Investment Unit Chief - Social Impact Sector

Organisation: Catalyst Management Services (CMS)

Website: www.cms.org.in

About CMS

Catalyst Management Services (CMS) is part of The Catalysts (A Social Enterprise Platform), a network of impact enterprises and institutions working to build the resilience of 100 million vulnerable people by 2035.

CMS works at the intersection of community commitment, market power, and government reach-designing and delivering solutions that combine technology, innovative financing, and collaborative partnerships.

As CMS enters an exciting phase of expansion of its Investment Unit, the organisation seeks to strengthen portfolio strategy, optimise impact and financial returns, and mobilise capital for social innovation and enterprise growth.

Position Overview

The Investment Unit Chief will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing CMS's investment strategy. The role blends strategic finance, product innovation, and social impact, requiring a professional who is equally comfortable in the boardroom and in the field.

The role includes:

- Leading investment strategy design

- Coordinating product and instrument development

- Ensuring optimal financial performance and compliance

This position demands a rare combination of financial acumen, consulting skills, partnership orientation, and deep social purpose.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop portfolio frameworks for both impact and commercial returns.

- Identify priority sectors and instruments aligned with CMS's mission areas (health, livelihoods, climate resilience).

- Develop annual investment plans and risk-return dashboards for management review.

2. Product and Mechanism Design:

- Steer design of innovative investment instruments, facilities, and financing mechanisms (e.g., blended finance, impact bonds, catalytic funds).

- Partner with internal teams and external advisors to structure products that attract institutional, philanthropic, and private capital.

- Prepare investment memos, financial models, and proposals for board and investor consideration.

- Stay ahead of emerging trends in impact investing, blended finance, and social capital markets.

3. Investment Performance and Risk Management:

- Ensure maximisation of returns and minimisation of risks through robust due diligence and monitoring.

- Establish systems for portfolio tracking, compliance, and reporting.

- Review investment performance periodically and recommend course corrections.

- Ensure adherence to all statutory and financial governance norms.

4. Partnerships and Stakeholder Management:

- Build and maintain strong relationships with funders, financial institutions, development finance actors, and social enterprises.

- Support and lead fundraising initiatives.

- Negotiate investment terms, partnerships, and co-financing agreements.

- Represent CMS and The Catalysts Group in relevant forums and networks.

Profile of the Ideal Candidate

Qualifications & Experience:

- Postgraduate degree in Finance, Economics, Development Management, or related field.

- 15-20 years of experience in the social impact sector.

- Open to candidates from investment banking, impact investing, development finance, or consulting, with a strong interest in social and environmental impact.

Skills & Attributes:

- Strategic thinker with strong analytical rigour and execution capability.

- Outstanding consulting and communication skills (design, negotiation, reporting, partnership management).

- Ability to research rapidly, synthesise insights, and convert ideas into actionable strategies.

- Extroverted, relationship-oriented, and comfortable engaging with diverse stakeholders.

- Deep personal commitment to social development and sustainability.

- Strong understanding of social investment products, deal structuring, and portfolio management.

- Knowledge of statutory and regulatory compliance in investment operations.

Key Results Expected

- A comprehensive Investment Strategy and Implementation Plan within the first six months.

- Minimum 10% return on investment on the CMS portfolio, alongside measurable social impact.

- Demonstrated risk minimisation and statutory compliance across all investment activities.

- Strong partnerships established with investors, financial institutions, and social enterprises.

Why Join CMS?

- CMS offers the opportunity to work in a mission-driven enterprise that balances profit, purpose, people, and planet.

- You will help shape one of India's most innovative impact investment portfolios, influence how capital flows for social good, and collaborate with passionate leaders committed to sustainable change.