The Conservation Finance Officer will report to and support the Performance Lead and work closely with the broader team. The Conservation Finance Officer may also support Conservation Alpha on a range of other projects as needed. The position will require occasional travel related to each project and to engage with the market during the design of products. The position offers the opportunity for career and skill development dependent upon the competencies and interests of the successful candidate. This position is based remotely, preferably within South Africa or Kenya.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Work collaboratively with the Conservation Alpha team, our partners and clients to perform this role Support the identification and analysis of conservation centred sustainable financing solutions

Support the structuring and design of fit-for-purpose sustainable financing solutions

Support the research and design of impact financing mechanisms, including the development of investment strategies, business cases, and investment plans that link ecological outcomes to financial returns

Support the development of processes to understand the potential impacts and the estimated costs to deliver programmes

Assist with data collection, analysis, and presentation of financial and conservation metrics

Work with our network of market partners and subject experts to develop and test impact finance structures, investment strategies and impact measurement approaches.

Prepare clear, high-quality reports, presentations, and investment briefs

Support stakeholder engagement processes, including workshops with conservation NGOs, government, investors, and community partners

Conduct market research into sustainable finance trends, revenue models, and investment opportunities aligned with biodiversity outcomes

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Degree in Finance, Business Administration, Economics, Environmental Finance or related field (Masters preferable but not mandatory)

5 years' experience in financial modelling, business analysis, investment planning, and/or due diligence assessments, ideally with exposure to the sustainability or conservation sectors

Strong analytical and data management skills, with proficiency in Excel (financial modelling) and the ability to interpret and present complex data and technical information concisely

Experience in writing professional business and/or investment plans and building presentations

Proven ability to think creatively and generate, research, design and deliver new ideas in a dynamic environment

The ability to effectively communicate complex financial concepts to a range of technical and non- technical stakeholders, including conservation practitioners, community leaders, investors, market representatives, and colleagues

Right to work in country of residence

NECESSARY COMPETENCIES

Experience in the development of impact-based investment strategies preferable

Strong conservation interest and experience in the conservation sector

Good knowledge of the sustainable finance sector and market, with a clear understanding of impact investing, biodiversity-based outcomes products (bonds) and blended finance mechanisms

Understanding and familiarity with the policies and frameworks governing the African conservation finance landscape

Passion for impactful nature conservation and sustainability

Experience working with diverse stakeholder groups, across both the conservation and finance sectors

Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively within an internal and external team

Strong project management skills to deliver projects on time and within budget

Organised, with exceptional attention to detail, especially when working across multiple workstreams

Self-motivation, capacity to learn new skills, and the ability to work independently