The position could be based in CPT or JHB
Conservation International is looking for a dynamic, conservation finance leader to join their Africa Field Division and help build out their conservation finance work on the continent. This position will be based in South Africa (Cape Town ideally) but will have a continental mandate across the spectrum of conservation finance mechanisms.
This is a Fixed Term Contract, starting 1 August 2021 to 31 July 2022 with possible renewal dependent on funding availability and performance.
The incumbent will be required to carry out the following tasks:
Development of the CI African Conservancies Fund and related biodiversity funding opportunities
Landscape Finance Structuring and Execution
Carbon project support
Fund Raising
Tactical investment development
Representing CFD both internally and externally.
The position requires a high level of interaction across internal divisions and will represent CI externally in interactions with investment and development partners engaged in conservation finance, CI grantees, and implementing partners. This position may manage consultants, research associates, or interns, and may directly supervise the work of colleagues contributing to CFD’s investing activities.
The successful candidate will structure and execute innovative conservation transactions to finance CI’s Key Landscapes, Seascapes, and Programmes, sustainably. This entails the use of multiple alternative capital pools to traditional grant funding.
The Mechanisms the candidate will need to be familiar with and utilize:
Carbon Finance
Biodiversity finance
Sustainable Production
Water as a payment for ecosystem services
Biomass through invasive alien clearing
The candidate will need to attract grant and return-seeking capital from the following sources:
High Net Worth Family offices
The Banking / Asset Management industry
Impact Investment Funds
Global Development and Multilateral Funds
The Carbon offtake and investment market
Essential minimum requirements for successful application:
Required (critical to successful job performance) Applicants not meeting required skills may not be hired)
Graduate degree plus 10+ years’ experience in conservation finance, investment structuring, or a related field
Understanding of and demonstrated experience in finance and / or business development,
Strong financial skills with demonstrated ability to negotiate various product offerings including debt and equity.
Business development and client management track record
Experience working and/or traveling in diverse geographies.
Record of communicating investment information to varied audiences.
Preferred:
Ability to speak and work (deliver presentations, lead discussions and training) in English.
Salary:
Kindly indicate your salary expectation with your application.
Application Process and Disclaimer:
Persons who meet the above-mentioned requirements are encouraged to apply.
Please forward your Curriculum Vitae and cover letter to: [email protected]
Applications close on 22 June 2021 and no applications received after this date will be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted directly and should be available for interviews.
CSA will communicate with shortlisted candidates only.
If you do not receive feedback from us within 14 days of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.
Conservation South Africa retains the right not to fill this position.
CSA is an affirmative action employer, wherever possible, selection will favor previously disadvantaged individuals, provided they are in possession of the required skills, knowledge and experience.