• The identification and securitization of key ecosystem services through innovative partnerships with commercial enterprises in priority landscapes and growth poles.
• The analysis of financial debt and equity structures and reporting formats to further develop approaches supporting of small and medium sized businesses that contribute to healthy ecosystems and human well being.  

In addition to other responsibilities, this position will be responsible for developing VV’s strategy in Africa and for developing investment opportunities and key partnerships which are directly in-line with CI’s new mission emphasizing the intersections between ecosystem preservation and human well-being. This position will also manage VV’s partnership of United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Global Enviroment Facility (GEF) / The World Heritage Local Ecological Entreprenurship Program (WH-LEEP) program in Africa, along with VV’s Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) commitments in Africa. This position will also work with the larger Ecosystem Finance team to further intergrate the Division’s investment strategies to ensure alignment with each other as well as with CI’s new mission. 
This person must posses flexibility to work in a fast-paced enviroment and the ability to work independently.   
RESPONSIBILITIES: 

• Originate, negotiate, close and monitor (with monitoring team) new Verde Venture investments with a particular focus on Africa. Also manage existing VV relationships in Africa.  
• Develop Africa-based partnerships in key sectors, including partnerships with local financing entities and Business Development Support (BDS) providers.  For agencies within South Africa, this will be done in collaboration with the Director of Conservation South Africa. 
• Manage the Africa components of the Fonds Français pour l’Environnement Mondial (FFEM) and  United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)/Global Enviroment Facility (GEF)/ The GEF Small Grants Programme (SGP)/ The World Heritage Local Ecological Entreprenurship Program (WH-LEEP) program for VV. Maintain direct relationships with UNDP offices and develop field work in Kenya, Tanzania, and Madagascar.
• With Fund Manager, improve and develop financial and operational systems to improve VV effeciencies. Also assist with strategic development of VV.
• With Fund Manager and EFD team, develop joint investment opportunities with CSP, CCCF, GCF and CEPF.  
• With Fund Manager, develop VV’s expertise in new sectors such as carbon finance and renewable energy.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Based in Cape Town, South Africa with extensive travel (35% of year).
QUALIFICATIONS:
Required: 

• Four-year college degree in Finance/Business
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience
• Understanding of investment challenges in developing countries from first-hand experience.
• Minimum of 3 years of rural financing experience in Africa. Preferably within the agricultural and or tourismector, and with biodiversity friendly enterprises.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and French
• Financial Analysis/Risk Assessment skills (Advanced Excel)

Preferred: 

• MBA, International Development/Economics advance degrees preferred

APPLICANT SHOULD SEND: Cover letter and CV.