Grand Challenges Canada (GCC) backs Bold Ideas with Big Impact®. We are a global innovation platform and one of the world’s leading impact-first investors, working toward a future where innovation helps everyone thrive. With support from the Government of Canada and other partners, we use a Grand Challenges approach to identify, invest in, and help scale bold, locally led solutions that advance health, equity, and resilience in low- and middle-income countries and Canada.

We back bold ideas from seed to scale—combining capital, advisory support, and strategic partnerships to help them grow and succeed. We look for innovations that combine science, social insight, and business strategy—what we call Integrated Innovation®—to drive real-world change.

We work with innovators to test, refine, and de-risk solutions, positioning them for long-term adoption

through public systems, private-sector pathways, or blended models. Our goal: to save and improve

lives at scale by turning bold ideas into sustainable solutions. Learn more at www.grandchallenges.ca.

POSITION OVERVIEW AND KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

As a member of the newly formed Impact Investments team at GCC, this role will contribute to the team’s objective of seeking bolder innovations and putting money in the hands of innovators, playing a pivotal role in building and shaping GCC’s portfolio. The Investment Associate ensures the implementation of efficient, high-quality investment management processes across the complete investment life cycle, working closely with GCC innovators and cross-functional teams. Reporting to an Investment Manager, the Investment Associate operates in a matrix approach supporting deal-making across Seed, TTS and Scale, and promotes effective handoff of signed deals to the Portfolio Management team.

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

Support deal pipeline and sourcing

• Conduct in-depth pipeline research, sourcing high-potential innovations, supporting TTS application intake and review processes for new potential investments, performing innovation screens for seed proposals, and maintaining relationships with external partners.

Support Investment Manager(s) to fund innovative deals aligned with GCC’s portfolios

• Support pre-investment due diligence by conducting key aspects of programmatic and financial due diligence and risk analysis to evaluate new investment opportunities, support the preparation of investment memorandum, and support the presentation of potential investments to GCC’s Investment Committee.
• Lead investments that deploy catalytic capital (up to $300K), typically for innovators graduating from Seed to Transition to Scale (conduct pre-investment due diligence and lead the preparation of investment memorandum, lead the presentation of potential investments to GCC’s internal Management Committee).
• Lead negotiation processes for new funding agreements (focused on Seed, TTS and Scale, with some ecosystem catalyst grants), ensuring appropriate project and institutional due diligence (e.g., financial, legal, IP, and risk mitigation) is complete.

Analysis of risk capital investments (equity and debt)

• Develop, maintain, and analyze robust financial models to assess early- and growth-stage opportunities, including, but not limited to, valuation analysis, forecasting, and dilution scenarios.
• Conduct in-depth company and market analysis, synthesizing historical financials, operating metrics, and sector benchmarks to inform deal structuring.
• Assist in reviewing and organizing financial and legal documents (e.g. capitalization tables, SAFEs, term sheets).

Contribute to a high-performing team and support a thriving culture

• Support onboarding and training of junior or new staff to contribute to the Impact Investments function.
• Contribute to, support and/or lead process improvement projects within the Impact Investments function and cross-departmentally.
• Model work behaviours that support personal and team wellness and are aligned with GCC’s values and passion for boldness.
• Engage with key internal and external stakeholders, overseeing relationships with potential investees, to contribute to GCC’s strategic interests.
• Demonstrate the positive participation that you seek by playing an active and visible role in GCC team building events and townhalls.

QUALIFICATIONS

• A minimum of 2-4 years related program management, impact investing, and/or grant administration experience
• 2–4 years of relevant experience in impact investing, venture capital, international development finance, management consulting, or related fields
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills to assess company performance, valuation, and capital structure
• Familiarity with early-stage investment instruments (e.g., grants, SAFE notes, convertible debt, equity) and experience supporting due diligence and transaction processes
• Proficient in Excel and comfortable using tools such as PowerPoint, financial modeling platforms, or CRM systems
• Demonstrated interest in and knowledge of relevant domains (e.g., global health, international development, social finance/impact investing)
• Demonstrated analytical, organizational and prioritization skills
• Excellent verbal and written communications skills
• Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline (e.g. health sciences, global health, international development, impact investing, etc.) – or commensurate work experience
• Passion and positivity for what we do and the impact we seek in the world
• Experience working and/or living in low resource contexts is a significant asset
• Working knowledge of French a significant asset

People from historically excluded communities with lived experiences in relevant thematic areas are

encouraged to apply. People with lived experience and/or work experience in the communities or countries we are supporting are especially encouraged to apply.

Don’t meet every requirement? Studies have shown that women, people of color, people from LGBTQ2S+ and disabilities communities are less likely to apply to jobs when they do not meet every qualification. At Grand Challenges Canada, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, authentic, and accountable workplace, so if you are excited about this role but your experience does not align perfectly with every qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply, as you may be the ideal candidate we are looking for.

Location and Work Requirements

• We are currently working in a hybrid model with time in office and working from home. With rare, approved exceptions, GCC staff are to live in or near the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and available to travel to, and work from the Toronto main office, as business operational needs require. Any expenses related to travel and or relocating to Toronto are the sole responsibility of the employee and will not be reimbursed by GCC.
• Domestic and international travel may be required.
• Applicants must be eligible to work in Canada.

Term and Status

• Start date: As soon as possible
• Status: Temporary full-time, 12-month contract (2 vacancies)

Salary and Benefits

• $72,675/year
• A percentage (%) in lieu of benefits.
• Up to 20 days of vacation for an annual contract, otherwise prorated.
• Four (4) day work week (with Friday as a flex/off day), excluding weeks with Statutory holiday (program reviewed annually)
• Access to Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• International SOS (ISOS) travel safety and supports around the world.
• Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) cell phone allowance
• Professional development/wellness allowance
• New Temporary Work Relocation – work remotely for up to 90 days, almost anywhere in the world.