Associate Fund Principal – Private Markets

SUMMARY:
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POSITION INFO:

We are recruiting on behalf of a large, well-established investment and asset management organisation with a long-term mandate to invest across multiple sectors of the economy on behalf of institutional clients. The organisation manages a substantial portfolio of assets and plays a key role in the South African investment landscape.

An exciting opportunity exists for an experienced Associate Fund Principal to join the Private Markets investment team, supporting senior leadership in executing and managing private market investment strategies.

Purpose of the Role

The successful incumbent will support the Head of Private Markets / Fund Investments in providing strategic direction and leadership across fund investment activities. The role involves sourcing, evaluating, executing, and managing private market investment opportunities across multiple asset classes and fund structures.

Key Responsibilities (include but not limited to):

Investment Origination & Evaluation

• Proactively source and identify private market investment opportunities and investment partners

• Conduct desktop screening and preliminary investment assessments

• Prepare scoping and concept papers for potential investments

Transaction Execution

• Lead transaction teams through the full investment lifecycle

• Coordinate and conduct commercial, financial, legal, and operational due diligence

• Participate in deal structuring, pricing, and negotiation of term sheets

• Prepare detailed investment appraisal and recommendation reports

• Review and comment on transaction and legal agreements

• Support implementation, capital deployment, and disbursement processes

Portfolio & Fund Oversight

• Manage and monitor a portfolio of fund investments

• Review quarterly reports, valuations, risk metrics, and compliance requirements

• Engage with fund managers and internal stakeholders on performance and governance

• Participate in exit planning and execution

Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with internal portfolio management, risk, compliance, and legal teams

• Lead transaction handovers post-approval

• Prepare and deliver written reports and investment presentations to committees

Minimum Requirements

Qualifications

• Relevant postgraduate qualification or NQF Level 8 equivalent

• Master’s degree, MBA, CA(SA) or CFA designation advantageous

• FAIS RE 05 (or to be obtained within 6 months of appointment)

Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in:

  • Private markets

  • Alternative investments

  • Fund investments

  • Institutional asset management (preferred)

Core Skills & Competencies

• Investment analysis and research

• Transaction execution and deal management

• Financial modelling (intermediate level)

• Negotiation and deal structuring

• Strong commercial acumen

• Excellent written and presentation skills

• Stakeholder engagement and communication

• Planning, organisation, and time management

• Problem-solving and sound judgement