Investment Development Officer

Position Title:Investment Development Officer
Location:Gaza Office with frequent travel to Amman, Jordan and possible regional travel
Duration:Six months (with possibility of permanent extension)
Department:ICT ecosystem development programs

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:
Mercy Corps (MC) is a non-profit, non-aligned, secular non-governmental (NGO) humanitarian relief and development organization, registered in the United States and Scotland with offices in more than 40 countries around the world, including the West Bank and Gaza, where the organization has been active in implementing relief and development programs for nearly a decade.  Mercy Corps ‘West Bank and Gaza’ has staff based in East Jerusalem, Ramallah and Gaza City offices that implement programs throughout the Palestinian Territories.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY
Mercy Corps has implemented ICT ecosystem development programs in Gaza since 2009 with funding from a range of donors.  Mercy Corps is currently implementing the Arab Development Network Initiative (ADNI) with funding from Google, Inc.  The primary goal of ADNI is to support IT entrepreneurs to identify and launch scalable startup ideas.  To support Gaza IT entrepreneurs ADNI has created Gaza Sky Geeks (GSG), the first for-profit IT startup accelerator in Gaza.  GSG will support the most promising startup ideas and entrepreneurs by providing seed investment, mentor support and link to follow on investment.  Gaza Sky Geeks will be based on a for-profit acceleration model.  GSG seeks an Investment Development Officer to manage and set the strategy for all investor relations strategy and engagement and to work closely with accelerator partner Oasis500 to develop all financial documents and regulations. 

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
-Work with GSG Director and Oasis500 Investment Development Officer on seed investment structure and legal requirements
-Represent Mercy Corps in all investment discussions and meetings including initial seed investment in accelerated startups and the structure of follow on investment to startups post acceleration
-Negotiate with startups selected for acceleration the terms of equity
-Develop a Gaza angel investor network for follow on investment of GSG accelerated startups
-In cooperation with MENA apps and MC Palestine develop a Palestinian and regional angel investor network that compliments the Gaza Angel Investor network
-Provide linkage and maintain relationship with local, regional and international angel and investment funds
-Mentor startups on all financial topics including cash flow management, balance sheet, etc.
-Maintain accounting and taxation records for a variety of onshore and offshore entities, responsible for accounting reports and schedules and annual financial statements and taxation returns
-Prepare accelerator performance reports including annual summaries and periodic return estimates
-Allocate gains and losses amongst investors and calculate management and performance fees
-Serve as liaison with fund managers, investors, Mercy Corps WBG finance department and Mercy Corps HQ finance
-Advise Mercy Corps Middle East Regional Program Director, Deputy Program Director, Palestine Country Director, Digital Economy Program Director and ADNI team on investment related initiatives
-Other duties may be assigned

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
-Two or more years of progressive financial management experience is required.
-A BA/BS or equivalent in finance, accounting, economics or other related field; Master’s degree strongly preferred
-Knowledge for and passion for using investing as a means by which to create employment opportunity to the growth of the startup ecosystem
-Demonstrated experience and skill with budget preparation and analysis, financial reporting preparation and presentation and proven ability to translate technical financial data into information
-Strong accounting skills and experience, including management of general ledger, journal entries, payroll, payables and balance sheet
-Previous experience making investments in micro, small and startup businesses preferred
-Prior management experience and strong organizational skills

Skills:
-Passion for IT startup creation
-Outstanding skills and demonstrated financial modeling and financial analysis skills
-Expert knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and PPT
-Positive and Enthusiastic attitude
-Flexibility and willingness to do what it takes in a team environment
-Ability to work independently, multi-task and prioritize competing demands
-Professional demeanor and high attention to detail
-Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English and Arabic
-Willingness and ability to travel outside Gaza on a regular basis

ACCOUNTABILITY:
Reports directly to:Digital Economy Program Director (GSG Director) and
GSG Business Development Manager
Works directly with:Communications Consultant and Program Support Officer

SUCCESS FACTORS:
The successful Investment Consultant will be self-motivated, creative and entrepreneurial with a drive and vision to create opportunities for entrepreneurs.  They will be tolerant, and able to work in difficult and stressful environments and follow procedures.  They will be a natural leader with the ability to motivate and inspire entrepreneurs and partners, fostering an environment of collaboration.  The successful candidate will therefore be focused on team-building and capacity building, and will be able to apply creative solutions to program quality, teambuilding and resource development challenges.

Deadline for application submission is Sunday 15 Sep 2013; submission of CV and cover letter to be made through email: [email protected]

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