GFI Spain - Nature Finance & Investment Associate

Madrid, Spain

About Green Finance Institute España (GFI España)

GFI España is part of the wider Green Finance Institute network, an independent non-profit leader in green finance innovation working at the intersection of policy, finance and the real economy to mobilise private capital towards climate and nature-positive outcomes. Within its nature-focused work, GFI has strong international expertise in nature finance, including participation in expert groups developing nature credit markets, and involvement in an international community of practice exploring models and mechanisms to unlock private sector investment in nature restoration and nature-based solutions. It also develops investment readiness toolkits for nature-based solutions projects, among other initiatives.

In Spain and the EU, GFI España contributes to European initiatives such as the Mission Soil Platform and national broader efforts to advance nature-positive investment frameworks. It helps translate climate adaptation policy objectives into investable opportunities by bridging public institutions, financial actors and project developers, while supporting innovative financial structures for natural capital. This includes promoting innovative financing schemes aligned with EU nature-related legislation and Spain’s National Restoration Plan, supporting the development of nature credit mechanisms, and strengthening the pipeline of investable soil-health projects through improved project readiness, blended finance solutions, and scalable delivery models.

Position Overview

We are looking for a Nature Finance & Investment Associate to support the design and deployment of innovative financing solutions for soil health and broader nature-based investments across Spain and the EU.

The selected candidate will contribute to a flagship European workstream on soil health while also supporting wider nature finance initiatives at national and EU level. The role involves working across sustainable finance, EU and national policy frameworks, and natural capital, with a strong focus on mobilising private and public capital towards nature-positive outcomes.
This position combines analytical rigour, stakeholder engagement, project coordination, and contribution to GFI nature finance strategy.
The Associate will engage with financial institutions, EU and national policy makers, and relevant stakeholders, supporting market intelligence, investment pipeline development, and the structuring of blended finance schemes.
This is an excellent opportunity for a candidate motivated by the intersection of sustainable finance, EU and Spanish policy, natural capital, and innovative investment structures aimed at scaling impact for nature and climate.

Responsibilities

The Associate will support the design and implementation of a European and national programme to mobilise private finance for soil health and nature-based solutions, combining technical analysis, policy engagement, and pipeline development.

EU-level financial sector engagement and market intelligence

Map and engage relevant financial stakeholders across EU Member States, including investors, banks, insurers, and corporates.
Supporting organization of workshops, roundtables and stakeholder consultations.
Coordinating interactions with financial institutions, corporates, public authorities and EU stakeholders, preparing briefing materials and presentations.
Conduct country-level market assessments to identify investment opportunities, barriers, and enabling conditions for soil health finance.
Analyse stakeholder motivations, risk-return expectations, and investment drivers in nature-based solutions.
Contribute to structured learning and capacity-building materials for financial stakeholders.

Sustainable Finance and Investment Structuring

Identify, assess, and support the preparation of a pipeline of soil health investment projects across Europe.
Support structuring investment opportunities to attract blended finance, assisting with preparation of investment and financing analyses.
Work with stakeholders to translate nature restoration initiatives into investable and scalable projects.
Supporting development of financial guidance materials and investment readiness toolkits.

Spain-focused nature finance strategy, policy engagement and market building

Support the design and promotion of a catalogue of innovative financial instruments for Spain’s Nature Restoration Plan, aimed at mobilising private and public capital for nature-positive outcomes.
Contribute to the development of a national dialogue platform on nature finance, aligned with existing sustainable finance governance platforms.
Support the creation and coordination of a Spanish Nature Credits Taskforce, designed as a multi-actor, multi-level dialogue and coordination platform to harmonise approaches and enable the effective development and deployment of nature credit markets in Spain.

Cross-cutting strategic and project coordination support

Contribute to synthesis of technical, financial, and policy insights across EU and Spanish workstreams.
Support delivery of EU-funded projects and technical assistance activities, monitoring timelines, deliverables and reporting obligations.
Engage with public and private stakeholders to ensure alignment between policy ambition, financial innovation, and investment deployment, coordinating inputs from external experts and partners.

Role requirements

Essential Requirements

3+ years of relevant professional experience in finance, sustainable finance, consulting, public policy, banking, or investment analysis, ideally with exposure to blended finance, PPPs, or innovative financing mechanisms.
Strong analytical, financial, research and drafting skills, with the ability to structure complex information clearly.
Familiarity with EU and national sustainable nature & finance frameworks (e.g. EU Taxonomy, ESG, climate and impact finance).
Proven experience managing multiple workstreams in fast-paced, multi-stakeholder environments.
Strong project management capabilities, including prioritisation, delivery under deadlines, and reporting.
Excellent communication, influencing, and relationship-building skills across public and private sector stakeholders.
Full professional proficiency in English and Spanish.
Self-motivated, adaptable, and comfortable working in small, agile, multidisciplinary team.

Desirable Requirements

Experience in financial modelling and investment structuring.
Exposure to EU-funded programmes or projects.
Knowledge of natural capital, climate adaptation finance, agriculture, or land-use systems.
Experience engaging with financial institutions, corporates, or public authorities.
Understanding of blended finance structures and investment mobilisation strategies.
Experience identifying market opportunities and developing partnership strategies across sectors.

We are looking for someone who is intellectually curious, structured, and detail-oriented, with an entrepreneurial mindset. The ideal candidate is comfortable operating at the intersection of strategy and execution, combining analytical rigor with strong stakeholder engagement skills in multidisciplinary environments.

What we offer?

Opportunity to work on pioneering sustainable finance and nature-based investment initiatives at European and national level.
Exposure to EU and national institutions, leading financial actors, and innovative market mechanisms shaping emerging natural capital markets.
High level of autonomy, ownership, and responsibility from day one.
Opportunity to contribute directly to the development of emerging natural capital and biodiversity finance markets.
Work within a highly international, multidisciplinary team at the intersection of finance, policy, and environmental impact.
Strong learning and professional development opportunities, with clear opportunities for career growth in a rapidly expanding field.
Direct engagement with senior stakeholders across the public and private sector, building a strong international professional network

If this sounds like you:

To apply - please submit your CV and a short cover letter (of no more than two sides). Your cover letter should include details of:

your relevant work / educational experience.
your skills and in particular your experience that is relevant to this role.
how you meet the broader requirements of the role.
your added value to GFI España team.

CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the closing date of 5th June 2026. Please submit your application via the link on our website.

Please note:

If you do not already hold the right to work in Spain and/or require sponsorship in order to continue working here, you should think carefully before applying.
The Green Finance Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. If you are invited to interview and need any reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.