Associate Director - Nature Finance (Conservation)

The Royal Foundation's Nature Conservation Programme is seeking a highly experienced and exceptional Associate Director, Nature Finance. This role will be integral to delivering on a newly joined up nature and the ocean strategy with The Earthshot Prize. That strategy will build and amplify catalytic campaigns to drive global solutions and impact at scale, while delivering tangible results for people and our planet, building on the platform provided by The Royal Foundation programmes (including United for Wildlife) and The Earthshot Prize finalists.

The Associate Director, Nature Finance, will be responsible for designing and executing nature finance initiatives.

Role Purpose: Reporting to the Executive Director - Conservation, the Associate Director will design and coordinate the execution of a new nature finance strategy, drawing upon existing elements provided by The Royal Foundation's programmes (especially United for Wildlife) and The Earthshot Prize. This strategy should reflect The Royal Foundation's unique role and value-add, ensure accountability, delivery and tangible impact across the nature finance ecosystem. The strategy should be developed closely with key partners and is expected to be iterated and adapted as work progresses.

Key Accountabilities, but not limited to:

• Establishing or scaling existing philanthropic and donor coalitions to unlock and deliver increased nature finance for priority objectives.
• Establishing or scaling of innovative financial instruments to deliver increased finance for nature, such as investment funds, blended finance, bonds, debt for nature conversions, etc.
• Working with nature-related standard-setters and frameworks like TNFD and other industry coalitions to integrate consideration of nature-related risks and opportunities including environmental and wildlife crime into financial risk disclosure.
• Establishing or scaling of industry Taskforces, including leading on the re-design of the United for Wildlife Financial Taskforce and the development of key outcomes by this Taskforce for 2026.
• Working with The Royal Foundation's central Partnerships team to identify and help secure potential prospects for full value business or philanthropic relationships to support the Foundation's work.

Relevant knowledge, experience and personal qualities:

• Experienced in the nature and finance sectors, proven track record of convening and delivering large-scale programmes.
• Able to lead the conceptualisation, design and execution of innovative programmes that anticipate and address future needs.
• Broad working knowledge of international policy and sector issues, and experience with high-level events and convenings.
• Strong leadership skills, with the ability to build high performing networks, encourage personal growth in teams and inspire and empower colleagues to drive action.
• Comfortable working at all levels, from strategic leadership to hands-on delivery.
• Ability to rapidly assimilate evidence, insights and intelligence to clearly communicate opportunities and risks to internal and external stakeholders.
• A critical thinker and judge, who can apply this to strategic and tactical issues.
• Passionate about creating a healthier society with the ability to work within the non-political constraints of The Royal Foundation.
• Understands the importance of discretion and confidentiality and the need for a mature and professional approach.

The Royal Foundation is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion and to ensuring a positive, safe, and respectful environment which promotes the wellbeing and dignity of our employees, partners, suppliers, and those whose interests we represent. We are committed to promoting a positive and inclusive working environment that has a diversity of people and views, and one that supports our culture of collaboration and curiosity. These principles underpin our professional behaviour and are embedded in our policies, procedures, day-to-day practices, and external relationships. We therefore welcome and encourage job applications from people of all backgrounds.

If you have the relevant skills and enthusiasm for the role, then we want to hear from you. Please submit a cover letter that outlines why you are excited about this opportunity and why you believe you are a strong fit for the role. In your letter, please specifically highlight how you demonstrate each of the key areas of knowledge, experience, and personal qualities listed in the job description.

PLEASE NOTE: THIS ROLE HAS A CLOSING DATE OF 27TH APRIL. HOWEVER, WE ARE REVIEWING APPLICATIONS ON A ROLLING BASIS AND RESERVE THE RIGHT TO CLOSE APPLICATIONS BEFORE THE DEADLINE IF REQUIRED.