Regional Head, Nature Finance and Strategic Investments
SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES;
Strategic and Thought leadership;
Develop and implement a nature investment strategy for ESARO, ensuring a coherent approach that aligns with the thematic priorities.
Lead ESARO’s strategic engagement with multilateral and climate finance – including Multilateral Development banks such as AfDB, World Bank, Public Development banks and leveraging IUCN’s accredited-entity status to crowd in bilateral, development bank and private capital through blended finance approaches.
Act as a thought leader in the identification and channeling of financing structures or vehicles that can channel finance to underserved parts of the green economy
Ensure regular engagement with other experts & decision makers in key countries to understand the strategic priorities for the development of nature investment and finance
Lead ESARO’s research into innovative nature finance; developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of the economic and financial systems in the region and how to leverage nature positive outcomes
Support the regional director in advancing strategic priorities related to nature finance, biodiversity and carbon credits, climate change economics, and climate investment funds
Apply, contextualize and position IUCN’s normative assets including the IUCN Global Standard for NbS, the Red List of ecosystems, red list species, green lisr and related tools for investment integrity and risk management to guide stakeholders in best practice in nature investment and finance market development, drawing on (rather than duplicating) the IP developed by IUCN’s global nature finance function
Explore and developing innovative funding mechanisms to incentivize Nature Based Solutions (Carbon finance, green bonds, Debt-for-Nature swaps, Disaster Risk insurance, Payments for Ecosystem services (PES), etc.)
Develop Business cases for Nature investments across countries and geographies
Build and maintain strategic working relationships with key donors and partners
Programme Development And Resource Mobilization
Oversee feasibility assessments for early-stage project opportunities
Identify funding opportunities aligned with regional biodiversity, climate and NBS strategies
Lead or support the development of high-quality investor proposals for project and program funding
Contribute to the cultivation and maintenance of strong relationships with bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private sector partners.
Contribute to regular engagement with donors to communicate progress, share lessons learned, and discuss funding priorities.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to the structuring and standards-based development of the pipeline; ensuring a credible, investment-ready set of propositions that partners and financiers can take to market.
Conceptualize, design and co-create investment proposals including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
Following approval, ensure robust delivery arrangements are in place through the relevant thematic programmes and country offices, which retain responsibility for implementation, budgets and procurement
Engage partners in joint strategizing and the development of projects that will leverage change and have a positive impact on nature investment and finance
Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.
Implementing Partners Management and Capacity building;
Ensure appropriate selection of partners; ensuring optimal combinations of partners to bring out their synergies for the programmes e.g., political economics, due diligence, influence, etc.
Support thematic programmes and country offices so that financing milestones are met to standard, without assuming direct delivery responsibility.
Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in chosen implementing partners, leveraging new opportunities that may arise and dealing promptly with relationship difficulties.
Provide high quality technical advice and support to Implementing Partners, Consultants, and other project stakeholders in nature Innovative Climate Finance
Work with implementing partners to assist them in implementing their projects according to agree upon project plans, maintaining strategic clarity, focus on impact, and collaborative approach at all times.
Review the periodic nature investment and finance reports for any allocated projects and take appropriate action on the basis of results and analysis
Lead monitoring, risk mitigation, results management, and learning for projects being implemented
Leadership and Management;
Lead the programme area in effective and efficient planning and management of programs and resources to deliver excellent standards of service delivery
Build and lead the unit and team of staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to IUCN and deliver high standards of performance
Direct and oversee all aspects of the practice area work plans, budget, and program implementation
Plan and organize the work of the unit
Manage the team and experts towards high standards of performance through clear roles and responsibilities, on-going feedback, and appraisals
Establish and maintain strong relationships across the areas of practice of the ESARO thematic programmes, country offices and the resource mobilisation function and others to identify needs, opportunities for collaboration, communication, and reporting.
Policy influence and Impact communication;
Clarify the ways in which achievement of IUCN’s objectives depends upon influencing the mindset or behaviour of stakeholders (e.g., national treasuries, Investors, MDBs, PDBs, investees, policymakers, end-users & other stakeholders)
Lead the development, implementation, and results-measurement of an innovative Communications & Influencing plan.
Take the lead in stakeholder mapping for nature investment and finance, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and develop innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets.
Design and publish industry thought-leadership materials, particularly in nature investment and finance
Contribute to the development and implementation of ESARO’s Communications Plan
Lead and convene regional nature investment forums that elevate the importance of finance for nature and shape the thinking of investors, financiers and decision-makers
REQUIREMENTS
Master’s degree in development studies, Business Administration, Resource Economics, Environmental policies, Agriculture, natural resources management, or other relevant discipline.
A professional qualification or advanced training in finance, investment or blended/structured finance (, MBA in finance) is a strong asset
Work Experience;
Minimum 10 years of experience in developing, managing and implementing multi-stakeholder projects with defined objectives, deliverables, monitoring and evaluation of results, including proven experience working in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Having good networks across financial intermediaries and other stakeholders in the region; well informed about the national governments’ treasuries frameworks, DFI communities and mainstream investors.
