Project Manager (gn) - Nature-based Impact Finance

About the project

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a renowned organization dedicated to the conservation of wildlife and ecosystems, with a particular focus on protected areas and extraordinary wild places. Operating long-term conservation programs across Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, FZS is at the forefront of global conservation efforts. 

FZS’ conservation programmes are funded primarily through institutional and bilateral donations and grants. To further scale up our efforts and increase financial sustainability, FZS is increasingly looking to leverage a variety of innovative financial instruments, including carbon and biodiversity finance, environmental impact bonds, blended/impact finance, and public-private financing vehicles.

About the position

FZS is seeking a skilled and experienced Nature-based Impact Finance Specialist with solid project management experience to join our team. This exciting role offers the opportunity to explore and evaluate the potential of existing and emerging nature markets, and to work closely with FZS programme managers to develop and implement innovative nature-based financing solutions tailored to impact in individual landscapes. These solutions are anticipated to significantly enhance FZS’s ability to scale up our programmes and contribute to the implementation of the Global Biodiversity Framework, including the 30x30 target.

• Explore and evaluate the potential of existing and emerging nature markets, including carbon and biodiversity finance, environmental impact bonds and other conservation finance instruments. 
• Identify and assess the risks and opportunities associated with these markets, such as regulatory frameworks, market demand, impact orientation, pricing mechanisms, verification standards and governance.
• Conduct market research and analysis, identify, and engage with FZS programmes, reputable service providers and partners to develop impact driven business cases and proposals for nature-based financing solutions.
• Provide technical guidance and support to programme managers and partners on the design and implementation of nature-based financing solutions, ensuring alignment with the organization’s vision, mission, and values.
• Work closely with our Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL) team at HQ and in the projects to develop a scalable outcome based MRV approach for nature-based financing in FZS. 
• Monitor and report to senior management on the performance and impact of nature-based financing solutions in collaboration with our MEL team. 
• Develop a flexible, global nature-based financing framework and policy to inform and guide FZS programme managers to develop and adopt relevant financing solutions with their programme areas.
• Facilitate knowledge sharing and learning among staff and partners, as well as contribute to the development of best practices and standards for nature-based financing solutions.

• Proven experience of at least 7 years at the intersection of impact finance, natural resource management, and nature finance markets.
• Higher education qualification relating to business management, finance or economics, with particular focus on natural resource management, ecology or other nature science related topics.
• Strong background in project management and a proven track record of successfully developing, guiding and implementing nature-based financing solutions (both projects and products) end-to-end.
• Skilled collaborative worker, with experience working with and guiding a range of stakeholders including governments, private sector, NGOs, and communities.
• Good analytical and problem-solving skills, results oriented and highly resilient.
• Self-motivated and efficient, with the autonomy to develop strategies, policies and workplans and prioritise their own work schedule.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel
• Passion for conservation, community development, and sustainability

• Engaging and meaningful work that encourages independent and entrepreneurial thinking
• Opportunity to contribute towards the protection of impressive wilderness areas
• A dynamic and motivated team environment, working to secure outstanding wild places
• Opportunities for further training and the option for remote work within limits
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

The contract will be for 2-years initially with a long-term perspective.