Credit Analyst Intern

SUMMARY:
Signa Opportunity is recruiting unemployed youth for quality workplace experience through the Youth Employment Service (YES) initiative.

POSITION INFO:
About the role
We are looking for a Credit Analyst Intern to join our investment team and support with sourcing, assessing, and monitoring our SME portfolio. This role is ideal for someone who is
analytically strong, curious, mission-driven, and excited about inclusive economic growth in
South Africa.

Responsibilities

Pipeline Development & Market Research

• Conduct research to identify and map high-potential, female-led SMEs in sectors such as consumer goods, manufacturing, energy, and agriculture.
• Build and maintain databases of potential investees and sector insights.
• Support outreach activities and help nurture early relationships with prospective SMEs.

• Assist in preparing credit memos and investment committee documentation.
• Analyse bank statements, management accounts, financial statements, and cash-flow data.
• Review an SME’s digital footprint, operational model, and market positioning to identify potential risks and opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of creditworthiness assessments and risk rating inputs.

• Help track portfolio company performance and identify areas requiring intervention.
• Support the development of value-addition frameworks for borrower businesses, including financial management, operational efficiency, and digital enablement.
• Participate in monitoring calls, site visits, and internal reviews.

• South African Unemployed youth between the ages of 18 and 34.
• Must not have participated on the YES programme before.
• Matric.
• Post-graduate qualification (completed or in progress) in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Commerce, Engineering, or Politics, Philosophy & Economics.
• Strong analytical skills, especially in interpreting financial statements and bank data.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Excel or Google Sheets (basic financial modelling exposure is an advantage).

• Curious, detail-oriented, and eager to learn.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
• Passionate about inclusive, socio-economic growth and gender-lens investing.
• Able to work collaboratively within a diverse team and engage professionally with entrepreneurs.
• 6 - 12 months of relevant experience (e.g., consulting, finance, accounting, or research), OR practical experience running or supporting a small business.

• Opportunity to gain hands-on experience in private credit, SME finance, and impact-driven investment.
• Exposure to real businesses solving real problems and a team that prioritises transparency, learning, and strong governance.