Professional experience in the field(s) of development finance, project finance, public and/or private market debt and/or equity capital markets, and/or impact investing
Experience in economic analysis including cost benefit analysis, value chain analysis, investment and financial analysis
Demonstrated knowledge or experience in nature, biodiversity, climate-related financing including market transactions (project origination, compliance and/or standards, investment structuring, etc.)
Track record of managing relationships and influencing key stakeholders at leadership or specialist level
A good understanding of how the full spectrum of finance providers relate to, and complement, each other – and able to facilitate their involvement.
Significant experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative and trusted relationships with investors, investees, implementing partners, private sector players and government counterparts.
Demonstrated track record of rigorous project management skills and achievement of results – a finisher of tasks, not a process manager;
Understanding of the development world and strategic
Project and Programme development and management, with demonstrated fundraising, budgeting and programme planning abilities and past performance, including experience of development and successful marketing of project proposals with donors, and subsequent delivery and reporting;
Strong Interpersonal, Management And Supervisory Skills And Experience.
Language Proficiency;
Fluency in written and spoken English is a must. Good written and spoken ability in French is an asset.
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provides a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multiethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.
Functional Competencies;
Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability;
Skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent interpersonal skills, culturally sensitive, and ability to lead or work effectively as a team member.
Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse partners, and the ability to lead multi-sector and multi-disciplinary teams.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills;
Strong networks into development and research organizations worldwide.
Highly motivated and results-oriented individual;
Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision to prioritize tasking and manage workflow in a high-pressure environment;
Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player with proven communication and diplomacy with the ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development;
Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the region and beyond APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/
Strategic and Thought leadership;
Develop and implement a nature investment strategy for ESARO, ensuring a coherent approach that aligns with the thematic priorities.
Lead ESARO’s strategic engagement with multilateral and climate finance – including Multilateral Development banks such as AfDB, World Bank, Public Development banks and leveraging IUCN’s accredited-entity status to crowd in bilateral, development bank and private capital through blended finance approaches.
Act as a thought leader in the identification and channeling of financing structures or vehicles that can channel finance to underserved parts of the green economy
Ensure regular engagement with other experts & decision makers in key countries to understand the strategic priorities for the development of nature investment and finance
Lead ESARO’s research into innovative nature finance; developing a deep and comprehensive understanding of the economic and financial systems in the region and how to leverage nature positive outcomes
Support the regional director in advancing strategic priorities related to nature finance, biodiversity and carbon credits, climate change economics, and climate investment funds
Apply, contextualize and position IUCN’s normative assets including the IUCN Global Standard for NbS, the Red List of ecosystems, red list species, green lisr and related tools for investment integrity and risk management to guide stakeholders in best practice in nature investment and finance market development, drawing on (rather than duplicating) the IP developed by IUCN’s global nature finance function
Explore and developing innovative funding mechanisms to incentivize Nature Based Solutions (Carbon finance, green bonds, Debt-for-Nature swaps, Disaster Risk insurance, Payments for Ecosystem services (PES), etc.)
Develop Business cases for Nature investments across countries and geographies
Build and maintain strategic working relationships with key donors and partners
Programme Development And Resource Mobilization
Oversee feasibility assessments for early-stage project opportunities
Identify funding opportunities aligned with regional biodiversity, climate and NBS strategies
Lead or support the development of high-quality investor proposals for project and program funding
Contribute to the cultivation and maintenance of strong relationships with bilateral, multilateral, philanthropic, and private sector partners.
Contribute to regular engagement with donors to communicate progress, share lessons learned, and discuss funding priorities.
Provide strategic direction and oversight to the structuring and standards-based development of the pipeline; ensuring a credible, investment-ready set of propositions that partners and financiers can take to market.
Conceptualize, design and co-create investment proposals including results measurement and risk management frameworks.
Following approval, ensure robust delivery arrangements are in place through the relevant thematic programmes and country offices, which retain responsibility for implementation, budgets and procurement
Engage partners in joint strategizing and the development of projects that will leverage change and have a positive impact on nature investment and finance
Ensure comprehensive and timely communication with all project stakeholders.
Implementing Partners Management and Capacity building;
Ensure appropriate selection of partners; ensuring optimal combinations of partners to bring out their synergies for the programmes e.g., political economics, due diligence, influence, etc.
Support thematic programmes and country offices so that financing milestones are met to standard, without assuming direct delivery responsibility.
Build and maintain relationships with senior leaders in chosen implementing partners, leveraging new opportunities that may arise and dealing promptly with relationship difficulties.
Provide high quality technical advice and support to Implementing Partners, Consultants, and other project stakeholders in nature Innovative Climate Finance
Work with implementing partners to assist them in implementing their projects according to agree upon project plans, maintaining strategic clarity, focus on impact, and collaborative approach at all times.
