Carbon Finance Origination & Deal Lead Africa

This position is based in Angola, Liberia, South Africa, Kenya, Botswana or Madagascar.

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

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 prioritises 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.

Responsibilities:

• Origination: Identify and evaluate potential carbon project opportunities in line with CI’s strategic objectives. Build a high-quality project pipeline with key external partners, including NGOs, governments, local communities, and private developers. Lead the development of the regional carbon finance strategy in coordination with Africa’s Field Management Unit, CI regional country offices, and the Global Carbon Origination lead. Keep track of the pipeline and portfolio of all NFG Carbon Finance projects in the region and report to the Carbon Portfolio Delivery and Global Origination leads. Lead the coordination and preparation of Project Idea Notes (PINs) summarising the project's early-stage design and submit for internal review and approval. Work with the various project stakeholders and CI teams to gather inputs for the feasibility phase budgets. Stay up-to-date with market trends, regulatory changes, and industry developments related to carbon finance and project development. Represent CI at industry conferences, seminars, and events to promote the organisation's expertise and build relationships with potential partners and investors.
• Deal Lead: Financial modelling and analysis of pipeline and portfolio projects to assess project economics, including revenue streams, costs, and returns on investment. Negotiate commercial terms with project development partners and key stakeholders that enable cost recovery for CI, while ensuring high-quality project implementation and maximising community return. Develop and maintain strong relationships with the upstream project development partners, serving as the primary point of contact and managing ongoing communications and negotiations. Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including legal, finance, and technical experts, to ensure all commercial aspects of the project are thoroughly understood and that a strong business case is constructed. Prepare and present carbon finance business cases to potential investors. Manage timelines and deliverables of the transaction, ensuring adherence to established milestones and deadlines.

Working Conditions:

• This is a full-time position.
• Ability to work outside the normal work schedule to meet project deadlines.
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some days remotely.

Qualifications Required:

• Bachelor's degree in finance or business, environmental science field, or another relevant discipline.
• 7+ years of relevant working experience.
• Experience and understanding of Natural Climate Solutions or conservation projects, and long-term success drivers, both financial and non-financial.
• Experience working with countries in the Africa region.
• Hands-on experience with carbon transactions (origination, structuring, valuation, buyer engagement).
• Knowledge and expertise in environmental markets, especially in voluntary carbon markets.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to structure and negotiate commercially sound and profitable deals.
• Excellent project management and coordination skills, and strong attention to detail.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Proficiency in Microsoft PPT and Excel.

Preferred:

• Graduate degree.
• Fluency in French and Portuguese.
• Experience working with or within the private sector on climate and NCS-related issues.
• Experience working with indigenous peoples and traditional communities.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter. Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals.