Africa Regional Hub Lead – Greening Financial Regulations Initiative at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

Job summary:

• WWF has launched a new global initiative named Greening Financial Regulation (GFRi), whose main goal is to engage Policy makers, Central banks and Financial Supervisors on integrating Environmental Risks into Financial Regulation.
• The Africa Regional Hub Lead GFRI (with a focus on Africa, particularly in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia, Madagascar, Tanzania) will support implementation of  GFRI Strategy as well as the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework in Africa by collaborating with Central Banks, Financial supervisors and regulators in Africa, and will work closely with the Greening Financial Regulation Initiative Lead at WWF Switzerland, as well as Advocacy/Policy teams in local WWF offices in Africa.

Roles and responsibilities:

•  Support the GFR Initiative Lead at a regional level, including coordinating and implementing the initiative with WWF offices in Africa.
• In coordination with GFRI Lead, define a strategy of engagement of central banks and financial supervisors in African countries, present this strategy and its implementation during regular GFRI regional calls (3/years).
• Support country teams in identifying and engaging with relevant policymakers and decision makers in central banks and financial supervisory agencies, in collaboration with GFRI Lead and local staff in each office to make the case for greening financial regulations in key countries in Africa.
• Build capacity within key WWF offices to enhance their general advocacy work on financial regulation, making the necessary connections with WWF’s conservation goals.
• Participate in GFRI coordination calls and update on Africa regional specificities and needs in terms of data, information, regulations, etc. that can inform the shaping of research/content/tools developed as part of the GFRI.
• Engage locally and regionally with other stakeholders on GFRI goals, including development agencies, financial institutions, non-government organizations, etc. to build or strengthen coalitions to encourage greening financial regulations.
• Coordinate regional projects regarding greening financial regulation and ensure the sound management of the financial resources of these.
• Prepare progress reports and provide technical support to GFRI and participate actively in finance systems work streams.
• In coordination with GFRI Lead and sustainable finance lead, develop communication and information materials targeting key internal and external stakeholders in the key African countries.
• Represent WWF and participate in forums, conferences and meetings to promote WWF’s Sustainable Finance work on financial regulation, in Africa.
• Advocate for and monitor the integration of environmental risks into financial systems, supporting the implementation of NGFS, WWF GFRI, and the Global Biodiversity Framework.
• Keep WWF leadership informed, align efforts with conservation goals, and collaborate across the network to secure funding for the GFR Initiative.

Required education and experience:

• Holder of a Bachelor’s Degree in Finance, Business, Economics or related field.  Master's Degree in a relevant field of study (Environment, Finance, Economics) is desirable.
• A minimum of 10 years of work experience in financial regulation/supervision in an African country; Experience that includes participation in international cooperation projects a plus.
• Good understanding of sustainable finance trends at a global, regional and national level.
• At least 5 years’ experience and a proven track record in the development, coordination and management of projects in the finance sector.
• Fluency in English (written and spoken). French is an asset.

Required Skills/Abilities:  

• Results-oriented.
• Interest in environmental conservation and sustainable development
• Ability to develop and maintain excellent professional relationships with a focus on achieving results and high capacity in work with multidisciplinary and intercultural teams.
• Ability to build and manage strategic alliances with cultural sensitivity and ability to identify, approach and strengthen mutually beneficial and long-term relationships with different relevant stakeholders.
• Highly proactive and flexible with an ability to develop activities with a high degree of autonomy
•  Ability to effectively prioritize many tasks and execute them with minimal supervision with strategic and planning thinking
• A great commitment to assigned tasks and ability to deal with a varied workload and flexible working hours, frequent travel and work as part of a virtual team across time zones.
•  Effective communication skills in a professional context
• Aligning with WWF core values: courage, collaboration, respect, integrity.