Amid growing consensus that the protection, restoration, and improved management of ecosystems can provide at least 30% of the climate mitigation needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, Conservation International (CI) has set ambitious targets to realize the potential of natural climate solutions (NCS) worldwide. The Carbon Finance (CF) team within CI’s Nature Finance Group (NFG) is working across CI to source and finance a portfolio of high-quality NCS carbon projects, creating industry-leading partnerships with the private sector and connections with CI field programs to ensure delivery of ambitious climate and conservation targets.
The CF team prioritizes impact through community engagement, biodiversity, safeguards, and high-quality carbon credits, as well as through projects that are located in “Irrecoverable Carbon” and Biodiversity hotspots. Each member of this team plays a critical role in making this impact mission a success.
This position is an integral part of the CF team. The Carbon Finance Origination & Deal Lead for the Africa region manages all commercial elements of an NCS carbon finance project. The role will originate high quality and integrity, large-scale landscape restoration projects utilizing CI’s presence and experience along with their own cultivated network. CI is looking for a self-determined and motivated candidate who is able to navigate complex environments in various countries within the Africa region. This position will be the lead for carbon transactions, both on the “upstream” origination side, as well as the “downstream” commercial side. In addition to originating new carbon opportunities for CI, this position will usher projects through our project cycle, ensuring that the upstream project partner understands the value that CI brings to the project while also contextualizing and understanding the interests of CI’s carbon credit buyer and investor partners, and support management of the broader Africa carbon portfolio. The candidate will work with the Africa Field Management Unit to develop a carbon strategy that supports and elevates the Field Unit strategy, while also ensuring the development of a high-quality and diversified portfolio. The candidate will support fundraising efforts – working with both the Africa Field Management Unit and the global CF team to help generate more investment at the project and portfolio level, including the preparation of investment materials. The candidate should have strong PowerPoint presentation skills and be familiar with financial models, while also being a natural relationship manager and a clear communicator.