Specialist Innovation Investments

Karandaaz Pakistan (KRN) is a Section 42 non-profit organization registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan. Supported by the UK’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and funded by the Gates Foundation, Karandaaz aims to strengthen financial and digital ecosystems through investments, innovation, and strategic partnerships for inclusive and sustainable growth. The Innovation Investments (II) team focuses on addressing gaps in financial architecture via programs such as the Innovation Challenge Fund, Women Ventures, and the Green Challenge Fund. The Specialist role involves leading new product development and pipeline origination within the II portfolio, with a primary focus on the GreenFin Innovations line. This position also supports the scale-up of Women Ventures by coordinating with relevant stakeholders to ensure alignment with portfolio strategies and investment guidelines.

Key Responsibilities

Pipeline Development & Origination:
- Build and maintain a deal pipeline aligned with program strategy, investment thresholds, and budget.
- Develop innovative financing products, including concept notes, aligned with impact goals and the II strategic framework.
- Conduct market outreach, lead generation, and screening of prospective investees and partners.

Investment Due Diligence & Deal Execution:
- Perform initial due diligence and financial analysis of potential investees.
- Develop Development Impact Dashboards for transactions according to Karandaaz’s impact framework.
- Assist clients in preparing management accounts, financial projections, investment pitch decks, and review collateral and credit documents per SECP requirements.
- Support Investment Panel and Advisory Committee processes, including preparation of growth plans, investment recommendations, and documentation of decisions.
- Negotiate and draft term sheets, contracts, and financing agreements with partners.

Portfolio Performance Management and Governance:
- Monitor portfolio performance, including financial, repayment, and development impact metrics, managing investee relationships and escalating risks as needed.
- Lead portfolio reporting and analysis, providing updates to senior management and the Board, and coordinating with the Development Impact team on work plans, budgets, and risk frameworks.
- Provide technical assistance to investees and support internal and external audits.

Service Provider & Cross-Functional Coordination:
- Manage relationships with service providers, implementing partners, legal counsel, and technical assistance providers to ensure efficient program delivery.
- Coordinate with internal teams such as Research, Marketing & Communications, Finance, Risk, and Internal Audit.
- Maintain relationships with Investment Panels, Advisory Committees, and external partners/co-investors.

Strategy, Policy & Knowledge Management:
- Contribute insights and lessons learned from portfolio performance and market best practices to refine Innovation Investment strategy, policies, and product development.
- Support accreditation and qualification processes for business development and new partnerships.

Business Development Support:
- Identify and pursue new funding opportunities to expand and scale the portfolio.
- Maintain updated trackers on funding opportunities, funder requirements, and proposal planning.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience:
- Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, or a related field.
- At least 6 years of relevant experience in investment design, credit, and portfolio management.
- Demonstrated experience in climate finance and/or human development finance.
- Relevant professional qualifications such as CFA are advantageous.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:
- Proven expertise in deal origination and pipeline development.
- Strong financial analysis, due diligence, and credit investment structuring skills; knowledge of equity investments is a plus.
- Excellent contract negotiation and management capabilities.
- Strong stakeholder and vendor management skills.
- Effective written and verbal communication, including reporting to senior leadership.
- Strategic thinking and experience in policy or program design.
- Highly organized, self-driven, and able to manage multiple deadlines.
- Ability to work independently and manage a diverse portfolio with attention to detail.
- Willingness to travel across Pakistan as required.

Karandaaz embraces a culture rooted in Integrity, Diversity, Entrepreneurship, Appreciation, and Learning Acumen (IDEAL). The organization is committed to fostering a collaborative and inclusive workplace and encourages applications from all population groups.

Applications for this position close at midnight on Sunday, 11th October 2026.