Lirio Fund Andes Associate

Organization profile:

NESsT is an international non-profit organization with offices in Latin America and Europe. NESsT invests in social enterprises (“SE”) that generate dignified jobs for people most in need. We use an engaged approach providing tailored financing and one-on-one business development support to social entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Find out more about NESsT: www.nesst.org

NESsT currently manages the NESsT Lirio Fund, a loan fund that is actively investing in social enterprises looking to raise capital from $50K to $500K. They are typically companies with annual turnover under $10M working with vulnerable communities (smallholder farmers, at-risk youth, vulnerable women).

The Lirio fund provides senior, secured debt and mezzanine to companies that are profitable and looking to scale their operations to have a stronger and more sustainable social impact.  The Lirio Fund Andes team is based in Lima, Peru with activities in Peru, Colombia and looking to grow and into other Spanish speakers’ countries in South America in the next few years. In 2024 the Lirio fund started operations in Brazil.

Position Overview:

NESsT is currently looking for an Associate to help and support the Lirio Fund Andes team. They will be active in all areas of the fund. They will be mainly focused in the origination, evaluation of opportunities, manage the due diligence process, close the legal contracts and bring companies into the NESsT portfolio. We are hiring for a full-time position that will have a three-month trial period.

The position will report to the Lirio Fund Andes Director located in Lima and will be directly working with the Loan Officer of the fund. The position is based in Lima, Peru or in Bogota, Colombia; with potential travels to other cities in Peru and Colombia.

Key Duties & Responsibilities:  Sourcing, Underwriting and Closing Transactions 

• Generate leads and investment opportunities using their existing network and leveraging the network of NESsT.
• Analyze and perform integral due diligence on SEs' financial status, credit, and property evaluations to determine feasibility of granting loans.
• Building investment memos to present to the Credit Committee at all three stages of underwriting. Seek approval for loan deals.
• Build and manage the loan finance model for each transaction: Incorporate management team projections and develop scenarios for downside cases.
• Discuss the documents and analysis performed on the SEs with the Loan Officer and Fund Director.
• Highlight identified risks and make a risk mitigation strategy including the proposal of conditions and covenants.
• Provide business assistance (during due diligence) to entrepreneurs to help them qualify for NESsT loans.
• Perform detailed assessment of the companies’ social and environmental impact using NESsT’s impact framework.
• Help in transaction negotiations and closing: term sheet negotiation, final loan documentation, ancillary agreements related, cash management of loan disbursal.

 Qualifications:

• A bachelor's degree.
  
• At least 3 years of total work experience, with at least 1.5 years’ experience in investing and/or financial review of SMEs in Latin America, preferably in credit risk or investment banking roles, SME financing or leasing business.
  
• Strong project management skills, the ability to approach tasks in a highly organized, logical and diligent manner.
• Strong financial modelling skills and experience with accounting and reading of financial statements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to social impact; this can include volunteer positions. Experience with social enterprises or working in impact investing in the agricultural sector is a plus.
• Requirement to have experience working in the Andes region (Peru, Colombia).
• Excellent verbal and written skills in Spanish and advanced verbal and written skills in English.
• Ability to effectively work under pressure, manage multiple tasks simultaneously and produce high-quality work within tight time constraints
• Ability to be flexible, resourceful and innovative.
• Familiarity and comfort with Microsoft Office.

NESsT offers a competitive salary with benefits in the non-profit sector, including private health care insurance. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of a meaningful global organization that is changing the world by investing in emerging market businesses that offer employment, sustainable income and an improved quality of life for people who face the greatest barriers to work.

Location: Lima, Peru or Bogota, Colombia

Schedule: 9 am – 6 pm with one-hour lunch break; expected to come to office 2 times per week in person.

Start Date: May or June, 2025

Position Overview:

Please apply for this position by uploading the following materials in English via our online application:

• Thoughtful cover letter in English explaining why you're the right fit for this role and your available start
  
• Resume
  
• Statement on salary
  

Application process is open until position is filled. 

The salary range for this position is US$1,300 – US$1,800 per month (for reference). Depending on where you are hired, you'll be paid in the local currency. Compensation will be commensurate with work experience and skill provided.

NESsT is proud to be an equal-opportunity employer committed to identifying and developing the skills and leadership of people from diverse backgrounds.