Private Equity Associate

About the role

A leading Abu Dhabi-based buyside firm is looking for a Private Equity Associate to join its Private Markets investment team. The associate supports the evaluation, execution and ongoing management of private equity investments across regional and international markets, with exposure to direct investments, co-investments and fund investments. The role sits within a sophisticated institutional investment platform deploying capital across a diversified global private equity portfolio.

Key responsibilities

• Sourcing, screening and evaluating private equity opportunities across sectors and geographies
• Financial analysis, company valuations and investment modelling, including LBO, DCF and comparable company analysis
• Assisting in the execution of direct investments, co-investments and private equity fund commitments
• Participating in financial, commercial and operational due diligence with external advisers and investment partners
• Preparing investment committee memorandums, presentations and recommendations for senior management
• Assessing opportunities by expected returns, downside protection, strategic fit and portfolio diversification
• Conducting sector and market research, monitoring global PE activity, transaction valuations and macroeconomic trends
• Supporting the development of investment strategies aligned with the pension fund's long-term objectives and preparing research materials for the wider team

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Accounting, Business Administration or a related discipline
• Approximately 3-6 years of experience in Private Equity, Investment Banking (M&A), Transaction Advisory or an institutional investment platform
• Demonstrated exposure to M&A transactions, private equity investments or investment due diligence
• Experience with direct, co-investment or fund investments is highly advantageous
• Previous experience in a sovereign wealth fund, pension fund, family office or global investment manager is beneficial
• Exposure to international markets, especially Europe, North America and the GCC, is advantageous

Required skills

• Strong financial modelling, valuation and transaction analysis capabilities
• CFA, CAIA, ACA or an MBA is advantageous