At a Glance
- Tasks: Support governments in mobilising capital for climate and nature priorities through strategic advisory.
- Company: Join Systemiq, a certified B Corp focused on sustainability and system change.
- Benefits: 12-month contract with potential for extension, collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to driving system change.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global sustainability efforts while developing your strategic skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Economics/Finance/International Development; 2-5 years relevant experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Systemiq is the system change company, working to accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy. As a certified B Corp, we partner with business, finance, policymakers and civil society to transform five interconnected systems: energy, nature and food, materials and circularity, sustainable finance, and urban transformation.
Location: Kenya (Nairobi preferred) or London, UK
Contract: 12-month FTC (very likely to extend / convert to permanent)
Team / Platform: Sustainable Finance
Reporting to: Sustainable Finance leadership
About the role: Systemiq is looking for a Strategy Associate to join our growing Sustainable Finance practice in Kenya, focused on public and development finance. You will help governments and public finance institutions to strengthen financing strategies and mobilise capital for climate, nature and development priorities.
This is a strategy advisory role: working within small, collaborative teams, you will support complex advisory engagements and multi-stakeholder initiatives spanning governments, IFIs/DFIs, bilateral donors and the private sector. You will contribute to workstreams that draw on expertise across Systemiq and external partners, and over time you will have opportunities to shape and lead your own workstreams within the sustainable finance space.
This role blends macro-level strategic thinking with strong research and analytical skills, excellent stakeholder engagement and communication, and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs in fast-moving, stakeholder-heavy contexts. Strategy consulting experience is welcome but not essential.
What you’ll do:
- Help support or lead workstreams and deliver high-quality advisory support on public and development finance for climate and nature outcomes.
- Develop structured analysis and synthesise complex information into client-ready materials (strategy decks, technical notes, briefing packs).
- Drive development of sovereign financing strategies, including consideration of macroeconomic context, sovereign risk, debt sustainability and credit dynamics.
- Help design, shape, and assess financing approaches and instruments, including concessional and blended finance, sustainability-linked bonds/loans, debt-for-climate/nature swaps, and risk-sharing structures.
- Support stakeholder engagement across ministries, debt management offices, central banks, IFIs/DFIs, donors and private sector partners, including workshops and convenings.
- Contribute to proposal development, thought leadership and knowledge building within the team.
Candidate profile:
- Degree/Masters – Economics/Finance/International Development especially welcome
- 2–5+ years of relevant experience, for example in: strategy consulting (sustainable finance focus), international financial institutions (e.g., IMF, World Bank, AfDB), central banks or debt management offices, credit rating agencies, sovereign research/strategy teams, finance ministries or public finance roles, development finance/advisory roles with strong sovereign finance exposure.
- Familiarity with the sovereign financing landscape, including concessional finance, blended finance and/or climate and nature instruments e.g. sustainability-linked bonds/loans, debt-for-climate/nature swaps etc.
- Strong problem-solving, analytical and research skills — able to synthesise complex material into clear, structured outputs.
- Excellent communication in English (written and verbal), and demonstrated stakeholder engagement skills.
- Strong project discipline and ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
- Collaborative team player with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong mission alignment.
- Formal study in economics, with a focus on macroeconomics, development economics, climate economics and/or nature economics.
- Exposure to public-sector policy or planning, for example within finance ministries, environment ministries, or IFIs/DFIs.
- Familiarity with Sub-Saharan African sovereign contexts and financing priorities.
- Experience supporting stakeholder consultations, convenings or government-facing processes.
- Additional languages (e.g., Swahili, French).
You are mission-driven and excited by the opportunity to help governments and financial institutions mobilise financing for climate and nature outcomes. You combine intellectual rigour with pragmatism and strong relationship skills. You thrive in small teams, enjoy working across disciplines and stakeholder groups, and want your work to influence real-world decisions.
You will also align naturally with our values: Creativity, Challenge, Collaborate, Change and Care.
Only applications from candidates legally eligible to work in Kenya/UK will be considered. Visa sponsorship/relocation costs will not be provided.
Diversity & Inclusion: At Systemiq, we absolutely believe diverse perspectives are essential to driving system change. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.
Strategy Associate employer: Systemiq
At Systemiq, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer committed to sustainability and innovation. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and inclusivity, providing employees with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in the heart of London. Join us to make a meaningful impact on food systems and biodiversity while enjoying the benefits of a supportive team environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategy Associate
✨Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions
Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Strategy Associate at Systemiq!
✨Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks
Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Systemiq or be willing to refer you for that Strategy Associate position!
✨Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Systemiq who’s on the lookout for their next Strategy Associate star!
✨Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online
Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Strategy Associate role at Systemiq!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategy Associate
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Systemiq. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!
Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.
Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Systemiq
✨Master the Case Study Game
In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!
✨Know Your Numbers
Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!
✨Show Your Leadership Flair
As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
✨Be a Cultural Fit
We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Systemiq. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!
