FINANCE & ADMIN INTERN

Application Deadline: February 28, 2025

Applications to be considered on a rolling basis

We are Persistent in our quest to build climate ventures in Africa

Persistent is the leading climate venture builder in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We are pioneer investors, thought leaders and venture builders driving climate friendly investments in, amongst others, the distributed renewable energy (DRE), e-mobility, energy efficiency, eco-system enablers and other climate technologies.

We believe that building commercially successful climate impact ventures in emerging markets can both make the world a better place and provide attractive financial returns.

We believe that climate change is the biggest challenge of our time and therefore focus on companies that proliferate renewable energy and other climate-mitigating solutions to customers in emerging markets.

Our model is simple. We bring expertise and experience, as well as the right financial capital to start-up companies. The Persistent team can provide business and financial modeling, fundraising, legal and tax structuring, technology architecture, digital strategy, and HR management expertise.

Our model is unique for two reasons. First, we go beyond boardroom advice, roll up our sleeves and fill operational roles. Our sector experience helps companies avoid making mistakes we have already seen in the sector.  Second, due to our close involvement and deep experience, we can provide risk-tolerant capital to our companies in the most flexible way.

In addition to its core investing and venture building business, Persistent also brings its expertise to two investment advisory mandates: the 49M EUR Clean Energy and Energy Inclusion for Africa Foundation (“CEI Africa”) and the 120M USD Energy Entrepreneurs Growth Fund (“EEGF”) – being active part of the investment teams as well as providing hands-on support to the respective investees.

Our model provides positive impact and financial returns because we only work with exceptional entrepreneurs, are backed by the most visionary investors, institutions, and foundations, and because we are Persistent.

Your role
We are looking for an exceptional professional with a pronounced entrepreneurial mindset and at least 2 years experience to join our Nairobi team.

Your Responsibilities

Financial Administration and Asset Management

• Assist the Finance Team with expense management, review of supplier invoices and general postings on the accounting system.
• Administer asset procurement and insurance, administer issuance of equipment and maintain the asset register.

Office Administration

• Oversee premises and lease management for the office.
• Participate in the negotiation and procurement of office services and supplies in line with the procurement policy and processes and administer services oversight.
• Maintain the office store and inventory management, deliveries and errands.
• Administer travel and logistics, including flight and accommodation support, visa support, among others.
• Provide logistics support to workshops and office meetings.

HR Processes

• Support in the implementation of HR policies and procedures and HR related duties such as recruitment, on-boarding  and induction.
• Immigration support including liaison with our service providers.
• Coordinate and provide support to staff members around travel and accommodation, equipment and  workstations, health and safety and office equipment.

Your profile

• Bachelor’s degree in Administration/Human Resource/Finance.
• 2 years of relevant professional experience.
• Good knowledge and working experience of labor laws.
• Ability to multi-task, prioritise and pay attention to detail.
• Excellent analytical skills, communication skills with good interpersonal skills.
• Location & Travel: You are based in Nairobi (you can legally live and work in Kenya) and are able to travel as needed.

Ideally, you should also have the following:

• Ability to get things done while exercising good judgement.
• Basic financial skills.
• Experience in implementing and maintaining office systems and procedures.
• Exceptional customer service skills, including interpersonal skills and communication skills.

Build with us
Our culture at Persistent is entrepreneurial, collaborative, and flexible. We seek talented people who are passionate about impact and have a drive for excellence. We offer a dynamic work environment where we work closely with our fast-moving partner companies located in more than a dozen countries in Africa.

Join us at Persistent and benefit from:

Impact: An opportunity to work directly with energy companies in underserved markets and create lasting social and environmental impact.

Steep learning curve: You will join a small, but experienced team that will enable you to become a multi-skilled professional in a short period of time and build the confidence to embrace and tackle most business challenges.

Opportunity to take initiative: Leverage your expertise to create practical and relevant solutions for companies on the frontline and see concrete outcomes of your work.

Flexibility: Exercise a significant amount of discretion in determining what you do and how you do it.

Persistent is a workplace that gives you the flexibility to balance the requirements of work and private life. While you may frequently travel, you will also be able to work from home when necessary and make use of flexible hours and family-focused leave policies. We also offer attractive compensation that is designed to reward your performance and impact over the long term.

Applications to be sent to join@persistent.energy