Climate Finance Lead

Period of Assignment: One Year with the possibility of Extension

The Lead, Climate Finance plays a pivotal role in shaping and scoping FSDE’s Just & Sustainable Finance agenda, aligned to FSD Ethiopia’s mission to develop accessible, inclusive, and sustainable financial markets that support Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy.

Operating as a senior role, this position is responsible for developing an outcomes-focused Just & Sustainable Finance strategy and priority programme pipeline for FSDE, with a particular emphasis on private finance mobilisation, market-based instruments, and capital market solutions. The role will lay the strategic, programmatic, and partnership foundations required to test, design, and position a credible Just & Sustainable Finance pillar within FSDE’s wider strategy across Capital Markets Development and Financial Inclusion.

The role provides strategic direction, market insight, and technical leadership to integrate just and sustainable finance considerations -including climate finance, green finance, carbon markets, and ESG-aligned investment approaches – across FSDE’s programmes, ensuring alignment with national policy priorities, international best practice, and emerging market opportunities. Working closely with internal teams, FSD Africa, and external partners, the Lead will support project scoping, partnership development, and resource mobilisation efforts, enabling FSDE to assess the feasibility of scaling this agenda into a fully-fledged programme of work over time.

• Provide expert guidance on just and sustainable finance (including climate and green finance) to internal teams, ensuring alignment with global best practices and national policy priorities.
• Clarify and articulate FSDE’s emerging positioning in just and sustainable finance, focusing on private finance, capital markets, and market-based solutions.
• Collaborate with thematic leads to scope and design cross-cutting initiatives that integrate just and sustainable finance considerations across Capital Markets Development and Financial Inclusion.
• Support thought leadership, market positioning, and partnership development through selective representation in relevant forums, coordinating with FSD Africa where appropriate.
• Lead targeted knowledge-sharing to build internal understanding of market-based just and sustainable finance approaches, leveraging FSDA-linked expertise and regional learning.
• Develop and articulate a strategic plan for climate finance interventions that support economic resilience and environmental sustainability, aligned with FSDE’s wider strategy and role as a market facilitator.
• Identify and structure financing models that mobilize public and private sector investment in green growth initiatives, including market-based and blended finance approaches.
• Integrate gender-responsive and climate-resilient approaches into program strategies, ensuring coherence with FSDE’s existing programs.
• Establish and apply appropriate impact measurement frameworks to track effectiveness and early signals of systemic change, proportionate to the scoping stage of initiatives.
• Work closely with internal and external stakeholders to ensure programmatic coherence, feasibility, and strategic alignment, including coordination with FSD Africa supported initiatives such as CAPE.
• Engage with government bodies and regulators to support policy development including policies related to carbon markets and green bonds.
• Develop strategic partnerships with development finance institutions (DFIs), investors, and philanthropic organizations with pathways for joint work with FSDA where mandates align.
• Advocate for private sector participation in climate finance through risk mitigation mechanisms and financial incentives.
• Organize and participate in industry dialogues, working groups, and knowledge-sharing platforms with coordinated engagement alongside FSDA where appropriate .
• Strengthen networks that promote sustainable and inclusive finance solutions and ecosystem resilience.
• Select and onboard high-quality implementing partners to support effective delivery of climate finance initiatives.
• Provide targeted technical assistance and advisory support to partners, focusing on governance, risk management, and delivery capability.
• Design and facilitate capacity-building activities for financial institutions and policy actors in sustainable and climate finance.
• Monitor and evaluate partner performance, ensuring alignment with impact goals and market transformation and measurable gender outcomes.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer and cross-sector collaboration to strengthen effectiveness and sustainability of partner-led initiatives.
• Develop funding proposals and mobilization plans to secure resources from multilateral agencies, donors, and private sector investors.
• Support and oversee financial due diligence processes, ensuring effective allocation and use of funds in line with agreed objectives.
• Identify and structure innovative financial instruments that facilitate climate-focused investments with particular focus on blended finance, green bonds, gender bonds, and carbon market mechanisms aligned with FSDA priorities.
• Manage reporting and compliance requirements in line with financial governance frameworks and donor agreements.
• Strengthen internal capacity in financial planning and risk management related to climate and green finance initiatives.
• Supervise and coordinate consultants, ensuring high-quality outputs and alignment with FSD Ethiopia’s objectives.
• Manage project timelines, resources, and deliverables to achieve strategic goals efficiently.
• Foster collaboration across teams to integrate climate finance considerations into broader programmatic efforts.
• Support the professional development of project team members through mentoring and capacity-building initiatives.
• Promote a results-driven approach, ensuring continuous learning and adaptation in project implementation.

Qualifications & Experience:

• A Master’s degree in Finance, Economics, Environmental Studies, Climate Policy, Sustainable Development, or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in climate finance, green growth, sustainable investment, or a related field.
• Proven track record of designing and supporting the implementation of climate finance initiatives, green investment strategies, or carbon markets.
• Extensive experience in mobilizing finance from public and private sector sources, including development finance institutions, donors, and impact investors.
• Demonstrated experience in policy engagement, working with government agencies, regulators, and financial institutions on climate finance and sustainability policies.
• Proven experience in mainstreaming gender and social inclusion across climate finance and sustainable development initiatives.

Job Related Skills and Knowledge:

• Deep understanding of climate finance instruments, including blended finance, green bonds, carbon markets, and ESG investments.
• Strong knowledge of Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Green Economy (CRGE) strategy, international climate finance mechanisms, and emerging global trends.
• Expertise in financial structuring for climate and green investments, including risk mitigation strategies and fund design, ensuring equitable participation and benefits for women and youth
• Proven ability to build and maintain high-impact partnerships with donors, policymakers, private sector actors, and financial institutions.
• Strong project management and resource mobilization skills, with experience in developing and implementing large-scale initiatives.