Sustainability Analyst

Climate Bonds Initiative

Job Title:

Sustainability Analyst (ESG/ Deacarbonisation/ transition to net zero)

Reporting to:

Climate Transitions Manager

Location:

Working remotely until further notice (within 3 hours of central European Timezone)

Closing Date:

8 February 2021

Starting Date

Immediate

Hours:

Flexible working 40 hours a week

Salary:

NGO Competitive

About the Climate Bonds Initiative

Climate Bonds Initiative is an investor-focused NGO working to mobilise the $100 trillion global bond market for climate change solutions. We promote investment in projects and assets necessary for a rapid transition to a low carbon and climate resilient economy.

Our main work streams are green bond standards and certification, data and market analysis, policy and market development, communications and advocacy.

Climate Bonds is a fast growing, dynamic NGO driven by a big mission. You will be working within an organisation that is leading the development of innovative international climate finance solutions.

The Role

The Climate Bonds Standards team deliver the technical content of the Standards and Certification scheme. This scheme certifies bonds that meet defined criteria and provides assurance to investors on the low carbon nature and integrity of their fixed income investments. (further detail at climatebonds.net/certification)

We are looking to build upon our success in green bonds and expand the scheme for activities and entities that need to transition to align with Paris goals for net zero by 2050. We have an exciting transition program scoped out and are looking for an exceptional candidate to join the team to set the standards for what a good transition looks like.

The role will be responsible for developing new criteria and will coordinate technical experts and undertake research for the development of screening criteria for complex sectors that will be critical to achieving the goals of the Paris agreement. This is a fantastic opportunity to effect real change and facilitate the financial flows that are essential to enabling all sectors of the economy to transition. It will involve working collaboratively, securing deep insight and determining the key thresholds or criteria that each sector need to meet. The position will report to the Climate Transitions Manager.

The ideal candidate will have experience working in environmental aspects of finance. Candidates who can demonstrate excellent research and communications skills would be suitable, particularly those who are well grounded in the net-zero transition debate. This means someone who is understands the issues, and is looking to further develop their own skills in identifying key drivers and technological challenges of net zero emissions industries. The work will focus on the high emitting, hard-to-abate sectors as well as the emerging technologies that will facilitate change (such as hydrogen and CCUS). Some familiarity with net zero scenarios, transition pathways and the interactions with governmental support structures would be helpful.

We are looking for someone who is in the early stages of their career who can demonstrate clear thinking, with proven expertise in collaboration. The ideal candidate will be tactful, diplomatic and able to secure contributions from key actors and experts in this space. They will work generously with others, and be able to demonstrate some experience in influencing others.

The role would suit someone with a few years experience perhaps having worked as a research analyst or consultant working on decarbonisation and industrial transition. Being passionate in the fight against climate change is a key prerequisite, as well as the ability to express this commitment effectively to all partners and stakeholders.

Key responsibilities:

Developing thought leadership for each sector tackled. This includes undertaking high level research online and key stakeholder interviews to:

o Identify organisations and work already done in this area that could be leveraged

o Identify the key climate and other green and social challenges and solutions facing that sector

o Identify a pathway to net zero with an accompanying justification for the profile

o Identify a suitable lead technical consultant or academic who could develop the criteria and supporting individuals who could form a technical working group

In conjunction with the Technical Lead and managerial support, manage the criteria development process to ensure that the development of criteria reflect scientific consensus on definitions, and market needs, and are driven and supported.
Supporting the roll out of a market education program that builds understanding and use of the taxonomy and criteria. This includes internal and external webinars and discussion pieces.
Within CBI, be the focal point of expertise for given sectors (e.g. cement or steel)

Qualifications and Experience:

Essential:

Good first degree in a related subject (environment, climate change etc)

3-5 years experience in a collaborative role with experience in the carbon finance/ environmental/ climate change/ decarbonisation space.

An interest in climate change solutions and the role finance plays
Organised with proven coordination experience and the ability to manage and prioritise work activities
Enthusiastic, motivated, outgoing
Excellent English writing and oral skills
Exemplary people management skills
EU timezone based

Desirable: