Candidate resource library
Actis recognises that people capability is a cornerstone to competitive advantage.
Our Candidate Resource Library contains Frequently Asked Questions, our recruitment process explained, testimonials, and people stories where those who have joined our firm have written about their experiences.
FAQs
Actis Careers
Loving what you do is a right not a privilege. At Actis we want our people to turn up to work feeling excited about what each day may hold in an environment where they can thrive as their authentic selves.What are the top traits you look for in a potential candidate?
We look for high intelligence, low ego, bright individuals with a passion for working in our markets. We want impact driven individuals whose values set aligns with our own – you can read more about the Actis Values here.
Where are the Actis offices located?
Actis is a global company with offices across the world. You can view a list of Actis offices by clicking here.
What if I need to relocate?
There are many jobs which the company might be able to sponsor visas. Feel free to apply to any jobs you’re qualified for. If the role is appropriate for visa sponsorship, we will let you know how to process with the interview process.
Do you offer part-time positions?
Most positions are full-time, but we occasionally have part-time roles. Click the individual role profile for details.
Applying for a job
What’s the best way to apply for a position at Actis?
You can apply for our live roles on our careers site at www.www.act.is/careers
Do you have an employee referral program?
We do have an employee referral program and encourage you to reach out to any friends or former colleagues who work at Actis so that they can submit your information.
I’ve submitted my resume. Now what?
We often have large numbers of applications, but we will always be in touch to let you know next steps. If you’re not successful for the job you applied for initially, you can get into our candidate database when you apply, which means you may be contacted for other opportunities.
Can I apply for more than one job at the same time?
Yes, you can apply for multiple openings. Please note for the Associate Programme we ask you apply for no more than 2 roles.
What is my application status?
Please bear with us as we process applications – we will always be in touch with you regardless of outcome. Please do check your junk folder in case our email has ended up there by mistake.
Interview Prep
Congratulations! You’ve made it through to interview. We’re excited to have you meet more of our team and get a feel for our culture. We view the candidate experience as a critical factor in deciding to work at Actis, so we want to provide you with the best experience possible. Please let us know if you have questions or should you need anything at all.How can I prepare?
Help us get to know you by explaining how your prior experience and successes have prepared you for the role you’re pursuing at Actis. Review the job description and do a bit of research on our investments, team, and our company. Come with a few examples in mind that demonstrate your strengths, any questions you have about the opportunity, and a healthy does of curiosity. It’s always a good idea to get plenty of sleep and eat a good breakfast, too. Learn more about our mission, vision, and values.
Should I ask questions?
Thoughtful questions demonstrate your level of understanding, your interest, and your passions, so don’t hold back. Your interview is an opportunity for you to get to know us too.
What should I wear?
Our dress code at Actis is business casual. A shirt is appropriate for virtual interviews, a jacket is only necessary for in person interviews.
How much time will the interview take?
Interview times depend on the role – full details will be emailed to you in advance.
How will you test my knowledge?
Depending on the role we may ask you to complete assessments after applying and/or a case study interview. Be prepared at interview to demonstrate how you meet the requirements of the role profile by sharing examples from your past, or ideas about how you would accomplish a specific task.
Should I share how I think?
We’re interested in more than just your answers. We want to know how your mind works, how you come up with solutions, and whether you can clearly explain your thinking process. Be prepared to verbalise how you came up with the answer or solution.
What to expect post interview
We understand that waiting for news after an interview can be nerve-wracking. We try to let you know next steps as soon as possible.How soon will I know if hiring decision has been made?
We can help you understand the specific timeline for the opening you’ve applied for. You should hear back from us with a status update within a week of your interview.
How can I send a follow up thank you letter to my interviewers?
Your HR contact can provide the names and contact information of your interviewer if you’d like to send thank you notes.
Using our careers site and application portal
Every firm’s process operates slightly differently – here’s how to navigate oursHow should I submit a resume?
All our live roles are posted on www.www.act.is/careers/ When you apply to a role you will be asked to submit your resume. If you do not see any suitable roles currently on our site and you would like to be considered for any future opportunities at Actis you can email your resume to careers@act.is
