Loan Officer - Lirio Fund Andes

Organization Profile:

NESsT is an international non-profit organization with offices in Latin America and Europe. NESsT invests in social enterprises (“SE”) that generate dignified jobs for people most in need. We use an engaged approach providing tailored financing and one-on-one business development support to social entrepreneurs in emerging markets. Find out more about NESsT: www.nesst.org

NESsT currently manages the NESsT Lirio Fund, a loan fund that is actively investing in social enterprises looking to raise capital from $50K to $500K. They are typically companies with annual turnover under $10M working with vulnerable communities (smallholder farmers, at-risk youth, vulnerable women).

The Lirio fund provides senior, secured debt and mezzanine to companies that are profitable and looking to scale their operations to have a stronger and more sustainable social impact.  The Lirio Fund Andes team develop activities in Peru, Colombia and looking to grow and into other Spanish speakers’ countries in South America in the next few years. In 2024 the Lirio fund started operations in Brazil.

Position Overview:

NESsT is currently looking for a Loan Officer (“LO”) to help and support the Lirio Fund Andes team. They will be active in all areas of the fund. They will be mainly focused in the origination, evaluation of opportunities, manage the due diligence process, close the legal contracts and bring companies into the NESsT portfolio. We are hiring for a full-time position that will have a three-month trial period.

The position will report to the Lirio Fund Andes Director located in Lima and will be actively working and leading the work of the Loan Associates. The position is based in Lima, Peru, and may require occasional travel to other cities in Peru and Colombia.

Key Duties & Responsibilities: Sourcing, Underwriting and Closing Transactions 

• Generate leads and investment opportunities by developing relationships with relevant market participants and leveraging NESsT’s institutional network.

• Analyze and perform integral due diligence on SEs' financial status, credit, and property evaluations to determine feasibility of granting loans.
• Building investment memos to present to the Credit Committee at all three stages of underwriting. Seek approval for loan deals.
• Build, manage, and own the loan finance model for each transaction: Incorporate management team projections and develop scenarios for downside cases.
• Discuss the documents and analysis performed on the SEs with Fund Director.
• Highlight identified risks and made a risk mitigation strategy including the proposal of conditions and covenants.
• Provide business assistance (during due diligence) to entrepreneurs to help them qualify for NESsT loans.
• Perform detailed assessment of the companies’ social and environmental impact using NESsT’s impact framework.
• Lead transaction negotiations and closing term sheet negotiation, final loan documentation, ancillary agreements related, cash management of loan disbursal.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is required. A master’s degree in business administration, economics, finance, or a related field is preferred.
• At least five years of relevant professional experience, including at least three years in investment analysis, credit assessment, or financial review of small and medium-sized enterprises in Latin America. Experience in credit risk, investment banking, small and medium-sized enterprise financing, or leasing is preferred.

• Strong project management skills, the ability to approach tasks in a highly organized, logical and diligent manner.
• Strong financial modelling skills and experience with accounting and reading of financial statements.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Commitment to social impact; this can include volunteer positions. Experience with social enterprises or working in impact investing in the agricultural sector is a plus.

• Experience working in Peru, Colombia, or the wider Andean region is required.

• Excellent verbal and written skills in Spanish and advanced verbal and written skills in English.
• Ability to prioritize effectively, manage multiple tasks, and produce high-quality work within agreed deadlines.
• Ability to be flexible, resourceful and innovative.
• Familiarity and comfort with Microsoft Office.

NESsT offers a competitive salary with benefits in the non-profit sector, including private health care insurance. The non-monetary compensation includes a unique opportunity to be part of a meaningful global organization that is changing the world by investing in emerging market businesses that offer employment, sustainable income and an improved quality of life for people who face the greatest barriers to work.

Location: Lima, Peru

Schedule:
9 a.m.–6 p.m., including a one-hour lunch break. This is a hybrid position requiring in-person work at the office two days per week.

Start Date: January 2027

To apply:

Please apply for this position by uploading the following materials in English via our online application:

• Cover letter in English explaining your interest in the role, the relevant experience and skills you would bring, and your availability to start.

• Resume

• Salary expectations, within the published range

Application process is open until position is filled. 

The salary range for this position is US$2,500–US$3,000 per month for reference, paid in local currency. Placement within the range will be based on relevant experience and demonstrated skills.

We recognize that qualified candidates may not meet every requirement listed. We encourage you to apply if the role interests you and your experience is broadly aligned with the position. NESsT especially welcomes applications from women and people from backgrounds underrepresented in the investment and finance sectors.

NESsT is an equal-opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process. We welcome applicants of all genders and from diverse backgrounds and evaluate candidates based on the skills and experience relevant to the role.