NextBillion - An Initiative of the William Davidson Institute at the University of Michigan

Impact Investing in Developing Countries

About MCE
MCE Social Capital (MCE) is an impact investing firm that invests flexible capital in enterprises committed to generating sustainable livelihoods, with a focus on women and the environment, to allow these enterprises to scale and better serve their customers, their employees, and their communities. Since 2006, MCE has disbursed close to $300 million in debt capital to 140 institutions in 55 countries throughout the developing world. MCE has recently launched a new impact-first sustainable agriculture fund, MESA, bringing total assets under management to $100 million.

MCE manages two investment portfolios:
● Small and Growing Businesses (SGB) that create jobs, help smallholder farmers improve productivity and income, and facilitate clean water and energy. MCE seeks to address some of the critical market gaps by providing catalytic loans of $250k to $2 million to support small and growing businesses in the “missing middle”.
● Inclusive Finance – Financial Service Providers (FSP) investing in microfinance institutions, fintech and other financial service providers that help people living in rural areas gain access to credit, savings, insurance, and business education. MCE provides loans of up to $4 million.

MCE is a growing, dynamic organization with hubs in Washington DC, Barcelona, Spain, and Nairobi, Kenya.

Preferred Location
Washington, DC. Remote work arrangements may be available in the EST timezone.

About the Role

The candidate will be responsible for paralegal duties for MCE Social Capital, which extends to legal work relating to loan administration, corporate administration and operations, investment activities, guarantor documentation and corporate finance. This is a flexible part-time position, starting at 20-25 hours per week, with the possibility of increasing to full time.

Responsibilities

Corporate administration and operations
● Draft and finalize vendor and service agreements
● Taking minutes and preparing materials for Board and Committee meetings
● Assisting in maintaining registrations and reporting requirements for MCE Social Capital and its other subsidiaries worldwide
● Assisting in the completion of any registrations or reporting requirements required with Central Banks and other government agencies in connection with MCE’s investment activities

Investment Activities
● Drafting of credit agreements and ancillary documentation
● Facilitate and coordinate in the transactional closing process from signing to disbursement and ensuring timely closings
● Conduct OFAC searches

Philanthropic Guarantor Documentation
● Drafting of Guarantor documentation and ancillary documentation
● Facilitate and coordinate the sign-up and withdrawal processes for MCE Guarantors

Investor Relations and Documentation
● Drafting of Subscription Agreements, Notes and ancillary documentation
● Facilitate and coordinate the investment note subscription closing process and coordination with external counsel for required filings
● Liaise with prospective investors in connection with legal and documentary requirements

The position will collaborate with teams across MCE, gaining exposure to various legal aspects of impact investing. The Paralegal will report directly to the General Counsel and Chief Operations Officer, and will work closely with MCE’s Operations Team.

Qualifications

● Must have a four year degree and a Paralegal Certificate is desirable. Should have 5+ years of experience as a Paralegal working with New York law documentation and within banking and finance or corporate teams.
● Experience working with transactional documents including credit agreements and associated ancillary documents. Must be able to facilitate and coordinate in the transactional closing process from the initial drafting to closing.
● Accuracy, attention to detail and strong proofreading skills are essential.
● Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an ability to present complex information concisely.
● Must have outstanding organizational and time-management skills; possess the ability to exercise practical judgment; and be highly motivated self-starter.
● Highly organized and adaptable; capable of balancing multiple priorities in a dynamic environment, while maintaining a high degree of accuracy and quality.
● Strong commitment to and passion for MCE’s mission.
● Willingness to travel up to two times per year.
● Spanish language proficiency is highly desirable.
● US work authorization is required.

Compensation & Benefits
Salary range: $45,000 – $85,000, based on an annual full time position. A final offer will be dependent upon a candidate’s location, skills and experience.

MCE provides an industry-leading benefits package, including:
● A flexible work model that includes both remote and in-office options (depending on location)
● Health, dental and vision insurance, fully paid parental leave, retirement benefits with employer match, generous paid time off, and a sabbatical policy to recharge after 5 years
● Professional development support
● Opportunity to work with entrepreneurs from around the world
● Innovative and forward-thinking company allowing opportunities for increased responsibilities
● Opportunity to learn from frequent interactions with MCE’s Board members, impact-investing leaders and angel investors sitting on the Investment Committees
● A collaborative, inclusive and fun work environment! Check out our Glassdoor page to hear directly from current and former staff on what it’s like to work at MCE.

How to Apply
Send cover letter and resume to info@mcesocap.org with “Paralegal” in the subject line by November 3, 2023. Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.