How do I add cover letters and/or attachments?
You can upload a cover letter and supporting documents as part of any application through our careers site.
Can I edit a previously submitted resume?
We recommend submitting a new resume when your work history, qualifications or contact information change. Your most current resume will remain active in our database until you submit a new version or withdraw permission for us to hold your information in line with GDPR. To update your resume please email the new version to careers@act.is
Can I withdraw an application?
Yes, if you change your mind about a particular job, you may withdraw your application at any time. If you’ve already received a job offer, you can simply decline it.
Associate Programme
Our Associate Programme is the primary route into the firm as an Investment Professional and accounts for 90% of hires at this level. It begins with a 10 week summer programme which can convert to a permanent role (subject to performance). Once you join us full time, the programme supports you on your 3 year track to Principal with training, mentoring and opportunities for secondment.Can I apply for more than one role?
Yes, we will be adding various role profiles to our website. We suggest applying for no more than 2 roles as it is unlikely a candidate would meet the local knowledge and language requirements for more than this.
Are there any language requirements?
Yes, local languages are required for the office that you apply for. For example, if you apply for Mexico you should have fluent Spanish skills, for Shanghai, Chinese skills etc.
How long is the programme? Are your dates flexible?
The programme is 10 weeks long and there is possible flexibility of 1-2 weeks for any second-year graduates that are graduating later than the agreed start date of the programme. We are not able to offer any alternative dates due to the nature of the programme.
Are there any roles available in New York or Dubai?
No. Roles are based with our deal teams on the ground. Our New York office is an investor relations office and we do not have any deal teams based in our Dubai office.
Is there a specific programme for individuals with an operational background?
We include roles for our operations team within the Energy Infrastructure asset class on our Associate Programme. These investment professionals focus on the value creation piece within the life of an asset and will be present from origination to exit, shaping outcomes and impact with their sector and operation expertise. This role suits those with an engineering and power background.
Can you apply for a summer role and request to work in a different office/asset class if you receive a full-time offer?
Not usually. We offer full time roles based on the assessment of your performance over the summer for that particular team.
Does Actis offer work visa sponsorship?
We do offer work visa sponsorship unless otherwise specified.
What skills are required?
We look for high energy, low ego, bright individuals with a passion for working in our markets. Key skills required for this role are strong analytical skills, including financial modelling, valuation, project management and ability to drive initiatives through completion: excellent research, writing and communication skills; effective collaboration with others, including senior managers and external parties; and strategic, analytic and numeric thinking capabilities.
What I&D initiaives do you offer?
Actis has significantly strengthened I&D efforts in the last few years and this manifests through a variety of initiatives. A selection of these is outlined below:
- Inclusion and diversity committee.
- Actis Female Network. I&D and Women’s focused career events.
- AFN sponsor for each female Summer Associate.
- AP recruitment strategy has I&D baked into the core with predictive assessments, diverse interview panels and multiple evaluators to ensure an inclusive process for all
- Firmwide mentoring
- In 2019, Actis launched a pilot targeted mentoring program for portfolio companies focused on diverse employees
Testimonials

Prenar Kakar
Summer Associate 2019
Mumbai Office
I had the opportunity to work closely with various team members, interact with key stakeholders across the ecosystems, and contribute meaningfully by owning and delivering important pieces of work. Overall, it was an ideal learning opportunity in a dynamic and fast paced environment with a collegial and supportive culture.

Karim Adbel Latif
Summer Associate 2019
London
The team involved me in several minor assignments from early on, and as a result, I was given a great deal of responsibility, including spending two weeks in Nairobi to kick off valuation work ahead of a crucial IC meeting.

Lucy Heintz
Partner (Former Associate)
London
I never imagined joining Actis’ predecessor organisation in 2001, that I’d
still be here enjoying the journey 17 years later. Investing in energy
across the world remains an exciting technicolour adventure, every
day…

Sadio Wade
Summer Associate 2018
London
This is a wonderful and enriching experience. I have been truly impressed by the passion, dedication and expertise of every person I have worked with or met.