The Aga Khan Foundation in Syria seeks to employ a full-time Chief Investment Officer for Accelerate Prosperity for its offices in Damascus and Salamieh.

JOB NUMBER: AP/ 02

ACCELERATE PROSPERITY: 

Accelerate Prosperity initiative (AP) launched in 2016 as a joint initiative of the Aga Khan Foundation (AKF) and the Aga Khan Fund for Economic Development’s Industrial Promotion Services (AKFED-IPS). AP’s overall mandate is to create an inclusive and prosperous society powered by entrepreneurs. Through a mix of technical support and tailored financing for start-ups, small and growing businesses (SGBs), AP facilitates entrepreneurship, employment especially for youth and women and socio-economic development within its relevant geographies. 

JOB SUMMARY: 

The Chief Investment Officer (CIO) will lead the investment unit of AP Syria, ensuring the quality, compliance, and strategic alignment of all investment activities. As a senior member of the country team, the CIO will be responsible for sourcing, structuring, and monitoring investments into early-stage businesses, aligning with AP’s mission to catalyze entrepreneurship and economic development. This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of development and venture capital, with a strong focus on impact investing and inclusive growth. AP CIO reports to the AP Country Director on all investment activities, business planning, partnerships with financial institutions and associated day-to-day matters and overall performance. He/she will also report to the AP Executive Management Team on portfolio-related matters and participate at global meetings. 

The CIO will work in close coordination with a wide array of internal and external stakeholders to accomplish these objectives. She/ he will be required to travel frequently to all program areas of AP and to other AP country units as and when required and needed (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, etc.).

We offer the opportunity to shape impact-driven investments in an emerging market, within a collaborative, mission-driven environment that provides competitive pay, benefits, and international professional development within the AKDN network.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Investment Strategy & Execution
• Lead the development and implementation of the country’s investment strategy, in line with AP’s Investment Policy and Business Plan.
• Identify and assess high-potential startups and SGBs for investment readiness.
• Oversee investment pipeline development, ensuring alignment with sectoral and geographic priorities.

• Due Diligence & Deal Structuring:
• Lead financial modeling, business analysis, and investment memorandum preparation for shortlisted ventures.
• Coordinate and conduct due diligence on investees, including business, financial, legal, and regulatory checks.
• Support legal counsel in structuring deals and drafting legal agreements, ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations
• Portfolio & Risk Management
• Monitor the performance of the investment portfolio, ensuring timely repayments and exits.
• Provide post-investment support to businesses, including mentorship, advisory, and technical assistance coordination.
• Proactively manage risks through strong internal controls and compliance with AP’s investment governance framework.
• Stakeholder Engagement:
• Liaise with national and regional investment committees, providing timely and strategic investment recommendations.
• Support donor coordination and reporting requirements related to investment programs.
• Represent AP Syria in investor forums, networking events, and partnership development opportunities.

• The applicant must have a Master’s degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, and/or related fields.
• Professional certifications such as CFA, ACCA, FMVA, or equivalent in banking sector are highly desirable. Prior experience in financing/ investments space will also be counted towards it.
• At least 5 years of hands-on experience in investment management, corporate finance, venture capital, or SME finance.
• Demonstrated experience in sourcing, evaluating, and managing early-stage investments, preferably in emerging markets.
• Strong understanding of financial instruments, risk management, and regulatory frameworks in Syria.
• Proven expertise in financial modeling, valuation, and portfolio monitoring.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work proactively, independently, and collaboratively within a diverse and dynamic team environment.
• Familiarity with the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Syria is a strong advantage.
• Fluency in English and Syrian is required; proficiency in other regional languages is a plus

Deadline for application submission is Wednesday, November 26th 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.