About the job

Please note, this is a fixed-term position until 31st March 2026.

About the Green Finance Institute (GFI):

Since our inception in 2019, our pragmatic approach to channelling capital to facilitate real economy change has shaped the discourse around green finance. As an independent company with a proven track record, our credibility, capability and cross-sector engagement enable us to respond to market barriers and develop solutions where others can’t.

The Green Finance Institute is an independent and trusted partner to Government.

We also work with financial organisations, corporates, NGOs, policymakers, academics and civil society experts to create and scale innovative solutions that are accelerating the transition to a net-zero and nature positive economy, whilst delivering practical outcomes for communities.

Here in the UK the GFI has catalysed the development of the green mortgage market, designed and tested utilisation-linked finance for EV charging infrastructure, created an evidence base for introducing a UK revenue certainty mechanism for sustainable aviation fuel, structured a Future Finance Fund for the Greater London Authority and investment readiness funds for nature-based solutions deployed by both UK and Scottish governments. The GFI has played a key role in the UK’s Green Gilt issuance programme, the establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank and most recently chaired the National Wealth Taskforce for UK Government. In addition, the GFI has established global institutions through co-chairing the design and launch of the Taskforce on Nature Related Financial Disclosures and operationalising the Integrity Council on Voluntary Carbon Markets.

We see the UK as our home market and as a lab for developing cutting edge solutions that can be deployed globally. Our success to date has led to our expanding our sector-by-sector approach to channelling capital to Spain, Denmark, South Africa and Indonesia, where our local teams of financial experts are shaping the debate on effectively closing the gap between governments’ climate and nature policy ambitions and markets’ delivery of green finance solutions to achieve those ambitions.

You can find out more about the Institute on our website: www.greenfinanceinstitute.co.uk

What's the role?

The GFI Nature team’s mission is to unlock private sector finance into nature-based solutions and nature restoration, and to support the transition of the global economy to one that values and invests in nature.

We work across the UK, supporting the development of a pipeline of nature-based projects; working with UK companies and the finance sector to unlock demand and capital and feed this into the creation of a supportive policy environment that unlocks revenue models, including through nature markets.

In 2024 we launched our international nature programme of work, Revenues for Nature (R4N), in partnership with UNEP FI and UNDP Biofin, and we are looking for an experienced individual to lead on this workstream and take it to the next level.

The mission of R4N is to replicate existing successful models that will help the signatories of the Global Biodiversity Framework in mobilising private sector and innovative finance to meet nature goals. The programme’s specific aims are:

To curate decision-useful data and content on existing models and markets that move private sector capital into nature restoration and nature-based solutions. These include the development of detailed guidebooks for governments and corporates.
To develop and run a community of practice bringing together governments, financial institutions, businesses and NGOs to share learning.
To identify and work with governments or businesses in the replication and scaling of these models.

This role will be leading a three-person team within the broader GFI nature team and managing the project with large global partner organisations. You will be expected to grow the team and develop the programme.

You will gain exposure to a range of stakeholders including policy makers, project developers, development finance institutions, and the financial and corporate sector across (predominantly) developing countries. There will be the opportunity for international travel.

This role offers the opportunity to have global impact, collaborating with a range of stakeholders committed to nature-restoration and conservation nationally and internationally and we’re looking for a team member who will thrive in a dynamic environment where communication, organisational and networking skills, and focus on delivery are essential.

We'll trust you to:

Develop strong relationships and networks with relevant governments, corporations and financial institutions to actively support them with identifying and unlocking any nature-related barriers.
Project manage multiple workstreams and oversee the budget, including working with the Programme Director to identify funding opportunities.
Support and inspire your team, ensuring they are on track and providing coaching where needed.
Support and nurture our partnerships.
Represent the GFI at key industry events, including speaking on panels.
Coordinate with the GFI external affairs team to ensure content is disseminated and that relevant stakeholders are engaged.

You need to have:

Outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills, particularly with senior executives within the corporate sector and with policy makers.
Experience managing and building a team.
A genuine and demonstrable interest in environmental sustainability and international development and an understanding of nature-based revenue models, and global commitments to nature including the Global Biodiversity Framework.
Strong organisational and project management skills, with an ability to meet and manage competing deadlines, logically tackle problems and set priorities.
Excellent written and oral communication skills, with a proven ability to distil complex information into digestible materials and media.
A proactive work ethic.
High attention to detail.
Adaptability and comfort working in a fast-paced, agile, start-up environment.

We’d love to see:

Previous experience in a senior role working on environmental finance within a financial institution, corporate or development finance institution.
International development experience.
Basic understanding of French, Spanish or Portuguese.

If this sounds like you:

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter (no more than two sides of A4) describing how you meet the specific requirements of the role.

The closing date for applications is Monday 13th January 2025. Please submit your application to recruitment@gfi.green.

Please note:

If you do not already hold the right to work in the UK 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.

International Nature Lead