About Conservation International

Conservation International (CI) works to protect the nature people need for survival. We are a global network of scientists, policy experts, and conservation practitioners working in over 30 countries to protect the planet’s most vital ecosystems. CI’s Africa Field Division is focused on delivering conservation outcomes across the continent, working with governments, local communities, and the private sector to achieve sustainable development and biodiversity protection.

The Opportunity

CI is seeking a dynamic and experienced Carbon Finance Origination and Deal Lead for Africa. This role will be instrumental in developing and executing innovative carbon finance solutions to support CI’s conservation programs across the continent. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of carbon markets, project finance, and conservation, with a proven track record in deal origination and execution.

Responsibilities

• Identify, develop, and originate new carbon finance opportunities across Africa, aligning with CI’s conservation priorities and strategic goals.
• Lead the structuring, negotiation, and execution of carbon finance deals, including carbon credit sales agreements, project finance, and blended finance mechanisms.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including carbon buyers, project developers, government agencies, financial institutions, and local communities.
• Conduct due diligence on potential projects, assessing their carbon potential, financial viability, and social and environmental safeguards.
• Develop financial models and projections to support deal structuring and investment decisions.
• Stay abreast of developments in carbon markets, climate finance, and conservation policy in Africa.
• Collaborate with CI’s technical teams to ensure the quality and integrity of carbon projects.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of CI’s carbon finance strategy in Africa.

Qualifications

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in carbon finance, project finance, investment banking, or a related field, with a focus on emerging markets.
• Proven track record in deal origination, structuring, and execution, preferably in the environmental or conservation sector.
• In-depth knowledge of carbon markets (compliance and voluntary), carbon accounting methodologies, and relevant standards (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard).
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Excellent understanding of conservation and sustainable development issues in Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French or Portuguese is a plus.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Africa.

Experience

Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in carbon finance, project finance, investment banking, or a related field, with a focus on emerging markets.

• Identify, develop, and originate new carbon finance opportunities across Africa, aligning with CI’s conservation priorities and strategic goals.
• Lead the structuring, negotiation, and execution of carbon finance deals, including carbon credit sales agreements, project finance, and blended finance mechanisms.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including carbon buyers, project developers, government agencies, financial institutions, and local communities.
• Conduct due diligence on potential projects, assessing their carbon potential, financial viability, and social and environmental safeguards.
• Develop financial models and projections to support deal structuring and investment decisions.
• Stay abreast of developments in carbon markets, climate finance, and conservation policy in Africa.
• Collaborate with CI’s technical teams to ensure the quality and integrity of carbon projects.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of CI’s carbon finance strategy in Africa.

• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.

• Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, Business Administration, or a related field.
• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in carbon finance, project finance, investment banking, or a related field, with a focus on emerging markets.
• Proven track record in deal origination, structuring, and execution, preferably in the environmental or conservation sector.
• In-depth knowledge of carbon markets (compliance and voluntary), carbon accounting methodologies, and relevant standards (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard).
• Strong financial modeling and analytical skills.
• Excellent understanding of conservation and sustainable development issues in Africa.
• Demonstrated ability to build and manage relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Fluency in English is required; knowledge of French or Portuguese is a plus.
• Willingness to travel extensively within Africa.