Associate Director

ThirdWay Partners is a global impact investment and advisory firm operating at the intersection of finance, business, and sustainable development. We work with corporates, investors, and development institutions to build more inclusive, resilient, and equitable economies globally.

We bring together people who challenge the status quo, care deeply about outcomes, and believe that business can and should be a force for good.

The role

As a Associate Director within the Advisory team, you will play a leadership role in supporting with originating, leading, and delivering strategic advisory and corporate finance mandates for corporate, public sector, and development clients.

Associate Directors are responsible for managing complex engagements, guiding teams, and maintaining strong client relationships while ensuring the delivery of high-quality analytical and strategic outputs. The role requires strong commercial judgment, leadership capability, and the ability to translate complex strategic and financial analysis into actionable recommendations for clients.

You will also contribute to the growth of the firm through portfolio development, business origination, and the mentorship of junior team members.

Main duties and responsibilities

• Leading and managing complex strategic advisory engagements across multiple sectors and geographies
• Advising corporate clients on strategic topics including market entry, route-to-market strategies, and customer segmentation
• Designing and overseeing ESG strategies and transition roadmaps for corporates and supporting their implementation
• Leading market assessments, industry analysis, and strategic research to inform client recommendations
• Providing oversight and guidance on financial modelling, valuation analysis, and transaction structuring
• Leading due diligence processes for public sector, development finance, and investor clients
• Preparing and reviewing investment memoranda, strategic presentations, and client deliverables
• Supporting fundraising and transaction processes, including investor engagement and data room management
• Building and managing a portfolio of client relationships and contributing to the growth of the firm’s advisory pipeline
• Identifying and originating new business opportunities, including supporting proposal development and client engagement
• Supporting the development and expansion of the firm’s advisory portfolio across sectors and geographies
• Managing and mentoring Associates, Analysts, and junior team members

What success looks like

• You successfully lead complex advisory engagements and deliver high-quality outcomes for clients
• You build trusted relationships with clients, investors, and strategic stakeholders
• You translate complex financial and strategic analysis into clear recommendations that support decision-making
• You manage multiple engagements while ensuring quality, timeliness, and strategic alignment
• You contribute to the growth of the firm through portfolio building and business development
• You mentor and develop junior team members, fostering a collaborative and high-performance team culture
• You approach every engagement with integrity, curiosity, and a commitment to meaningful impact

Requirements

The ideal candidate should have the following qualifications and experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Economics, Finance, Business, Accounting, or a related discipline
• Postgraduate degree (MBA, MSc, or equivalent) preferred
• Approximately 6 + years of experience in management consulting, investment banking, corporate finance, or a related advisory environment
• Strong experience in financial modelling, investment analysis, and strategic advisory
• Experience advising corporates, investors, or development finance institutions is advantageous
• Demonstrated experience managing teams and leading complex client engagements
• This role is based in Zambia, and applicants should have the legal right to work in Zambia

Skills & attributes

• Strong strategic thinking and problem-solving capabilities
• Clear and confident communicator with the ability to engage senior stakeholders
• Strong leadership and team management skills
• Ability to synthesise complex financial and strategic analysis into clear insights
• Highly organised and capable of managing multiple engagements simultaneously
• Collaborative, entrepreneurial, and impact-driven mindset

Our values (and what they look like in practice)

Curate an Idea Meritocracy

The best ideas win, regardless of title or tenure.

Put People Over Transactions

We prioritise relationships and long-term partnerships.

Embrace Growth Through Transparency

We give and receive feedback openly to help each other improve.

Never Let Our Team Down

We show up for each other, especially when it matters most.

Fight Above Our Weight

We seek stretch opportunities because that’s where growth happens.

Do What Is Right

We care deeply about the impact of our work on people, the planet, and our communities.

Compensation

ThirdWay Partners offers competitive compensation aligned with international markets, with salaries paid in USD.