Bankable Project Officer at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

JOB SUMMARY:

The Bankable Project Officer will be responsible for the implementation of the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) project. Specifically, the role will be responsible for the identification of bankable nature positive businesses in areas such as climate-smart agriculture, sustainable water management, food security and ecosystem restoration solutions and propose them for consideration for funding under the DFCD project. Through this process, the Bankable Officer will promote private sector investment in green businesses.

By identifying the right type of businesses and linking them to funding opportunities, the role of the Bankable Officer will create a direct positive impact on nature conservation. Beyond DFCD project, the role will also support the landscapes in linking the nature positive businesses to other funding opportunities locally and regionally, for example, in partnership with financial institutions and the Sustainable Investment and Business Development team at WWF-Kenya

The role will report to Biodiversity, Science and Innovation Manager and will closely coordinate with the DFCD team in WWF NL.

ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engaging the private sector in the development of bankable projects in the following sectors: water, environmental protection, forestry and agriculture
• Identifying Bankable Projects and undertake due diligence to ensure alignment with DFCD and WWF-Kenya strategic plan
• Undertaking Know Your Client (KYC) and support environmental and social safeguards assessments
• Engaging landscape Multi Stakeholder Platform to ensure buy-in and effective delivery of the project.
• Regularly monitoring the implementation progress and collect data on indicators and results.
• Ensuring the project is delivering results and contributing towards the objectives and strategies of DFCD
• Supporting WWF Kenya on project origination, engagement with investees, investors and other financial institutions
• Supporting capacity building within the organization on landscape finance and bankable projects
• Overall Project management, including coordination, planning, implementation and reporting.
• Supporting WWF-Kenya to link the small ticket projects that have strong nature positive impact with other financial facilities outside DFCD – including the local financial institutions through blended and other innovative financing models

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in the field of Economics, Finance or Business administration
• Master’s degree would be an added advantage
• Minimum 5 years of experience in business development, private sector finance and/or impact investment
• Strong financial and budgeting experience
• Preferably experience with public donors

REQUIRED SKILLS/ABILITIES:  

• Analytical, strategic
• Proven organizational, diplomatic and negotiation skills that yield positive results on the sustainability agenda, especially as it relates to the finance and business world
• Strong ability to lead the implementation of large-sized projects, including working with and coordinating funding partners, third parties and users
• Ability to work effectively as a team member with a wide range of individuals across cultures and time zones
• Independent worker, pro-active in thinking about opportunities to further improve the work
• Fluent in English
• Excellent communication skills, both written and oral
• Experience of working in emerging markets is an asset
• Strong interest in nature conservation and the mission of WWF
• Prior experience in engaging financial institutions and assessing private sector opportunities for impact ventures and investors
• Experience in Nature Based Solutions would be an added advantage