Investment Associate

Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF, originally known as Western NIS Enterprise Fund) is a $285 million regional fund, a pioneer in Ukraine and Moldova with 30 years of successful experience in investing in small and medium-sized companies. UMAEF was funded by the U.S. government via the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The Fund also provided anchor investments for Horizon Capital’s Emerging Europe Growth Fund (EEGF), EEGF III, and HCGF IV, unlocking $2.4 billion of total capital for Ukrainian and Moldovan companies. In 2017, the Fund established u.ventures, a successful early-stage venture fund offering co-financing and scaling assistance for Seed to Series A startups with Ukrainian or Moldovan co-founders.

About the program
In October 2024, UMAEF launched an SME Direct Investments Program offering equity and quasi equity investments in $1 million to $3 million range to small and medium sized (SMEs) real sector companies in Ukraine and Moldova. The goal of the new direct investment program is to provide growth financing to SMEs led by driven and dedicated operators focused on building successful resilient businesses defying challenging circumstances.

About the role
We are looking for an Investment Associate to join our team. You will manage investment process, drive the growth of ambitious SMEs, contribute to the economic rebuilding effort, and help foster the development of the private equity ecosystem.

Responsibilities:

• Identify compelling investment sectors and conduct in-depth market research.
• Look for opportunities to network and build a deal flow of prospective investments.
• Conduct research on a variety of investment-related subjects as needed.
• Build financial models and run analysis to evaluate investment opportunities.
• Assist in the negotiation and structuring of deals, coordinate the due diligence process.
• Support portfolio companies post investment. Monitor performance, develop and deliver regular reports to stakeholders. Support portfolio companies’ value creation and strategic initiatives.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Complete higher education.
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in PE/VC, investment banking, strategy consulting, Big4. CFA designation is a plus.
• Advanced financial modeling, valuation and presentation skills.
• Strong quantitative and analytical capabilities, problem-solving skills. Ability to structure and analyze data, find patterns, organize ideas.
• Ability to handle multiple projects with keen attention to detail. Ability to prioritize, self-organize and follow through, work independently and collaboratively.
• Entrepreneurial attitude and growth mindset. Strong work ethics.
• Good knowledge of Moldova business ecosystem.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in Romanian and English. Proficiency in Ukrainian is a plus.

We Offer:

• Be a part of the economic rebuilding story. Make a difference.
• Challenging tasks and opportunities for professional growth.
• Become a valued part of our open-minded and collaborative team.
• Competitive compensation package.
• Full-time employment and opportunities for advancement.

Location:
Based in Chisinau, office/hybrid.

Learn more about UMAEF: https://umaef.org/
We thank all applicants for your attention and consideration and advise that only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.