Program Officer, Nature Finance

Program Officer, Nature Finance

Major Function

The Program Officer, Nature Finance leads the conception, creation, and implementation of Bezos Earth Fund initiatives on financing for nature. They work under the supervision of the Managing Director and Leader for Nature Solutions and the Director of Sustainable Finance, Industry and Diplomacy. The Earth Fund is developing initiatives to (1) increase the flow of climate- and nature-positive finance (both public and private) and (2) to drive these investments into existing conservation, restoration, and food systems initiatives aligned with the Bezos Earth Fund's programs in these areas. We seek a self-starting senior professional with expertise in sustainable finance – ideally both public and private – and experience in conceiving, building, and managing multi-stakeholder initiatives at large scale.

Key Responsibilities

• A graduate degree or equivalent experience in finance or a related discipline is required. Position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in sustainable finance and investment, research, and/or multistakeholder partnerships and program development.
• Familiarity with programmatic work on conservation, restoration, and/or sustainable food systems preferred.
• Fluency in a second language (French, Spanish) preferred.

Specifically, the Program Officer, Nature Finance will:

• Identify options and potential partners to scale up Nature Finance for conservation, restoration and food systems.
• Work with members of the nature and finance teams to develop new initiatives, e.g. blended finance mechanisms for restoration.
• Lead the Earth Fund's engagement with stakeholder groups, grantees, and partner organizations to advance its initiatives in Nature Finance, including representing the Earth Fund at high-level meetings and organizing convenings as appropriate.
• Provide ongoing collaboration, technical expertise, and advisement.
• Manage selected relationships with partners/grantees.
• Collaborate with partners and grantees on project design and proposals.
• Ensure that equity remains a priority in program design and delivery.
• Assist with data capture, analysis and reporting for grants awarded in specified region(s) to support learning, assessment, thought leadership and storytelling activities.
• Participate in learning and evaluation activities to guide the evolution of programmatic work.
• May supervise the work of consultants, interns, and others as appropriate.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Education and experience:

• A graduate degree or equivalent experience in finance or a related discipline is required. Position requires a minimum of 10 years of experience in sustainable finance and investment, research, and/or multistakeholder partnerships and program development.
• Familiarity with programmatic work on conservation, restoration, and/or sustainable food systems preferred.
• Fluency in a second language (French, Spanish) preferred.

Skills and Abilities

• A deep commitment to the mission and values of the Earth Fund
• Strong knowledge of technical, economic, and political dimensions of sustainable finance challenges and solutions
• A track record of evaluating projects, conducting due diligence, and participating in investment decisions within public and private financial institutions (preference for both). Familiarity with financial modelling and quantitative analysis is desirable, although direct investment experience is not a requirement
• Working knowledge of the core issues relating to nature conservation, restoration and food systems, in particular as these domains relate to nature-based climate solutions (e.g. carbon markets, mitigation and adaptation, etc.)
• Familiarity with current financial institutions approaches to nature (biodiversity, conservation, restoration, etc.) and their limitations, and/or familiarity with food systems finance (e.g. commodity markets, supply chains, agriculture and land use-related financing tools)
• Strong written and oral communication skills, both analytical and persuasive
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Strong organizational skills and project management skills, with demonstrated ability to work effectively in and across teams
• Ability to operate with independence, under pressure, to meet deadlines and commitments from multiple and competing priorities
• Ability to work easily with and communicate effectively with people from a variety of backgrounds, cultures, and stakeholder groups
• A naturally collaborative mindset that readily engages others, encourages others to share the spotlight, and celebrates and supports the success of colleagues, partners, and grantees.
• Fluency in English

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions

• This position is based in Washington, D.C
• Requires some domestic and/or international travel.
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• May require extended hours for urgent issues or to meet established deadlines.

To Apply

This position offers a competitive salary and includes a benefits package. The Bezos Earth Fund is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination. The Earth Fund recognizes diversity as an asset essential to accomplishing its work. We actively welcome all qualified applicants from a wide range of backgrounds and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, genetic information, sexual orientation, religion, marital status, national origin, ethnicity, disability, military/veteran status, compensation history or any other basis prohibited by law. Qualified applicants are encouraged to submit a resume and cover letter as soon as possible.