Director, Carbon Finance Origination

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people.

With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 30 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

Position Summary

This position is based in South Africa. Amid growing consensus that the protection, restoration, and improved management of ecosystems can provide at least 30% of the climate mitigation needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, Conservation International (CI) has set ambitious targets to realize the potential of natural climate solutions (NCS) worldwide.

The Carbon Finance (CF) team within CI's Nature Finance Group (NFG) works across CI to source and finance a portfolio of high‑quality NCS carbon projects, creating industry‑leading partnerships with the private sector and connections with CI field programs to ensure delivery of ambitious climate and conservation targets.

The CF team prioritizes impact through community engagement, biodiversity, safeguards, and high‑quality carbon credits, as well as through projects which are located in "Irrecoverable Carbon" and biodiversity hotspots.

This position is an integral part of the CF team. The Director, Carbon Finance Origination & Deal Lead for the Africa region, manages all commercial elements of an NCS carbon finance project.

The role will originate high‑quality, integrity‑driven, large‑scale landscape restoration projects utilizing CI's presence and experience along with their own cultivated network. CI is looking for a self‑determined and motivated candidate who can navigate complex environments in various African countries.

Responsibilities – Origination

• Identify and evaluate potential carbon project opportunities in line with CI's strategic objectives.
• Build a high‑quality project pipeline with key external partners, including NGOs, governments, local communities, and private developers.
• Lead the development of the regional carbon finance strategy in coordination with Africa's Field Division, CI regional country offices, and the Global Carbon Origination lead.
• Keep track of the pipeline and portfolio of all NFG carbon finance projects in the region and report to the Carbon Portfolio Delivery and Global Origination leads.
• Lead the coordination and preparation of Project Idea Notes (PINs) summarizing the project's early‑stage design and submit for internal review and approval.
• Work with various project stakeholders and CI teams to gather inputs for the feasibility phase budgets.
• Work closely with CI's Africa Field Division to ensure that the goals of the Africa Field Division and the priorities of CI's Carbon Finance Team are aligned and complementary.
• Stay up‑to‑date with market trends, regulatory changes, and industry developments related to carbon finance and project development.
• Represent CI at industry conferences, seminars, and events to promote the organization's expertise and build relationships with potential partners and investors.

Responsibilities – Deal Lead

Qualifications

Working Conditions

This is a full‑time position. Travel within the region will consist of approximately ~30% of the person's time; often, this will entail travel to remote locations with rustic conditions. Flexibility in work schedule is required in order to accommodate time differences between the Arlington, VA office and international field offices located in multiple time zones.

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.

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