Senior Manager, Structured Nature Finance, Africa at Conservation International

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support the CI Structured Nature Finance team with the early-stage identification, due diligence, and design of new potential nature finance opportunities: help to support the initial due diligence and feasibility process (which may include financial modelling to test for feasibility).
• Supporting the development of the Structured Nature Finance (SNF) deal portfolio within Africa: provide analytical and technical support to the CI’s regional team as well as conservation and finance partners to launch private sector linked financing mechanisms and build out the capacity for further sustainable financing deals within this focus area for CI.
• Lead project management of day-to-day activities under the SNF portfolio (coordinating input from more specialized technical experts as needed) and management of overall project delivery. This includes maintenance of project management and delivery systems, contracting / procurement processes, monitoring of external consultancies hired, and representing the SNF team in all project-related meetings/ engagements.
• Work in close collaboration with other Nature Finance technical experts (both internal CI, as well as external consultants and finance sector partners) when it comes to scoping, evaluation, and applying structuring considerations of SNF opportunities.
• Collaborate with Finance, Grants and Contracts, Legal, and other support teams to ensure projects comply with CI policies, donor agreements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
• Support the review of project financial and grant reports to ensure resources are managed in accordance with approved budgets and project agreements.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management systems, operational processes, and project development approaches across the Structured Nature Finance portfolio.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.  

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Normal office environment.
• This is a full-time position.
• Frequent travel (~30%) within the Africa region will be required; often this will entail travel to remote locations with rustic conditions.
• Flexibility in work schedule is required to accommodate collaboration across multiple time zones with global, regional, and country teams.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.
• Work Authorization: Candidates must be legally eligible to work in one of the African countries where CI operates, without requiring work authorization or visa sponsorship. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Education and experience equivalent to a Bachelor's degree in corporate/investment finance or other relevant finance disciplines.
• Minimum of 5 to 7 years of relevant experience in the financial analysis, structuring, and implementation of investment strategies across an array of projects.
• Experience with impact investing sectors, such as renewable energy, microfinance, WASH, sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism, etc.
• Demonstrated knowledge and familiarity with existing and emerging nature and climate financing trends, including, but not limited to those related to global, regional, and local carbon and environmental (e.g., biodiversity, water, nutrient) markets and trends.
• Experience in the analysis, design, and management of large and/or complex programs and projects, including project scheduling, resource planning, and budgeting.
• Strong analytical and financial modelling abilities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills.
• Excellent writing skills.
• Self-starter and ability to work independently with minimal oversight.
• Proven ability to set and focus on priorities to meet deadlines.
• Fluency in English.

Preferred

• Master's degree
• Experience analyzing and implementing impact finance mechanisms such as sustainability bonds/loans, payments for environmental services, carbon offsets, carbon credits, SMME investments.
• Experience working with protected area authorities, community conservancies, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.