The Advisor, Carbon Finance will primarily support the objectives of Conservation International (CI) field programs and the CI Climate Business Plan focused on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Ecosystem Degradation (REDD). In particular, governments are quickly pursuing developing REDD Readiness Plans to access preparatory grants funds, voluntary carbon market funds, and pre-compliance REDD carbon incentives. This position will work with CI field programs and governments to include REDD financial/economic aspects into national development plans/strategies, design and articulate public policies towards addressing main economic drivers of deforestation, consult on mechanisms and processes to favor policy, economic and financing reviews, REDD Cost Modeling and REDD Pricing Requirements, REDD Incentive Structure and Benefits Sharing, Financial Management Structures (including trust funds), Carbon Ownership and Land Tenure Clarification, National Regulation and Environmental Rules, and Carbon Marketing and Financing Plans.   Along with the Managing Director, the Advisor will prepare presentations and materials for conferences, publishing papers, and represent CI in various conservation financing meetings.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Collaborate with CI field programs and governments to develop and implement REDD Readiness plans and large-scale carbon initiatives. Coordinate carbon financing with other financing streams to ensure financial sustainability through payments for ecosystem services (PES), links with traditional grant funds, and other sources.
• Work with the Managing Director of the Conservation and Community Carbon Fund and CI's Center for Conservation and Governnment to analyze the financial ramifications of international and national policies, methodologies, and implementation designs, and develop alternatives to maximize REDD incentives to the governments, project stakeholders and communities.
• Coordinate the carbon finance issues with other Conservation Funding Division activities to meet the needs of both protected areas and REDD programs. This includes the development of transparent financing structures and a positive investment climate for REDD investors and the integration of national-level efforts into the fund through auction services and bidding mechanisms for REDD carbon credits.

 Working Conditions:   40-60% international travel is required to support REDD field program engagement.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required Skills:

• A master's degree or equivalent in finance, economics and international policy  with 5 years related experience conservation finance, carbon markets and/or commodities markets or equivalent combination
• Experience developing financial modeling and market research of policy alternatives
• Understanding of carbon projects, alternative governance and financial structures, and investor requirements
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a dynamic, multi-cultural, and interdivisional team comprised of a variety of professionals from different disciplines
• Ability to multi-task, learn new material, and manage time effectively in a dynamic and fast-paced environment

Preferred Skills:

• Experience working to create and assess carbon opportunities in developing countries
• Working knowledge of second language, preferrally Spanish, French or Portuguese
• Experience working with senior government officials and their agencies in developing countries

APPLICANTS SHOULD SEND: Cover letter and resume