Investment Associate Development Innovation (in Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health)

About this position

Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) is seeking 1-2 Investment Associates to play a critical role in supporting its Transition to Scale funding of development innovation to improve Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (RMNCH) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

GCC is dedicated to supporting Bold Ideas with Big Impact®. We are funded primarily by the Government of Canada and we fund innovators in LMICs and Canada. The bold ideas we support integrate science and technology, social and business innovation – we call this Integrated Innovation®. We have a determined focus on results, and on saving and improving lives. GCC works closely with Global Affairs Canada, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and a global network of partners to bring successful innovation to scale, catalyzing sustainability and impact.

With close to $160 million in funding from the Government of Canada, GCC uses a feminist investment approach to enabling innovations to address persistent RMNCH challenges and bring about improved outcomes for women and children in LMICs. GCC funds innovation at two phases of development:
• Seed: to test that innovations can function as designed (i.e. proof-of-concept).
• Transition-to-Scale (TTS): to catalyze the scale and sustainability of tested innovations
Tapping into its maturing pipeline of innovations and pipelines of other trusted partners, GCC is increasingly focusing its efforts on funding innovations at TTS, using a combination of grant and risk capital. These positions will focus on sourcing, evaluating and supporting TTS investments.

Description of responsibilities 

Formally reporting to an Investment Manager and working closely with other members of the Development Innovation Programs team and Knowledge Management & Translation team, key responsibilities will include but are not limited to: 
• Conducting thorough financial and operational due diligence, including, financial modelling, impact assessments, risk assessments etc. of potential investments;
• Prepare investment memorandums and pitch presentations of potential investments for consideration by GCC’s Investment Committee;
• Engage in negotiations of investment agreements;
• Engage in post-deal execution of investments, e.g., monitor progress against funding milestones;
• Contribute to the analysis of TTS portfolio progress and results; and
• Engage with innovators throughout investment process.

Competencies and qualities 

• Degree in a relevant discipline with advanced business training (e.g., BA, CFA, relevant Master’s degree)
• A minimum of 2-3 years of social impact investing experience, preferably within international early stage venture investment or private debt/equity (experience with blended finance an asset); strong preference will go to those with education and/or experience in global/public health and/or international development
• Experience in, and a comfort level working with, a fast-paced, dynamic, entrepreneurial environment
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and effectively manage competing priorities and deadlines
• Highly developed interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to work well independently with minimal supervision and within a multidisciplinary team
• An inquisitive mind with the patience to arrive at an unconventional conclusion 
• Excellent critical thinking skills with the ability to identify and solve problems
• Highly motivated, action oriented, and results driven with a positive ‘can do’ attitude
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills

If you are interested in making your contribution at UHN, please apply on-line HERE. You will be asked to send your CV, cover letter, and 3 references in one PDF document. You will also be required to complete some initial screening questions. Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.