Review the periodic nature investment and finance reports for any allocated projects and take appropriate action on the basis of results and analysis
Lead monitoring, risk mitigation, results management, and learning for projects being implemented
Leadership and Management;
Lead the programme area in effective and efficient planning and management of programs and resources to deliver excellent standards of service delivery
Build and lead the unit and team of staff and consultants in a manner that empowers them to add value to IUCN and deliver high standards of performance
Direct and oversee all aspects of the practice area work plans, budget, and program implementation
Plan and organize the work of the unit
Manage the team and experts towards high standards of performance through clear roles and responsibilities, on-going feedback, and appraisals
Establish and maintain strong relationships across the areas of practice of the ESARO thematic programmes, country offices and the resource mobilisation function and others to identify needs, opportunities for collaboration, communication, and reporting.
Policy influence and Impact communication;
Clarify the ways in which achievement of IUCN’s objectives depends upon influencing the mindset or behaviour of stakeholders (e.g., national treasuries, Investors, MDBs, PDBs, investees, policymakers, end-users & other stakeholders)
Lead the development, implementation, and results-measurement of an innovative Communications & Influencing plan.
Take the lead in stakeholder mapping for nature investment and finance, identifying key decision makers / power brokers and develop innovative ideas for influencing them and/or transforming their mindsets.
Design and publish industry thought-leadership materials, particularly in nature investment and finance
Contribute to the development and implementation of ESARO’s Communications Plan
Lead and convene regional nature investment forums that elevate the importance of finance for nature and shape the thinking of investors, financiers and decision-makers
REQUIREMENTS
- POSITION REQUIREMENTS:
Master’s degree in development studies, Business Administration, Resource Economics, Environmental policies, Agriculture, natural resources management, or other relevant discipline.
A professional qualification or advanced training in finance, investment or blended/structured finance (, MBA in finance) is a strong asset
Work Experience;
Minimum 10 years of experience in developing, managing and implementing multi-stakeholder projects with defined objectives, deliverables, monitoring and evaluation of results, including proven experience working in Eastern and Southern Africa.
Having good networks across financial intermediaries and other stakeholders in the region; well informed about the national governments’ treasuries frameworks, DFI communities and mainstream investors.
Professional experience in the field(s) of development finance, project finance, public and/or private market debt and/or equity capital markets, and/or impact investing
Experience in economic analysis including cost benefit analysis, value chain analysis, investment and financial analysis
Demonstrated knowledge or experience in nature, biodiversity, climate-related financing including market transactions (project origination, compliance and/or standards, investment structuring, etc.)
Track record of managing relationships and influencing key stakeholders at leadership or specialist level
A good understanding of how the full spectrum of finance providers relate to, and complement, each other – and able to facilitate their involvement.
Significant experience in establishing and maintaining collaborative and trusted relationships with investors, investees, implementing partners, private sector players and government counterparts.
Demonstrated track record of rigorous project management skills and achievement of results – a finisher of tasks, not a process manager;
Understanding of the development world and strategic
Project and Programme development and management, with demonstrated fundraising, budgeting and programme planning abilities and past performance, including experience of development and successful marketing of project proposals with donors, and subsequent delivery and reporting;
Strong Interpersonal, Management And Supervisory Skills And Experience.
Language Proficiency;
Fluency in written and spoken English is a must. Good written and spoken ability in French is an asset.
Core Competencies;
Transparency: Able to build trust and contribute to informed and responsible decision making by carrying out the work of IUCN in a transparent manner; provides clear guidance to ensure that objectives and desired measurable results are understood by members of the team.
Inclusiveness: Understands and accepts cultural diversity, and provides a tolerant, positive and supportive working environment that fosters respect for diversity, demonstrates ability to work in a multicultural, multiethnic environment and to maintain effective working relations with people of different nationalities and cultural backgrounds.
Professionalism: Promote the organization’s interests, objectives and values in a diligent and professional manner.
Accountability: Takes responsibility of individual and collective actions, promotes the IUCN One Programme approach.
Functional Competencies;
Adheres to IUCN ESARO core values of Transparency, Inclusiveness, Professionalism and Accountability;
Skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
Strong communication skills, both written and verbal.
Excellent interpersonal skills, culturally sensitive, and ability to lead or work effectively as a team member.
Proven ability to develop and communicate a common vision among diverse partners, and the ability to lead multi-sector and multi-disciplinary teams.
Exceptional attention to detail and organizational skills;
Strong networks into development and research organizations worldwide.
Highly motivated and results-oriented individual;
Demonstrated ability to work with limited supervision to prioritize tasking and manage workflow in a high-pressure environment;
Excellent interpersonal skills and a strong team player with proven communication and diplomacy with the ability to work effectively with multicultural and multidisciplinary teams with sensitivity and respect for diversity;
Committed to continuous learning and proactive and mature attitude towards self-development;
Ability and willingness to travel extensively within the region and beyond APPLICATIONS
Applicants are requested to apply online through the HR Management System, by opening the vacancy announcement and pressing the "Apply" button.
Applicants will be asked to create an account and submit their profile information. Applications will not be accepted after the closing date. The vacancy closes at midnight, Swiss time (GMT+1 / GMT+2 during Daylight Saving Time, DST). Please note that only selected applicants will be personally contacted for interviews.
Other job opportunities are published in the IUCN website: https://www.iucn.org/involved/jobs/