Ghana: Impact Investing Legal Fellow (Canadian citizens and permanent residents only)

Engineers Without Borders Canada (EWB) ​is a Canadian NGO that invests in people and ventures to create a thriving and sustainable world. Bolstered by its network of 40 chapters and 1300 members, EWB provides seed funding, talent and mentorship to social enterprises throughout Sub­Saharan Africa. For more information on EWB, visit http://ewb.ca.

The EWB Fellows Program

Now in its 15 th year, the EWB Fellows Program exists to develop a cadre of Systems Change Leaders by equipping them with the opportunities, competencies and skills needed to build a more thriving and sustainable world. Every year we recruit 25-­30 outstanding people for the 12­-month Fellowship, placing successful candidates in one of our early­stage Ventures located throughout Sub Saharan Africa. This Fellowship opportunity is with EWB’s Strategy and Investment Team and location is to be determined.

About the Team

EWB’s Small and Growing Business (SGB) Portfolio is a new seed­-stage investment vehicle backed by Engineers Without Borders Canada. We are dedicated to supporting early­stage, highly scalable, innovative, for­profit, social enterprises in Sub­Saharan Africa (SSA). We make tailored, long­term investments of up to $100,000 in ventures with high potential to drive systemic change for the benefit of the underserved in new, untested ways.

The Fellow will work with the Strategy and Investment team, supporting all legal work related to EWB’s SGB Portfolio, including legal due diligence, investment structuring, structuring of alternative investment vehicles, and providing support and resources to our portfolio of ventures. The role will be highly entrepreneurial, spanning emerging market venture investing, consulting/management, and entrepreneurship, focusing on early­stage businesses that have the potential to systemic change for the benefit of the underserved in new, untested ways.

About the role

This opportunity is tailored to candidates looking to make an impact in shaping a highly innovative model in disrupting poverty. We are looking someone who has the courage to question the status quo and ask difficult questions, yet has the humility to listen and commit to personal growth through honest self­assessment. This is a unique opportunity to invest time in developing legal skills cutting across multiple jurisdictions and corporate structures in an unconventional business setting, requiring someone who as the ability to adapt across multiple environments. For the rare individual that has the legal background and also the necessary business acumen, we would welcome having them participate on investment­ related work as well, including deal sourcing, investment due diligence and portfolio management.

Responsibilities

• Assist in legal due diligence, legal structuring and preparation of investment documents;


• Further develop a go­to set of legal documents that can be used in­house for EWB’s most frequent needs (NDAs, convertible notes, preferred equity, etc.);


• Research various corporate structures that EWB may invest through given its unique needs and potentially support outside legal counsel in setting up this/these vehicle(s);


• Directly support portfolio companies as pertains to their legal needs and/or liaise with local counsel as necessary;


• Develop online toolkit of legal documents and resources aimed at early stage social enterprises in Sub­Sahara Africa; and


• Other duties as developed by the team.

Skills & Qualifications

• Passion for entrepreneurship and commitment to alleviating poverty;


• 2+ years of professional legal experience ­ Venture Capital/Private Equity, Investment Funds, Corporate M&A, International Law preferred;


• Experience living/working in a developing economy, o Sub­Saharan Africa a big plus;


• Advanced degree (JD or equivalent) desired;


• Intellectual curiosity and a strong desire to learn;


• Highly motivated, with ability to work proactively and independently;


• Excellent time management skills and ability to manage multiple projects concurrently;


• Exceptional interpersonal and communications skills;


• Canadian citizenship, permanent residency, or landed immigrant status.

Compensation

All costs relating to the placement are either paid for directly by EWB (airfare, insurance, vaccinations, trainings) or indirectly through a living stipend, which covers food, living expenses, local travel, etc. Fellows also receive an honorarium that can be used to assist with repatriation costs or additional costs during the duration of the placement. The stipend covers basic living expenses for a modest lifestyle in your placement country. You should not expect to save money during this year or use the stipend to cover previous expenses (ex. student loans).

Additionally, EWB offers a range of benefits including insurance, a settlement allowance, professional development opportunities, and more.