Head of Impact Investing

The Head of Impact Investing will spearhead the development and execution of Pele Energy Group’s impact investment strategy. This strategic role involves overseeing and managing both grant funding and commercial funding streams to accelerate the growth and transformation of energy communities, with a strong focus on supporting NDP communities. The successful candidate will align funding initiatives with the group’s broader socio-economic and environmental impact objectives, ensuring measurable, sustainable outcomes.

Job Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated impact investing strategy that aligns with Pele Energy Group’s mission to uplift energy and NDP communities.
• Identify and structure opportunities to attract both grant funding (philanthropic and development funds) and commercial funding (impact investors, blended finance, and public-private partnerships).
• Create a roadmap for deploying funds effectively to maximize social, economic, and environmental returns.

Funding and Resource Mobilization

• Secure grant funding from international development agencies, government programs, and foundations to support community development projects.
• Develop commercial funding partnerships with impact investors, private equity, and financial institutions interested in energy infrastructure and social transformation.
• Engage with stakeholders to structure blended finance models that leverage grant funding to de-risk commercial investments.

Program Development and Management

• Oversee the design and implementation of programs targeting community development in energy access, education, skills training, job creation, and entrepreneurship.
• Ensure all funded projects comply with funding agreements and deliver measurable, sustainable outcomes.
• Lead the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of funded projects to track impact and performance, providing regular reports to stakeholders.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with government bodies, NGOs, corporate funders, and community organisations to ensure alignment and collaboration.
• Represent Pele Energy Group at key industry events, conferences, and meetings to advocate for impact-driven energy solutions.
• Collaborate with internal teams, including community development, operations, and communications, to align impact investment initiatives with broader organisational goals.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure adherence to all legal, regulatory, and ethical requirements in the deployment and management of funds.
• Implement robust governance frameworks to manage risk and ensure transparency in the allocation and use of funds.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• A master’s degree in finance, Development Studies, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field.
• 8+ years of experience in impact investing, sustainable finance, development finance, or a related field, with a proven track record of mobilizing funding.
• Expertise in structuring blended finance solutions, grant funding management, and working with multi-stakeholder partnerships.
• Strong understanding of the South African renewable energy landscape and NDP community development priorities.
• Exceptional strategic thinking, analytical skills, and a results-driven mindset.
• Proven ability to build and maintain relationships with funders, government bodies, and community organisations.
• Experience in monitoring and evaluating impact-driven projects.

Competencies

• Strong leadership and team management abilities.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Deep understanding of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles and impact measurement frameworks.
• Financial acumen, including the ability to evaluate investment opportunities and funding mechanisms.
• Passion for community development and social impact.

What We Offer

• An opportunity to shape the future of South Africa’s energy and socio-economic landscape.
• A dynamic and purpose-driven work environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits.
• The chance to work on innovative projects with measurable community impact.

Applications Deadline: 6 February 2025