Director - Investment Unit

Catalyst Group · 2 weeks ago
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Employment Type
Employee
Applications Received
9

About CMS

Catalyst Management Services (CMS) is part of The Catalysts (A Social Enterprise Platform), a network of impact enterprises and institutions working to build the resilience of 100 million vulnerable people by 2035. We work at the intersection of community commitment, market power, and government reach—designing and delivering solutions that combine technology, innovative financing, and collaborative partnerships.

As CMS enters an exciting phase of expansion of our Investment Unit to strengthen our portfolio strategy, optimize impact and financial returns, and mobilise capital for social innovation and enterprise growth.

Position Overview

The Investment Unit Chief will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing CMS’s investment strategy. The role blends strategic finance, product innovation, and social impact, requiring a professional who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and in the field.

You will lead the design of investment strategies, coordinate product and instrument development, and ensure optimal financial performance and compliance. The position demands a rare combination of financial acumen, consulting skills, partnership orientation, and deep social purpose.


Key Responsibilities

1. Investment Strategy and Business Planning

  1. Lead the design and implementation of CMS’s overall investment strategy aligned to organisational goals.
  2. Develop portfolio frameworks for both impact and commercial returns.
  3. Identify priority sectors and instruments aligned to CMS’s mission areas (health, livelihoods, climate resilience).
  4. Develop annual investment plans and risk–return dashboards for management review.

2. Product and Mechanism Design

  1. Steer design of innovative investment instruments, facilities, and financing mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, impact bonds, catalytic funds).
  2. Partner with internal teams and external advisors to structure products that attract institutional, philanthropic, and private capital.
  3. Prepare investment memos, models, and proposals for board and investor consideration.
  4. Stay ahead of emerging trends in impact investing, blended finance, and social capital markets.

3. Investment Performance and Risk Management

  1. Ensure maximisation of returns and minimisation of risks through robust due diligence and monitoring.
  2. Establish systems for portfolio tracking, compliance, and reporting.
  3. Review investment performance periodically and recommend course corrections.
  4. Ensure adherence to all statutory and financial governance norms.

4. Partnerships and Stakeholder Management

  1. Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, financial institutions, development finance actors, and social enterprises.
  2. Support & Lead fund raising initiatives
  3. Negotiate investment terms, partnerships, and co-financing agreements.
  4. Represent CMS and the Catalysts Group in relevant forums and networks.
  5. Profile of the Ideal Candidate

5. Qualifications & Experience

  1. Postgraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Development Management, or related field.
  2. 15-20 years of experience in Social Impact Sector. We are open for those who have Investment banking, impact investing, development finance, or consulting backgrounds, with deep interest in Social and environmental impact.

6.Skills & Attributes

  1. Strategic thinker with analytical rigour and execution drive.
  2. Outstanding consulting and communication skills (design, negotiation, reporting, partnership management).
  3. Ability to research quickly, synthesise insights, and translate ideas into actionable strategies.
  4. Extroverted, relationship-oriented, and comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders.
  5. Deep personal commitment to social development and sustainability.
  6. Understanding of social investment products, structuring deals, and managing portfolios.
  7. Grasp of statutory and regulatory compliance in investment operations.

Key Results Expected

  1. A comprehensive Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan within the first six months.
  2. Minimum 10% return on investment on the CMS portfolio, along with Social Impact.
  3. Demonstrated risk minimisation and statutory compliance across all investment activities.
  4. Strong partnerships built with investors, financial institutions, and social enterprises.


Why Join CMS?

At CMS, you will be part of a mission-driven enterprise that combines business discipline with social purpose. You will have the opportunity to shape one of India’s most innovative impact investment portfolios, influence how capital flows for social good, and work alongside passionate leaders who believe in balancing profit, purpose, people and planet.