Senior Associate – Natural Capital - Francophone Africa at CrossBoundary

As a Senior Associate, you will lead market and value‑chain assessments, identify and evaluate investment opportunities, and provide transaction support to both investors and capital seekers. In the Congo Basin, this work includes building relationships with private sector companies in agriculture and broader nature‑based sectors, as well as with investors such as DFIs, carbon financiers and banks. The role also includes frequent travel within the region, including to rural areas, to engage with local stakeholders, such as smallholder farmers. You will also support business development, new strategic partnerships, and thought leadership.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred (or another relevant advanced degree/professional qualification)
• 5+ years of relevant experience in investment banking, management consulting, private equity, or similar
• Experience living and/or working in underserved markets required; experience in the Central Africa and the Congo Basin highly preferred
• Background in agriculture or natural capital is preferred
• High tolerance for ambiguity; able to operate effectively in a changing context
• Strong quantitative skills and analytical abilities: can think clearly, structure problems logically, and then design and implement solutions that focus on the core issues
• Great at building and maintaining relationships under stress with colleagues and clients in the sector and/or region
• Willing to take on new types of work, even without prior experience or direct supervision
• Experience in project management/leadership roles preferred
• Excellent presentation skills: ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences
• Self-starter who is humble and passionate about creating lasting change in underserved markets
• Enthusiastic about working, traveling, and living in sometimes challenging environments
• Fluency in English and French is required
• Experience in natural capital, conservation, forestry, agriculture, or similar sector strongly preferred
• Knowledge of carbon markets, with experience developing carbon projects preferred

Primary Responsibilities

• Manage multiple projects/deals/workstreams concurrently with various supporting staff configurations
• Independently cultivate and manage relationships with existing and potential investors, clients, companies, and other stakeholders
• Make complex and challenging value-driven decisions
• Manage entire project portfolios
• Support and manage teams in the implementation of complex transactions, projects, and tasks
• Drive workstreams with clients directly and independently
• Conduct and draft analyses, which include market assessments, investment memorandums, as well as macroeconomic, regulatory, and operational assessments
• Development and mentorship of junior staff
• Foster talent across teams and the firm; encourage diversity of people and ideas
• Support recruitment and define inspiring others and building the firm’s culture as a core responsibility
• Advise on carbon project development and deal structuring