ABOUT LORI
Lori is a venture-backed, high growth start-up that has built a cutting-edge, logistics services software platform that seamlessly coordinates haulage across frontier markets. With a mission to reduce the cost of goods in frontier markets, Lori is tackling a massive issue; $180 billion is spent annually on haulage across Africa, and up to 75% of a product’s cost is due to logistics (compared to 6% in the US).

Lori was featured on Business Daily and recognized as Africa’s Fastest Growing Companies in 2022. Our tech-enabled and operations-driven marketplace efficiently connects transport to cargo. The system brings transparency to the logistics industry and has significantly improved flexibility, reliability, and cost savings (upwards of 20%). Lori’s robust technology will transform African economies and their ability to compete on the global stage.

If our mission resonates with you, we cannot wait to meet you and share Lori’s vision to digitize and revolutionize the logistics industry in Africa.

ABOUT THE ROLE
The Strategic Finance Lead will be a key in raising and managing various financial instruments to support the company’s growth objectives.
This role involves close collaboration with executives and regional heads to secure funding through debt, grants, and other mechanisms,while maintaining strong relationships with financial institutions. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in grant writing, debt financing, and/or managing investor relations, particularly in a fast-paced, growing logistics environment.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:

Fundraising & Capital Acquisition:
○ Develop, execute, and manage strategies to raise capital through grants, debt financing, and other financial instruments.
○ Identify and engage with potential lenders, grant organizations, and financial institutions to secure funding that aligns with business goals.
○ Lead debt and grant application processes, including writing proposals, preparing financial documentation, and managing communications with funders.
○ Prepare and deliver compelling pitches to financial institutions, investors, and grant providers to secure funding.

Financial Strategy & Planning:
○ Collaborate with executives and regional heads to identify financial needs and align funding strategies with long-term business goals.
○ Develop comprehensive financial models to support decision-making and optimize capital structure for debt and grant funding.
○ Provide strategic insights and financial guidance to the leadership team regarding the acquisition and use of financial instruments.
○ Ensure that all fundraising initiatives align with the company’s financial objectives and risk management strategies.

Relationship Management:
○ Build and maintain strong relationships with financial institutions, investors, and grant agencies to secure ongoing funding.
○ Serve as the primary point of contact for all financial institutions, ensuring effective communication, negotiation, and management of loan agreements, covenants, and grant conditions.
○ Develop a network of financial partners, keeping up to date with trends, opportunities, and risks in debt and grant markets.

Financial Reporting & Compliance:

Strategic Finance Lead

○ Ensure all debt and grant funding is used in compliance with financial agreements, grant conditions, and regulatory requirements.
○ Oversee financial reporting and ensure timely submission of reports to lenders and grant bodies, providing updates on the use of
funds.
○ Monitor the company’s debt position and work with the finance team to ensure timely servicing of debt obligations.

Risk Management:
○ Assess the financial and operational risks associated with raising and managing debt and grant financing, providing
recommendations to mitigate risks.
○ Monitor and manage the company's financial exposure, ensuring optimal financial structure and liquidity levels.

WHAT IT TAKES:
● Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field. An MBA, CFA, or equivalent advanced financial
qualification is preferred.
● Minimum 5+ years of experience in fundraising, grant writing, debt finance, or managing relationships with financial institutions.
● Proven track record of successfully raising funds through debt and/or grants, preferably within logistics, supply chain, or related
industries.
● Experience in financial modeling, proposal writing, and managing complex financial instruments.
● Self motivated, go-getter, forward thinking with a can-do attitude
● Strong financial acumen with expertise in fundraising, capital structuring, and financial strategy.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with a proven ability to pitch and negotiate with investors and financial institutions.
● Analytical and strategic thinking to assess financial opportunities and risks.
● Strong relationship management skills, with experience maintaining long-term partnerships with lenders, investors, and grant providers.
● Ability to work independently in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, while collaborating across teams.

LOCATION
● Hybrid / Remote Optional ( based on region of residence)
● Full-time / Consultant (must reside +/- 3 hrs from East Africa Time zone)

KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS
● Total funds raised (grants and debt).
● Cost of capital and debt servicing efficiency.
● Strength of relationships with financial institutions and grant providers.
● Compliance with financial covenants and grant conditions.
● Contribution to overall company financial health and growth.