Reference number: 100106
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Global Position
Duty station: Bonn, Germany
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
· Designing and steering the sustainable investment research and delivery agenda in line with our renewed strategy.
· Providing strategic leadership and coordination for CIFOR-ICRAF’s work on sustainable climate and nature finance, bridging science, finance and policy to support investments into resilient landscapes.
· Aligning and integrating finance-focused work across CIFOR-ICRAF, GLF and Resilient Landscapes.
· Developing and fostering a community of practice focused on innovative climate and nature finance solutions across CIFOR- ICRAF regions and projects, ensuring quality, efficiency and effectiveness across the CIFOR-ICRAF portfolio.
· Working closely with the CIFOR-ICRAF Quality for Impact unit to establish KPIs to track financial performance and environmental impact of blended finance programmes.
· Contributing to the organization’s system thinking and delivery by conducting emergent analysis over a two-year period, identifying key trends and strategic insights to enhance overall performance.
Blended finance programme design and implementation
· Developing financial structures that combine public, private and philanthropic funding to de-risk investments in sustainable agriculture and forestry.
· Designing first-loss capital mechanisms, guarantees, concessional finance and risk-sharing models to attract investors.
· Working with donors, development banks and impact investors to structure sustainable finance mechanisms that align with climate, biodiversity and rural development goals.
· Conducting financial feasibility assessments to ensure the viability of investment projects.
· Working closely with CIFOR-ICRAF teams to design and advise on performance-based payment options and instruments such as payments for ecosystem services and ecological compensation.
Stakeholder engagement and capacity building
· Leveraging the GLF Investment Case partnerships and networks to cultivate relationships with financial institutions, development banks, impact investors, philanthropic actors and government agencies.
· Building the capacity within CIFOR-ICRAF science teams to translate science and landscape knowledge into actionable investment insights.
· In collaboration with the CIFOR-ICRAF Capacity Development and Education Hub and the GLF Investment Case, identifying community-of-practice activities, sustainable finance blended learning tools and learning exchanges.
· Overseeing the development of knowledge products (e.g., investment guides, financial models, policy briefs) to build awareness across the financial sector (including MFIs, commercial banks, national development bank(s), etc.) about nature-related financial risks and opportunities in conservation of primary forests and the restoration of semi-natural forests at the landscape level.
· Representing CIFOR-ICRAF in global events, especially the GLF Investment Case and UNFCCC COPs.
Regional innovation and business development
· Under the leadership of the Director of Europe, identifying, supporting and pursuing innovation and new business opportunities.
· Together with CIFOR-ICRAF country teams, developing opportunities for technical advisory roles, including feasibility assessments, due diligence, environmental and social safeguard reviews, concept pilots and business model development.
· Supporting the design and implementation of innovative regional projects aligned with the thematic area.
· Collaborating with the Director of Europe, theme leaders, the Resource Mobilization Team, and regional and country leads to identify and pursue new business opportunities.
· Aligning thematic contributions to regional strategic goals and client priorities.
· Participating in proposal development and donor and client engagement efforts in Europe, with specific emphasis on agencies based in Brussels, Luxembourg and Germany.
· In collaboration with the Communications, Outreach and Engagement Team and other research theme leaders and scientists, ensuring that information about CIFOR-ICRAF and the outcomes of its work are effectively conveyed to partners and target audiences.
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