive positive change. At the heart of our mission is a deep commitment to rights, equity, and justice, inspiring every action we take.

Additional information

Open Society Foundations is committed to building an inclusive workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We actively seek applications from talented individuals across all backgrounds, identities, and life experiences. Each candidate is evaluated solely on their unique qualifications without regard to race, age, sex, religion, ethnic origin, nationality, gender, sexual orientation, disability, pregnancy, or any other legally protected characteristics.

We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for candidates with disabilities.