Sustainable Finance Specialist

Key Purpose

The purpose of the role is to represent the Sustainable Finance Programme in Southeast Asia, provide technical inputs into the range of sustainable finance focus areas, in the development of new nature-based solutions projects and our finance sector advisory and engagement work.

ZSL welcomes and particularly encourages candidates located in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Thailand or the Philippines, with existing right to work in these locations.

about ZSL Sustainable Business & Finance 

Sitting within the Sustainable Business & Finance Department, the Sustainable Finance Programme aims to close the $1 trillion financing gap for nature, through working both on the demand side with investors to increase the financing for nature, and on the supply side to develop investable, nature-positive projects and enterprises. The programme has five major focus areas:

Mainstream responsible investment, incorporating biodiversity into decision-makingInvestment fund advisory, supporting the development, management and impact of sustainable and nature positive investment fundsPartnering with business to finance biodiversity protection and restorationBuilding financially sustainable conservation projects and partnersDeveloping a diverse range of nature-based solutions, including natural carbon projects

Finance Sector Engagement

Build and maintain relationships with financial institutions, including banks, asset managers, investors and family officesProvide training and ad-hoc support on biodiversity-related topics as well as the use of ZSL datasets such as SPOTT and the Living Planet IndexOrganise webinars and workshops aimed at the finance sector on priority sectors and themesRepresent ZSL at conferences and events including taking on speaking roles

Technical Inputs

Develop concepts, business models and impact models for NBS projects and enterprises in collaboration with regional teamsCreate dynamic financial models for NBS projects and enterprises including income statements, cashflow forecasts and capital requirements forecasts.Work with carbon specialists, agronomists and social development specialists to develop quantified models for relevant project outputs.Work with biodiversity experts to perform calculations of biodiversity metrics such as Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) and Species Threat Abatement and Recovery (STAR).Undertake and contract out research on laws, regulation and policies related to NBS, company formation and management in local jurisdictions.Desktop and interview-based research and due diligence on companies and projects to understand dependencies, risks and impacts on nature.Provide review, analysis and advice to third parties on their policies and practices related to sustainable finance, including presentation production and delivery and report writing.

Project Management

Coordinate assigned projects in accordance with activity plans.Manage project expenditure in accordance with project budgets.Manage and undertake the drafting, execution and amendment of project and consulting contracts.

Fundraising

Work with ZSL staff, consultants and partners to develop project concepts, theories of change, activity plans and budgets.Draft grant applications, commercial proposals and capacity statements.

Key Competencies

Required

Analytical expertise undertaking desktop and interview research with a wide variety of organisationsStrong finance expertise, including the development of financial models and financial statements for businesses.Strong quantitative numerical expertise developing models related to the production of goods and servicesAbility to present research and due diligence findings in a coherent manner in presentations and reportsAbility to engage effectively and build relationships with the finance sectorUnderstanding of how to work effectively in cross-cultural environments with members of the Global SouthDemonstrated commitment to biodiversity conservation and restoration

Desirable

Experience in the financial sector and/or private sector consultingAbility to develop quantitative socio-economic and environmental services modelsAn understanding of legal forms of business as well as legal and regulatory compliance considerations for operating a businessExperience working on nature-based solutions, nature positive enterprises and/or carbon projectsWorking proficiency in Bahasa Indonesia/Malay, Tagalog/Filipino or Thai

To Apply:

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button on the ZSL website.

Closing date for applications:   30th October 2022

Expected interview dates:         3rd November 2022