Senior Associate, Content (Data & Intelligence)

LOCATION: TORONTO

Convergence is the global network for blended finance. Blended finance is the use of catalytic public or philanthropic capital to increase private sector investment in the regions and sectors that need it most in the developing world. We are the source for everything blended finance, including deals, data, reports, trainings, webinars, and much more. At Convergence, we believe that blended finance can disrupt traditional development finance as we know it, by attracting significant private sector financing to developing countries. 

Convergence is headquartered in Toronto, but we operate globally and have a presence in Singapore, Kigali, La Paz, New York and Washington, DC. Over the last five years, we have built a robust network of over 180 public, private, and philanthropic investors as well as sponsors of transactions and funds. To accelerate advances in the field, Convergence also provides grants through its Design Funding program, which funds the design of new blended finance solutions. 

We are small but mighty. Join us if you want to be part of an energetic team with a unique role at the intersection of development and finance. We are passionate about and united around the goal of directing money to where it’s needed most – into developing countries and towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. We have built a culture defined by our diversity, inclusivity, and ability to get things done. In this relatively new and growing organization, you can be sure that you’ll have a voice and leave your mark. Finally, we take our team members’ growth and well-being seriously, so we offer opportunities for professional development and team building as well as flexible schedules and generous time-off policies.

Convergence is currently seeking a Senior Associate, Content (Data & Intelligence).

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Senior Associate, Content (Data & Intelligence) is responsible for a variety of key activities that fall under Convergence’s qualitative data and intelligence offering, which is a crucial component of Convergence’s membership value proposition. In particular, this role will support the curation, management, and presentation of Convergence’s proprietary database of historical blended finance transactions and contribute to the creation of Convergence’s knowledge products.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following comprises the core responsibilities for a Senior Associate hire. At the discretion of Convergence’s management team, the Senior Associate, Content (Data & Intelligence) may also support other member offerings and activities (e.g., training, design funding). 

• Support the maintenance of Convergence’s proprietary database on historical blended finance transactions, investments, and investors, which currently captures over 1200 transactions.
• Support the end-to-end production of Convergence knowledge products such as data brief and case studies including, conducting initial background research; identifying, facilitating and conducting interviews with relevant sponsors, investors and deal stakeholders; collating, synthesizing and analyzing background research and insights from interviews; drafting and editing; and presenting end products in trainings, webinars and/or in-person events.
• Contribute to key Convergence knowledge products, including our annual State of Blended Finance reports, as well as larger bespoke projects for external stakeholders.
• Support new knowledge creation opportunities and service agreements including, building and maintaining relationships with potential funders; and pitching and presenting data and content.
• Strategize new ways that Convergence can better leverage knowledge products to enhance its standing, reputation and expertise in the field of blended finance, including liaising and collaborating with regional Convergence staff.
• Support member organizations in accessing and utilizing blended finance data and intelligence as a key part of Convergence’s membership value proposition as well as leading on data user memberships and engagements.
• Conducting data analysis with accompanying visualizations and written commentary and creating presentations (PowerPoint) across a variety of sectoral/thematic/investment topics.   
• Support the development of Convergence’s unique blended finance intelligence and knowledge resources that provide actionable tools and insights that are aligned with Convergence members’ needs and interests.
• Represent Convergence at external events and conferences, conducting presentations and cultivating business development opportunities as necessary.
• Collaborate with other Content Team members, supporting and assisting on other ongoing projects as required, while maintaining adherence to individual deadlines and workplan.
• Collaborate with Communications and Training and Engagement Teams to ensure knowledge products are adequately leveraging promotional channels.
  
  

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• An advanced degree (postgraduate, Master’s, MBA, JD) in business, finance, economics, international relations, international development, or a related field.
• Minimum of seven years work experience in research and analytics, financial services, management consulting, policy analysis or a related field
• Demonstrated ability to deliver results through both independent and collaborative work, particularly in fast-paced environments. 
• Demonstrated strengths in analytics (qualitative and quantitative) and written communication, specifically the ability to synthesize and convey complex financial concepts in an approachable and succinct way in a variety of formats (case summaries, analytical notes, presentations).
• Demonstrated strengths in qualitative data collection, management, and analysis required (e.g., categorical data) 

• Intermediate to strong grasp of key financial and macroeconomic concepts including impacts of key risks on portfolio management, private equity and debt markets, development finance, economic development, structured finance, and the political and cultural realities of emerging and frontier markets.

• Excellent communication and presentation skills with demonstrated ability to manage timelines and projects with a high degree of organization; comfortable balancing multiple tasks simultaneously and demonstrated ability to complete tasks on short deadlines.
• Proficiency in data sets/formats with MS Excel, Tableau, Salesforce and other business intelligence tools.
• Proven experience in data management (e.g., database management, data governance), data analysis and visualization, and the ability to present information in an insightful and structured manner.
• Demonstrated interest in development finance and emerging markets or innovative approaches to solving development challenges in developing countries.
  
  

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS

We will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis, interested and qualified applicants are encouraged to apply early and in advance of the application deadline on February 3rd, 2025. Please note that you must submit a cover letter that discusses your interest in development, blended finance, and Convergence. Please note that due to the high volume of applications, we will only contact those selected for interviews.

Convergence believes in an inclusive environment. We celebrate the different viewpoints and experiences our diverse team members bring to our organization. Convergence encourages all individuals motivated by our mission and mandate to apply.