Durable Finance Manager, NatureVest

NatureVest is the impact investment unit of The Nature Conservancy. NatureVest’s vision is a world where financial markets value and integrate natural capital into business and investment decisions as part of creating a sustainable, equitable and more efficient economy. The Durable Finance Team within NatureVest is responsible for scoping and designing financial strategies for Project Finance for Permanence (PFP) deals.  PFPs integrate philanthropic, public and private capital into a transaction with a single closing agreement.  As a member of the Enduring Earth Coalition, TNC uses PFPs to sustainably finance long-term conservation initiatives and protected areas.

The Durable Finance Manager will lead the Finance workstream for assigned PFP deals that includes (i) developing the PFP financial model; (ii) preparing and executing finance workshops with government and other stakeholders, and (iii) assisting in the collection of technical inputs and consultations in the design of sustainable finance mechanisms (SFM). The Durable Finance Manager will work collaboratively with complex, cross-functional project teams and key stakeholders, notably TNC country and regional teams and the Global PFP team, to ensure the successful closing of PFP transactions.

This position reports to the Director of Durable Finance within the Financial Advisory Team. The location for this position is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy is a registered NGO and has an established office, with working hours aligned with PST (±3 hours). This position is not eligible for relocation or immigration assistance.

This is a two-year term position with opportunity for extension based on funding availability and performance.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Durable Finance Manager will be responsible for the development and implementation of one or several projects at a time within our portfolio of PFP projects. They are primarily responsible for overseeing the financial strategy of the PFP, which includes building flexible and transparent financial models (including the incorporation of different types of capital), assessment and design of SFMs, supporting due diligence and risk assessments, and participating in the development of internal and external information memoranda. SFMs may include various fiscal policy-based instruments such as fees, taxes, and levies; conservation finance tools like Payment for Ecosystem Services and carbon credit sales; and some conventional finance instruments such as intermediated debt. To create alignment with key stakeholders, the Project Manager will support the development of and participate in planning meetings with government ministries, project partners, and relevant community stakeholders. The Manager will also be an integral member of PFP teams – the cross functional groups responsible for developing and implementing a given PFP. As such, the Project Manager will develop the finance materials, recommendations, and presentations to support all stages of PFP development. 

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• In close partnership with in-country and global teams, develop and advance financial strategies for PFP deals.

• Manage and implement complex project work plans, including coordinating sustainable finance workstreams, defining deliverables, setting deadlines, and ensuring accountability.

• Coordinate with project directors and other staff within TNC teams (global strategy teams, regions, etc.) to ensure alignment of objectives and joint pursuit of outcomes.

• Develop and review interim and final deliverables (e.g. financial models, concept notes, strategy documents, approval abstracts), and support project teams in delivering work products at the required standard and in managing dependencies between workstreams.

• Build strong relationships with internal and external partners, especially within governments.

• Hire and manage outside consultants as needed to augment project capacity.

• Assist in the preparation and facilitation of sustainable finance workshops and other consultations in-country.

• Ability to work across multiple time zones, which may include working outside normal working hours.

• Willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• BA/BS degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration or related field and 7 years related experience, or equivalent combination.

• Fluency in both English and Spanish is required.

• Experience managing multiple complex tasks.

• Experience with project management.

• Desire to be challenged, work with limited guidance, and cultivate a more sustainable future with your own energy and innovation.

• Experience with financial issues or analysis.

DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Commitment to the mission and values of The Nature Conservancy, although no prior experience in conservation is required.

• Ability to work with all levels of staff from different academic and cultural backgrounds in a collaborative or advisory role.

• Experience working with government stakeholders.

• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.

• Knowledge of conservation finance, impact investing, blended finance, and/or development finance.

• Strong organizational skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks.

• The Nature Conservancy is committed to diversity and encourages candidates with diverse and nontraditional backgrounds to apply.

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $90,000- $110,000 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA.

For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.