Senior Coordinator, Carbon Finance and Transactions

Arlington, VA, United States

Senior Coordinator, Carbon Finance and Transactions

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Arlington, VA

Amid growing global recognition that protecting, restoring, and sustainably managing ecosystems can deliver over 30% of the climate mitigation needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, Conservation International (CI) is scaling its ambition to unlock the full potential of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS). The Carbon Finance (CF) team, part of CI’s Nature Finance Group (NFG), plays a pivotal role in this effort—sourcing, structuring, and financing a high-integrity portfolio of NCS carbon projects that meet the rising demand for credible, high-impact carbon credits. Our team works at the intersection of science, markets, and mission—building strategic partnerships with the private sector and aligning with CI’s global field programs to ensure that every credit sold delivers measurable climate, biodiversity, and community benefits. We prioritize projects in Irrecoverable Carbon and Biodiversity Hotspots, ensuring that our offerings stand out in a competitive market for their environmental and social integrity. Our project portfolio not only meets the highest standards of quality and transparency but also tells a compelling story of impact. Every member of the CF team contributes to positioning CI as a trusted partner in the voluntary carbon market—where integrity, innovation, and outcomes drive value.

The Senior Coordinator, Carbon Finance & Transactions position will support the NFG in executing carbon credit transactions primarily with corporations that are interested in supporting Natural Climate Solutions as part of their broader climate change mitigation strategies. This role will support the efforts of the Carbon Finance & Transaction team to provide sustainable finance to our increasing number of carbon credit projects that already exist, as well as those that are in the NFG/Carbon Fund pipeline. Key functions include working to ensure we can efficiently transact carbon credits, supporting the credit marketing strategy/approach for various clients and projects, and boosting the smooth stewardship of relationships and transactions that are managed by the Carbon Finance & Transaction team. The Sr. Coordinator will report to the Sr. Manager for Carbon Finance & Transactions and play an important role working within the Nature Finance as well as other teams within NFG and CI, including legal and finance, the Natural Climate Solutions Center, and Grants Management.

The Senior Coordinator position will support a diverse workstream and guide critical work across all aspects of the carbon credit transaction process, enabling increased fundraising for our pipeline of NCS projects and driving increased income to communities on the ground. The Sr. Coordinator will help draft project marketing materials and pitch decks; will manage information sharing partnerships; will coordinate NCS due diligence efforts; will support administration on all contracting and VERPA drafting; invoice creation; will implement and improve internal processes to monitor and track VCU balances and retirement requests; will support CI’s Jurisdictional REDD+ strategy implementation and transaction process, etc. These duties require strong, detail-oriented working relationships, coordination, and communication with legal, finance, and the NF technical team. In addition, the Sr. Coordinator will support the cultivation & stewardship process with clients to ensure timely information is shared on project updates, as well as reporting. Finally, the position will work closely with the Sr. Manager and Sr. Director of Finance and Transactions to build, manage, and strengthen existing and new external strategic partnerships, advancing CI’s targets for helping the world realize the outsized potential of nature to address climate change.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Support the Carbon Credit Transaction Pipeline

Coordinate internal and external processes related to the closing of carbon credit transactions.
Prepare all buyer invoices and finalize retirement language, tracking prospect flow, etc.
Track and maintain records of prospective and ongoing transactions
Conduct quarterly Verra retirement reconciliations to confirm PowerBI numbers and ensure that all carbon credits, especially those transferred, are retired by the authorized end-buyer.
Maintain the tracking of all sales, transfers, retirements, and commitments in the Carbon Finance Dashboard, which feeds into the PowerBI sales tracking for all NFD projects, as well as Salesforce and BlueLayer as needed.
Sales Inquiry Management via Salesforce – track all inquiries, arrange conversations where needed, analyze sales leads converting to qualified opportunities, and manage all follow-up tasks.
Draft and manage client correspondence to support timely follow-up and transaction progress
Support the analysis of carbon credit sales, revenue forecasts, and project performance metrics.
Assist in preparing internal reports and dashboards to inform decision-making and donor reporting.

Assist with Technical Reporting for NFG Carbon Projects

Collaborate with project field teams to gather technical data and updates on project attributes.
Draft and edit technical content for use in client reports and communications.
Help maintain and update systems for tracking and sharing key project data points with internal and external stakeholders.
Help monitor and document how carbon finance is benefiting local communities and biodiversity.
Coordinate with field teams to gather stories, data, and visuals that demonstrate impact.

Contribute to Marketing and Communications

Assist in the development of marketing materials for conservation carbon projects, including fact sheets, presentations, and pitch decks.
Work with design and communications staff to ensure high-quality, visually compelling collateral.
Help compile responses to client and partner requests for project information and support proposal development, including RFP responses.
Track developments in voluntary carbon markets, including pricing trends, policy changes, and emerging standards.
Compile and submit all Information sharing with NFG intelligence partners, i.e., OPIS, Trove, Abatable, Ecosystem Marketplace, etc.

Coordinate Due Diligence and Documentation

Organize and compile due diligence materials for carbon credit projects and transactions in collaboration with technical and legal teams, as required by specific clients.
Ensure timely preparation and distribution of project documentation tailored to client needs.
Contribute to the development and upkeep of internal knowledge bases, templates, and best practices for carbon finance operations.
Prepare agendas, take notes, and track follow-up actions to ensure accountability and progress.

WORKING CONDITIONS

This is a full-time position.
Hybrid office arrangement (in the office 10 days per month) with limited travel.
Flexibility in work schedule is required in order to accommodate time differences between the Arlington, VA office and international field offices located in multiple time zones.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, climate policy, sustainable finance, business, international development, or a related field.
2 to 4 years of relevant professional experience in carbon markets, climate finance, project coordination, or environmental sustainability.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word); experience with CRM systems, carbon registries, or project management tools is a plus.
Excellent communication skills, adaptive attitude, and the ability to manage and meet deadlines for multiple processes at a given time under a supervisor's direction.
Highly organized with strong attention to detail, writing and proofreading skills, and adept at working independently and within a global team framework with both internal and external partners.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills in a fast-paced working environment with changing priorities.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing client-facing materials such as pitch decks and project briefs.
Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build and maintain relationships with internal teams, corporate partners, and external stakeholders.
Experience supporting or leading client stewardship and partnership development efforts.
Ability to work in a team environment with different cultures and be flexible. Interest in learning new skills.

Preferred

Spanish language skills.
Experience working with voluntary carbon markets, particularly in Natural Climate Solutions (e.g., REDD+, afforestation/reforestation, blue carbon).
Strong understanding of carbon crediting mechanisms, including project development, verification, and transaction processes.
Familiarity with carbon standards and registries (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard, ART TREES).
Demonstrated interest in nature conservation, human development, or conservation finance.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.