VP, Legal and Compliance, Investments

Reporting To: Principal, Legal and Compliance, Investments

Department: Legal & Compliance

Preferred Region: Africa

Firm Overview

WaterEquity is an impact investment manager dedicated to mobilizing private sector investments to accelerate universal access to water and sanitation. Since its launch in 2016, WaterEquity has raised five funds with over $460M in committed capital to solving UN Sustainable Development Goal 6. WaterEquity investments are designed to expand access to water and sanitation among low-income and underserved communities in emerging and frontier markets. Through its subsidiary, WaterEquity is a U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission-registered investment adviser. Learn more about us at waterequity.com.

Summary

WaterEquity seeks a Vice President, Legal & Compliance, Investments to provide critical support in the deployment of capital for investments in emerging markets, specifically focusing on infrastructure financing and financial institutions that expand access to water and sanitation. The selected Vice President will collaborate closely with the Principal of Legal & Compliance, Investments, and the Investment Management team to structure, draft, negotiate, and manage the execution of transaction documents, ensuring compliance with applicable U.S. laws and regulations of the investment country’s laws and regulations, where applicable.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment, exercise sound judgment, write clearly and persuasively, apply logical and critical thinking in problem-solving, and demonstrate the ability to work independently while engaging with team members at all levels.

Requirements

Job Responsibilities

1. Manage Investment Transactions: Oversee the full lifecycle of debt and equity investment transactions, including drafting legal documents, conducting negotiations, and facilitating the execution/closing of transactions related to water and sanitation infrastructure financing.
2. Infrastructure Equity Transactions: Lead coverage of transactions and equity investments for infrastructure investments for projects and growth companies.
3. Financial Institution Transactions: Lead legal processes for debt transactions associated with investments in financial institutions, ensuring compliance with all relevant laws and organizational policies.
4. Manage External Counsel: Manage external deal counsel and oversee review of investment documentation including subscription agreements, purchase agreements, shareholders agreement, confidentiality, and other similar transaction documentation.
5. Stakeholder Coordination: Act as the primary liaison among transaction parties, including clients, legal counsel, accountants, and other relevant stakeholders, to facilitate effective communication and collaboration.
6. Collaborative Problem-Solving: Partner with investment managers and the Principal, Legal and Compliance, Investments to address legal risks and business challenges that arise during contract negotiations.
7. Regulatory Analysis: Analyze and interpret regulatory changes that impact new and existing contracts, ensuring all investments comply with local laws and market conditions.
8. Legal Research: Conduct thorough assessments of governmental agencies, laws, statutes, and regulations in target fund countries to support investment evaluations and compliance efforts.
9. Monitoring Legal Developments: Stay informed of new legal and regulatory developments in project countries and assess their potential impact on the organization’s investments.
10. Documentation Support: Assist in drafting and reviewing organizational policies and procedures to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory standards.

Compensation and Benefits

The individual who fills this position will be employed by an international employer of record and assigned full-time to WaterEquity. This position will offer full-time benefits, including medical, dental/vision (where applicable), life insurance, and periodic review for merit and incentive pay based on organizational and personal achievement. All country-specific statutory requirements (i.e., time off) will apply. Overall compensation will be commensurate with education and experience and structured to reflect a competitive package for a full-time team member.

No relocation benefits or visa sponsorship will be offered.

Qualifications

Skills and Qualifications

1. Educational Background: A Juris doctor or the international equivalent degree and qualifications are required.
2. Relevant Experience: A minimum of six (6) years of experience in corporate transactional work, with a focus on contract negotiation and commercial transactions; experience in cross-border transactions is preferred.
3. Investment Focus: At least four (4) years of experience with equity transactions, particularly in project finance and infrastructure, is strongly preferred.
4. Sector-Specific Experience: Background in legal, compliance, or financial environments, particularly within management consultancy, investment funds, financial services firms, or international non-profits.
5. Transaction Management: Proven experience in project management and collaboration with legal counsel to review agreements, negotiate terms, and execute infrastructure investment projects, encompassing legal documentation and closing logistics.
6. Communication Skills: Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
7. Organization and Detail Orientation: Strong organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks and work independently.
8. Analytical Skills: Proficient in analyzing compliance and business risks, with the capability to develop effective mitigation strategies in alignment with business goals.
9. Adaptability: Ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment and adjust to changes with ease.
10. Remote Work Experience: Comfort and proficiency in working remotely, collaborating effectively with team members across diverse geographic locations.
11. Language Proficiency: Proficiency in foreign languages is an advantage. Strong preference for professional working proficiency in French.
12. Commitment to Impact: Demonstrated dedication to social and environmental impact, aligning with the organization’s mission and values.

WaterEquity is an equal opportunity employer. At WaterEquity, we are on an intentional journey to determine how we can champion diversity, equity, and inclusion not only within our organization but also within our industry. We are committed to creating a diverse work environment that is characterized by engagement, a sense of connection, and respect for the differences and contributions of all our professionals. WaterEquity recruits, employs, trains, compensates, and promotes regardless of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, veteran status, and other protected status as required by applicable law.

WaterEquity

WaterEquity is an asset manager dedicated to mobilizing private investment to the water and sanitation sector. We invest in financial institutions, enterprises, and infrastructure in emerging and frontier markets that help deliver safe water and sanitation solutions to low-income communities, while seeking financial returns for investors.

Founded by entrepreneurs Gary White and Matt Damon of Water.org, the success of WaterEquity is built on decades of collective experience investing in water and sanitation in emerging markets.

Disclaimer: All investment has a risk of loss. There can be no assurance of any level of social or environmental impact. There is always the risk that impact investments will have a net negative impact, despite best efforts to achieve net positive impact.