Finance Project Officer - Green Finance & Net-Zero

Climate17 is delighted to be partnering with The Greater South East Net Zero Hub (GSENZH); a high-profile and high-impact government-backed group, designed to develop and support the delivery of projects to accelerate the UK’s transition to Net Zero.

Set up by the UK government in 2018 and funded by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), there are five Local Net Zero Hubs across England. All Hubs work together to help the UK reach Net Zero.

To date, the Net Zero Hubs have supported 200+ major Net Zero projects valued at over £4Bn including large-scale solar, Heat Networks, Smart Grids, domestic retrofit, hydrogen development, public estate-wide energy opportunity assessments, fleet and depot decarbonisation, network constraint, building decarbonisation & research & development.

The opportunity

GSENZH is assembling a team to launch and manage a net-zero pilot programme across Manchester, West Midlands & York & North East Yorkshire Combined Authorities.

As part of that team, we are seeking a Finance Project Officer - Green Finance & Net-Zero to sit within the Local Net-Zero Accelerator (LNZA) Programme, which aims to develop place-based investment opportunities for projects across multiple Net Zero sectors, and to test the scalability of this approach with the investment community.

This is an exciting opportunity for professional growth in the field of green finance and sustainable investment. The post holder will have an excellent understanding of and experience in project investment and produce written work to a high standard, ensuring alignment with programme goals and requirements of the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Whilst GSENZH is responsible for oversight and management of the pilot scheme as an independent Hub, this role will work closely with the South West Net Zero Hub (SWNZH) who are commissioned to manage the delivery of the Green Finance Support Service (procured via the GSENZH).

The role will report into the LNZA Programme Lead but work closely with the SWNZH Investment Manager. As Green Finance Project Officer, you will provide advice and support, and undertake research and intelligence gathering to help inform and shape future support to public sector organisations.

Responsibilities will include:

• Evaluation of financial assessments and risk analysis of potential investments.
• Support evaluation of green finance investment strategies for the place-based initiatives.
• Collaborate with project teams to identify and prioritise investment opportunities.
• Gather intelligence that captures the processes and decisions made on a daily basis.
• Prepare reports and documentation on net zero projects, detailing financial structures (options analysis) and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the management of the Hub-procured green finance support service.
• Assist with the development of resources produced by the Green Finance Support Service, such as templates, legal contracts, financial structures.
• Engage with public sector stakeholders, central government, financial institutions and strategic delivery partners to foster collaboration.
• Assist in building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders in the green finance sector.
• Assist in due diligence and commercial appraisal of potential net zero investments.
• Support presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Support with performance and progress reporting to the LNZA Programme Lead, DESNZ Programme Board and DESNZ Green Finance Project Board

Qualifications, knowledge & experience required

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in Finance, Environmental Economics, Sustainable Business, or a related field.
• At least 2 years’ experience in the finance sector, with strong analytical and financial modelling skills.
• Knowledge of green finance principles and sustainability metrics,
• Experience in conducting research and producing high-quality written reports/ proposals/ briefings for different audiences.
• Confident in presenting complex ideas in a comprehensive but accessible format.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, able to form effective relationships with a wide range of stakeholders across public and private sectors and senior management.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team as well as independently.
• Hold or be willing to work towards a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) qualification (desirable)
• Familiarity with public sector financing (desirable)
• Familiarity with Net Zero national and regional policy (desirable)
• Project Management qualification e.g. Prince 2, APM PMQ (desirable)

About Us

Climate17 is a purpose-led, international Renewable Energy & Sustainability recruitment firm. We provide specialist talent acquisition services to organisations seeking to reduce their environmental footprint, as well as those working towards the decarbonisation of the energy sector.

Inclusive Application Process

Climate17 is committed to creating a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. We believe there is no solution to climate change without people. We aim to increase diversity across all areas and as such, we are committed to partnering with clients and candidates to create an inclusive and sustainable regenerative world.

We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, regardless of their ethnicity, race, gender, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, age, or whether or not they have a disability. If you require additional support, equipment or resources in order to participate in the job application or interview process, please let us know.