The Innovation, Research and Venture Analyst Job Description outlines the responsibilities and qualifications for a role focused on climate innovation and venture support. This position is ideal for early-career professionals with strong analytical and problem-solving skills, aiming to contribute to climate ventures in Africa. Key responsibilities include conducting market analysis, supporting venture-building initiatives, and providing investment readiness assistance. The role emphasizes collaboration with founders and stakeholders to drive impactful climate solutions.

Key Points

  • Describes the role of an Innovation, Research and Venture Analyst focused on climate innovation.
  • Outlines key responsibilities including market analysis and venture support.
  • Highlights the importance of collaboration with founders and stakeholders.
  • Emphasizes the need for strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
Racheal Nyaboe
5 pages
Language:English
Type:Presentation
Accounting
Racheal Nyaboe
5 pages
Language:English
Type:Presentation
Accounting
357
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Job Title: Innovation, Research, and Venture
Analyst
Location: Kenya (Hybrid)- 3 days working from Circle Innovation’s office and 2
days remote
Reports to: Head of Programs and Strategic Partnerships
Type: Full-time
Compensation: Competitive compensation
1. Background & Purpose
Circle Innovation (CI) is a climate innovation catalyst in Africa, headquartered
in Nairobi. CI works at the intersection of human-centred design,
entrepreneurship, and systems change — transforming groundbreaking
research-backed ideas into scalable, impactful climate ventures. Our mission is
to unlock the potential of innovators, entrepreneurs, and ecosystems to
address some of the most pressing climate challenges of our time.
Our Focus Areas:
● LaunchPad Programs – Turning research into market-ready climate
innovations through commercialization support, mentorship, and
investment readiness.
● Catalyzing Climate Investments – Driving capital into underserved
sectors such as biodiversity, circularity, and food systems to accelerate
sustainable growth.
● Systems Innovation Labs – Co-creating and launching localized,
disruptive solutions with students, communities, governments, and
industry partners.
● Think Tank – Advancing innovation and entrepreneurship through
collaborative research, co-publications, and ecosystem insights.
We partner with changemakers, universities, investors, and impact-first
organizations to design and deliver innovation strategies, run venture-building
programs, and shape the future of Africa’s innovation ecosystem. CI exists to
move ideas from insight to impact—working in complex, fast-moving
innovation systems with high standards and speed to build scalable
businesses that tackle critical climate challenges.
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2. Role Purpose
This role is designed for a high-performing early-career professional (2–3 years’
experience) with strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills who is
eager to apply these skills to real-world climate innovation and
business-building. As an Innovation, Research & Venture Analyst, you will be a
core contributor across CI’s innovation programmes, applied research
initiatives, and hands-on startup support. You will move seamlessly between
strategic analysis, research synthesis, financial thinking, and execution —
helping turn insight into decisions and ideas into action. This is not a
desk-based research role. You will work closely with founders, programme
leads, and partners to shape solutions, rigorously test business models, and
craft clear, compelling narratives that support investment, scale, and impact.
3. Key Responsibilities and Deliverables
Strategy, Research & Analytical Rigor (30%)
● Conduct high-quality applied research, market analysis, and ecosystem
mapping, generating actionable insights for venture building, innovation
advisory, investment strategy, and ecosystem engagement.
● Produce sector and sub-sector analyses, market landscapes, evidence
briefs, and thought leadership outputs in line with top-tier consulting
standards.
● Synthesize complex qualitative and quantitative data into clear,
decision-ready insights.
● Translate research into concise, well-structured outputs (slides, briefs,
insight reports, tools and frameworks) for entrepreneurs, senior
stakeholders, funders and partners
Program Management and Coordination (30%)
● Support the design and delivery of CI’s LaunchPads, accelerators, and
venture-building initiatives.
● Develop and apply analytical tools, diagnostics, and frameworks used with
startups and innovators.
● Capture programme learnings, document processes, and support reporting
across programs
● Feed learnings back into programme design and venture support.
● Support the coordination of program and project timelines, deliverables,
and inputs from internal teams, partners, and external stakeholders.
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● Develop and maintain program and project work plans to streamline
program operations and improve efficiency.
Venture & Investment Support ( 30%)
● Provide hands-on support to portfolio companies to refine value
propositions, go-to-market strategies, business models, financial
models, and growth hypotheses, leveraging research, consulting,
and financial expertise
● Lead the design and development of engaging content and toolkits
tailored for innovation and entrepreneurship workshops.
● Support investment readiness processes through market sizing
(TAM/SAM/SOM), revenue models, cost structures, and funding
strategies.
● Support in preparing ventures for due diligence, including data
room preparation, data validation, and scenario analysis.
Streamlining Operations (10%)
● Design and maintain tools, templates, and dashboards to streamline
operations and improve internal efficiency.
● Support automation and documentation of standard processes (e.g.,
reporting, data collection, M&E).
Who We Are Looking For
This role is a strong fit if you:
● Have 2–3 years of experience in a top-tier or mission-driven consulting
or investment firm
● You are known for your strong work ethic, ownership mindset, and
structured thinking.
● Enjoy ambiguous problems and fast-moving environments more than
rigid scopes.
● Want exposure to strategy, research, finance, and execution
Required Experience & Skills
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FAQs

What are the key responsibilities of the Innovation, Research, and Venture Analyst?
The key responsibilities include conducting high-quality applied research, market analysis, and ecosystem mapping to generate actionable insights for venture building. The analyst will also support the design and delivery of CI’s LaunchPads, accelerators, and venture-building initiatives. Additionally, they will provide hands-on support to portfolio companies, helping refine value propositions and business models, and streamline operations by designing tools and dashboards.
What qualifications are required for the Innovation, Research, and Venture Analyst position?
Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in fields such as economics, finance, engineering, or innovation management, with a Master’s being a plus. They should possess strong analytical and problem-structuring skills, demonstrated experience in research or market analysis, and a solid understanding of business models and financial concepts. Experience working with early-stage climate ventures is also preferred.
What is the purpose of the Innovation, Research, and Venture Analyst role?
The purpose of this role is to contribute to climate innovation and business-building by applying strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills. The analyst will work closely with founders and program leads to shape solutions and rigorously test business models. This position is designed for high-performing early-career professionals eager to turn insights into actionable decisions and drive impactful climate ventures.
What type of environment does the Innovation, Research, and Venture Analyst work in?
The role operates in a dynamic and fast-moving environment, requiring adaptability and the ability to manage multiple projects. Analysts will engage in both strategic analysis and hands-on operational support, ensuring they can contribute effectively across various initiatives. This environment is characterized by high standards and a mission-driven focus aimed at addressing pressing climate challenges.
How does the role support venture and investment processes?
The analyst provides hands-on support to portfolio companies by refining their value propositions, go-to-market strategies, and financial models. They assist in preparing ventures for due diligence, including data room preparation and scenario analysis. Additionally, the analyst supports investment readiness processes through market sizing and developing funding strategies, ensuring that ventures are well-equipped for growth.
What sets this role apart from traditional consulting positions?
This role is distinct because it operates at the intersection of consulting, research, and venture building, allowing analysts to see their analyses directly influence startup decisions and investments. Analysts will gain early responsibility and exposure typically reserved for more senior roles, contributing to real-world pilots and impactful climate solutions.

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