Risk & Compliance Manager 

About ESPartners 

Entrepreneurial Solutions Partners (ESPartners) is a company which aims at enabling innovative,  scalable, and profitable enterprises to build prosperity. Created in 2010 in Washington DC, ESPartners’  mission is to “Provide entrepreneurs in Africa with the keys to sustainable success.” 

ESPartners supports people, companies, institutions, and nations in articulating, implementing and  disseminating solutions to their economic challenges, and in facilitating private sector development and  supporting MSMEs across Africa. ESPartners has worked with multiple clients: entrepreneurs, MSMEs,  governments, and development partners, including the World Bank Group / IFC, Mastercard  Foundation, the African Development Bank. 

Our firm operates across the African continent through two regional offices: in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire,  covering West and Central Africa, and in Kigali, Rwanda, for East and Southern Africa operations. 

At ESPartners, we believe in people. We live by the idea of constantly delivering services at the cutting  edge of business practices, but also, of bringing into our team, the most talented, adaptable, qualified,  driven and diverse people available. 

ESPartners’ approach is to provide « Intelligent CapitalTM », meaning the right combination of insights  and capital, to address critical societal issues, by providing advisory services and solutions to diverse  clients, via two practice areas, and to deliver on varied aspects of our mission: 

• SCALE – It facilitates the passage of entrepreneurs to scale throughout structured processes, combining support at any stage of maturity (ideation, incubation and acceleration), and access to financing solutions (debts, grants and equity). 
• INSIGHTS – Consulting services aimed at creating and implementing innovative solutions for sustainable development through the competitiveness of value chains, business strategies, leadership and change mentality.

ESPartners has four core values expressed via P.A.C.E.: Passion, Agility, Collaboration and Equity. 

Position Overview 

The Risk & Compliance Manager will be responsible for designing, implementing, and leading the  firm’s risk management and compliance framework across all ESP operations — including advisory  services, incubation programs, and investment activities. 

This strategic role ensures that ESP operates in full alignment with best practices in governance, ethics,  and sustainability, while preserving the agility and innovation that characterize its entrepreneurial  model.

Duties and Responsibilities 

1. Governance, Risk, and Compliance 

• Develop and implement a comprehensive enterprise risk management policy, including operational, legal, financial, reputational, and ESG risks. 
• Monitor and assess risks related to advisory engagements, portfolio companies, and incubated ventures. 
• Establish and enforce internal policies and procedures (code of conduct, regulatory compliance, anti-corruption, AML/CFT, etc.). 
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of relevant legal and regulatory requirements across ESP’s jurisdictions (primarily West and East Africa). 

2. Investment Oversight and ESG Compliance 

• Integrate ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) criteria into all investment processes. • Conduct compliance audits of investees and incubated companies. 
• Monitor legal, regulatory, and impact commitments of portfolio companies. 

3. Capacity Building and Risk Culture 

• Conduct training sessions for staff and supported entrepreneurs on risk awareness, ethics, and compliance. 
• Promote a proactive risk management culture across the organization. 
• Recommend improvements and tools to enhance internal control processes. 

Required Qualifications 

Technical Skills: 

• Solid expertise in risk management, regulatory compliance, and corporate governance. 
• Strong knowledge of African legal and financial frameworks (OHADA, capital markets, sectoral regulations, etc.). 
• Familiarity with ESG standards, impact analysis, and compliance in investment or entrepreneurial contexts.

Experience: 

• At least 5 to 7 years of experience in a similar role, ideally in consulting, impact investing,  private equity, or development finance. 
• Previous exposure to entrepreneurial or high-growth environments is a plus.

Personal Attributes: 

• High integrity, strong ethics, and a meticulous work ethic. 
• Analytical mindset with the ability to manage complexity and change. 
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. 
• Entrepreneurial spirit, adaptability, and passion for impact-driven work. 

We offer: 

Professional Impact and Growth 

• Central role in building Africa’s most dynamic entrepreneurial community
• Opportunity to directly impact hundreds of entrepreneurs and their businesses
• Platform to contribute to sustainable development and economic empowerment
• Access to extensive network of entrepreneurs, investors, and development practitioners

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience 
• Performance-based incentives linked to community engagement metrics 
• Comprehensive health insurance coverage 
• Communication and travel allowances 
• Professional development opportunities and training programs 
• Annual leave days according to local legislation

Career Development 

• Growth opportunities within ESPartners’ expanding operations 
• Exposure to international best practices in community development 
• Access to training in entrepreneurship, community management, and stakeholder engagement
• Networking opportunities with global development and business communities

Mission Alignment

• Direct contribution to building a prosperous Africa through entrepreneurship
• Opportunity to witness and facilitate real transformation in entrepreneurs’ lives
• Platform to create lasting impact on African business ecosystem

How to Apply 

Send your CV and cover letter to: careers@espartners.co 

Reference: Risk & Compliance Manager 

Required Documents: 

• Detailed CV highlighting community engagement and relationship management experience
• Cover letter demonstrating passion for entrepreneurship and community development
• Two professional references, preferably from community or stakeholder management roles
• Portfolio of community events or engagement initiatives (if available)

ESPartners is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We particularly  encourage applications from candidates with strong community ties and understanding of African  entrepreneurship ecosystems.