Babban Gona, which means “Great Farm” in the Hausa language, is a social enterprise organization that provides support for smallholder farmers in Nigeria to become more profitable.
Job Summary:
- The Finance/Legal Career Accelerator Program is an entry-level position strategically designed to provide in-depth training and facilitate rapid professional growth within Babban Gona’s critical Finance and Legal functions. This role presents an exceptional opportunity for individuals who deeply resonate with our passionate commitment to our transformative mission and who are eager to rapidly develop into impactful contributors within their chosen track. As a valued member of the Career Accelerator Program, you will gain hands-on exposure to a diverse range of responsibilities across our financial and legal spectrum, focusing on Raising Debt Finance (for both Finance and Legal candidates) and Managing Operational Finance (for Finance candidates only). Throughout this immersive program, you will receive dedicated mentorship and invaluable guidance from experienced professionals, specifically designed to cultivate essential skills and acumen. Our core objective is to rapidly develop you into a highly capable professional who consistently delivers results and embodies Babban Gona’s core principles.
Responsibilities (Finance Candidates):
- Raising Debt Finance:
- Assist in sourcing and identifying potential debt investors.
- Support the origination and structuring of debt transactions.
- Participate in the due diligence and negotiation process for debt transactions.
- Assist in the preparation of financial models and investment proposals, ensuring accuracy and attention to detail.
- Contribute to the closing of debt transactions and documentation, ensuring all aspects are handled efficiently.
- Support post-investment investor relationship management, fostering trust and open communication.
- Managing Operational Finance:
- Assist in managing accounts receivable and accounts payable processes with diligence and accuracy.
- Support inventory control and management activities, ensuring efficient processes and accurate records.
- Contribute to the preparation of financial reports in line in IFRS Accounting Standards and analysis, providing insightful data for sound judgement.
- Assist in implementing and maintaining financial controls, ensuring the highest standards of compliance.
- Support financial planning and forecasting activities, contributing to detailed plans.
- Support audit preparation, ensuring thoroughness and accuracy.
- Assist in preparing schedules relating to accounting for input financing for smallholder farmers.
- Contribute to bank reconciliation processes and other treasury management activities.
Responsibilities (Legal Candidates):
- Raising Debt Finance:
- Assist in legal due diligence for debt transactions, ensuring compliance and identifying potential risks.
- Support the drafting and review of legal documents related to debt transactions (loan agreements, security documents, etc.), ensuring accuracy and clarity.
- Assist in ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations, maintaining the highest ethical standards.
- Support the negotiation of legal terms and conditions, demonstrating a willingness to disagree respectfully yet commit once a decision is made.
- Contribute to the closing of debt transactions from a legal perspective, ensuring all legal requirements are met.
- Collaborate with other departments on initiatives that require legal input or documentation.
- Support with Company Secretarial services to the board and shareholders Environmental, Social and Governance initiatives and strategic partnerships.
Support legal documentation and filing, maintaining meticulous records
Requirements
Qualifications (Finance Candidates):
- Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Economics, or a related field.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, demonstrating the ability to dive deep into financial matters.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to listen attentively and speak candidly.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint), with strong Excel skills for financial modelling and analysis.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of responsibilities.
- A passion for Babban Gona’s mission, demonstrating a genuine desire to contribute to our impact.
- A strong desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment, showing curiosity and a love for learning.
Qualifications (Legal Candidates):
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB) degree.
- Qualified to practice in Nigeria.
- Knowledge of corporate law, finance law, and contract law, demonstrating a foundational understanding of relevant legal areas.
- Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to think big and develop detailed plans.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, capable of drafting clear and concise legal documents.
- Attention to detail and accuracy, ensuring the highest standards in all legal work.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team, taking ownership of legal responsibilities.
- A passion for Babban Gona’s mission, demonstrating a genuine desire to contribute to our impact.
- A strong desire to learn and grow in a fast-paced environment, showing curiosity and a love for learning.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Relevant internship or work experience in finance or legal (for respective roles).
- Knowledge of the agricultural sector in Nigeria
- For finance candidates, knowledge of financial modelling.
