By Jennifer Hsieh  on Mon 6 Feb - 0 Comments
Categories: Career Development, Internships

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Organization Description

Open Capital Advisors is a social enterprise based in Nairobi. Our mission is to support innovative, high-potential Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) which lack the strategic guidance and capital required to achieve growth and impact. By merging the roles of a management consultancy and investment bank, they are able to develop growth strategy for SMEs and structure investments, working with our network of impact investors in Africa and the US to raise capital. We also engage with investors, NGOs, and MNCs to innovate, improve access, and develop creative structures for impact investments in East Africa.

We are an entrepreneurial company that has leveraged experience and a broad network to grow rapidly. Over the last year, we have engaged on 30 projects with a number of SMEs and investors, resulting in a number of successful capital raises and new growth. We work with several global partners to tackle larger challenges, including reducing inefficiencies in investor due diligence and financial structuring, opening legal channels to improve foreign capital access for African SMEs, and developing local mechanisms to encourage entrepreneurship.

Fellows Program Description

The Fellows Program is designed to bring bright, creative professionals to Nairobi to work directly with our clients. Fellows come from a variety of backgrounds (http://opencapitaladvisors.com/about-us/our-fellows/) and have taken responsibility for designing growth strategy, assessing impact, and structuring and negotiating deals through leadership roles in our project teams.

The Fellows Program will push you to jump in feet first

We are entrepreneurs – we focus on live projects and deals, not hierarchy

• You’ll be working with clients immediately; typically within 24 hours of landing
• You’re expected to contribute on everything from investor negotiations & closing deals to business development and our own firm strategy
• We are generalists so no two days will look the same – you’ll be advising entrepreneurs, structuring financing, calculating development impact and more
• We require minimum 12 weeks for our Fellows to ensure full exposure to East Africa
• Fellowships are covered by a small stipend but can be additionally supported by grants and planned as secondments – our team is happy to help with applications and budgeting

We work hard and play hard – there’s no shortage of adventure in East Africa

• Nairobi is one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Africa
• East Africa has the best safari parks and a coastline that rivals any in the world
• Endless outdoor options – hiking, climbing, ultimate frisbee, Gorilla trekking

Think you might fit? Let’s talk

How to Apply

We are currently recruiting for summer positions and welcome your interest by submitting a CV and brief expression of interest at fellowships@opencapitaladvisors.com.