Associate, GFI Transition Finance Lab in London

Location: hybrid (home-based/London office)

Start date: As soon as possible

Contract: Permanent

Reporting into: Executive Director, GFI Transition Finance Lab

About the Green Finance Institute (GFI)

Established in 2019, the Green Finance Institute (GFI) is an independent advisor to governments and investors. It is at the forefront of shaping how finance can be used to facilitate a real economy transition, by designing, testing, and scaling financial solutions that enable capital to flow where it can deliver the greatest impact in the real economy.

The GFI delivers positive outcomes for climate and nature by aligning policy, capital and pipeline development. As a commercially focused philanthropic organisation working with governments and partnering with financial institutions, corporates, NGOs, policymakers, academics and civil society experts, the GFI has mobilised over £80bn in committed capital to date.

The GFI is headquartered in London and has a presence in eight countries including Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Indonesia, the Philippines, Scotland, South Africa and Spain, and its missions work across the built environment, carbon dioxide removals, industrial decarbonisation, energy, transportation and nature.

About the GFI Transition Finance Lab

The GFI Transition Finance Lab (“GFI Lab”) is an exciting new programme that brings together public financial institutions, government, regulators, private capital and project sponsors to help unlock first-of-a-kind transactions for technologies that are critical to the clean energy and green industrial transition. In due course we plan to also explore nature-based solutions.

The GFI Lab focuses on practical, transaction-oriented problem solving. It works upstream of investment decisions to improve project origination, derisking and structuring, rather than allocating capital or funding directly. It provides sandbox-style support to design, test and refine financial structures, risk-sharing models and market mechanisms, while generating insights that can inform government policy. Its collaborative model is intended to enable faster execution, stronger cooperation and a more joined-up approach across public and private institutions.

The GFI Lab is delivered in partnership with DESNZ – and operates within a distinct governance structure comprising an Advisory Board, Sector Steering Group, GFI Lab Executive Team, Expert Group and individual project groups. The Advisory Board provides strategic oversight over the sectors and projects formally prioritised or resourced by the Lab.

The role

This is a unique opportunity to join one of the UK's most ambitious initiatives focused on unlocking investment into transition-critical projects. Working closely with the GFI Lab Executive Director, you will provide project management, research, stakeholder coordination and operational support across the GFI Lab's portfolio of projects.

This is a hands-on role for a highly organised and proactive individual who can manage multiple workstreams, coordinate senior stakeholders and turn complex information into clear outputs. You will support projects from assessment and mobilisation through to delivery and reporting, helping ensure the GFI Lab operates effectively and in line with its governance framework.

The role offers significant exposure to leaders across finance, industry, government and public finance institutions, as well as the opportunity to contribute to solutions that accelerate investment in the transition to a net-zero economy.

Responsibilities

Project Management and Delivery

• Manage project plans, milestones, risks, actions and reporting processes across the GFI Lab portfolio.
• Coordinate delivery of assigned projects and workstreams, ensuring activities remain on track and aligned with agreed objectives.
• Organise meetings, workshops and stakeholder sessions, including agendas, briefing materials, minutes and follow-up actions.
• Support the production and quality assurance of project outputs, reports and presentations.
• Contribute to continuous improvement by developing tools, templates and lessons learned.

Research and Project Assessment

• Conduct research and analysis to support project origination, assessment and delivery.
• Support project screening, due diligence and preparation of recommendations.
• Maintain accurate project records and documentation.
• Synthesise complex financial, policy and sector information into clear, actionable insights.

Stakeholder Engagement and Governance

• Support engagement with project sponsors, investors, government, public finance institutions and industry stakeholders.
• Maintain stakeholder records, engagement plans and action tracking.
• Prepare briefing notes, presentations and materials for senior internal and external audiences.
• Support the operation of the GFI Lab's governance framework, including record-keeping, conflicts management and compliance processes.
• Ensure confidential and commercially sensitive information is handled appropriately.

Operational Support

• Support the Executive Director in delivering the GFI Lab's annual priorities and programme of work.
• Coordinate external advisers and project participants.
• Help maintain effective systems, processes and ways of working across the Lab.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across GFI to deliver high-quality outcomes.

Essential Role Requirements

• A strong track record of effectively coordinating multiple projects or workstreams involving multiple organisations and senior stakeholders, likely in the private sector.
• Excellent organisation and attention to detail, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain momentum across several projects.
• Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to understand complex issues and produce clear, concise and accurate outputs.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience preparing briefings, presentations, meeting materials and reports.
• A commercial mindset with sound judgement and discretion when handling confidential or commercially sensitive information.
• An understanding of good governance, risk management and management of conflicts of interest.
• A proactive, collaborative and solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to take ownership while knowing when to escalate.
• Competence in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, PowerPoint and Excel, and confidence using project management and collaboration tools.
• A strong commitment to GFI’s mission and to using finance to support the transition to a net-zero and nature-positive economy.

Desirable Role Requirements

• Experience working in financial services, corporate finance or consultancy.
• Experience of working with or alongside government departments, public finance institutions, regulators, investors or project sponsors.

• Familiarity with the proportionate and responsible use of AI tools to improve productivity, analysis, research and communication while exercising appropriate professional judgement.

• Familiarity with the UK’s clean energy and modern industrial policy landscape.
• Experience supporting advisory groups, steering groups or investment committees.
• Relevant project management, finance, economics, public policy, sustainability or related professional qualification.
  

If this sounds like you: To apply - please submit your CV and a short cover letter (of no more than two sides). Your cover letter should include details of: your relevant work / educational experience. how you meet the broader requirements of the role. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered. The closing date for applications is COB on Monday 14th September 2026 . Please submit your application via the link on our website or via LinkedIn. 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.