The Sustainable Finance Observatory is an international independent think tank specialized in unlocking private finance for a sustainable transition.
Since 2025, our organization is the result of the merger between the international think tank 2° Investing Initiative – 2DII, (a pioneering organization in supporting private financiers on climate alignment and impact investing since 2012) and the “Observatoire de la finance durable” (set up by the French Minister of Economy and Finance in 2019 to monitor the ESG commitments of the Paris Financial Center.
Our activities aim to remove barriers to private financing around three fundamental pillars: Transparency, Impact and Bankable Sustainable Solutions (financial engineering).
Our work relies on robust financial expertise supported by former experienced bankers, sustainable finance analysts and lawyers in our team and by a Scientific and Expert Committee composed of some fifty senior academics and practitioners.
The President of our board is Mr François Gemenne, lead co-author of the 6th IPCC report.
Position summary
We are seeking a Project Director to design and deliver technical support in financial engineering for a global program aimed at supporting private finance for climate mitigation and adaptation and nature restoration. This programme will primarily target projects led by subnational governments (cities, states, regions) as well as other project owners from various regions in the Global South and the Global North. The role will build institutional capacity and enhance the bankability of the investment pipeline through financial engineering advisory. The Project Director will work closely with the Head of the Bankable Sustainable Solutions Division.
You will develop and deliver financial model templates and project-preparation tools as well as related capacity building activities. These will support early-stage pipeline pre-screening by clarifying input requirements and identifying the most appropriate approach/model (e.g., impact monetisation, quantification and certification of co-benefits, risk–return profile, avoided costs, policy incentives…). You will engage with a wide range of public and private stakeholders and help strengthen and expand the Sustainable Finance Observatory’s international network.
The Project Director will support the Head of Division in identifying, structuring, and monitoring operations. They will conduct research, produce analyses, and help manage projects by delivering detailed financial, risk, market, and impact assessments, as well as financing and bankability models.
Main responsibilities:
- Co-lead research activities and develop templates based on literature reviews, reports, studies, and shared market practice, contributing to sustainable finance deliverables— including innovative financing mechanisms to enhance bankability
- Support engagement with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g., banks, insurers, funds, MDBs, governments- national, regions, states, cities, NGOs, civil society, businesses, and think tanks) and help organise meetings, workshops, and other events
- Build a community of public and private investors to facilitate matchmaking and support the formalisation of contracts
- Contribute to fundraising and proposal development
- Provide strategic oversight to the team by drafting concept notes, liaising with and coordinating partners, and preparing project, sector, and meeting presentations
- Lead and coordination of a team of junior staff involved in support activities
- Prepare delivery elements and speak to high-level audience, deliver public presentations as appropriate
Other activities may include providing flexible, hands-on support across a range of cross-functional topics and contributing to the Sustainable Finance Observatory’s development and activities
Essential skills and qualifications:
This position requires:
- At least a Master’s degree or equivalent professional qualification in Business, Finance, Economics, or other relevant field
- 8-12 years of work experience for a major commercial or investment bank with significant emerging markets presence, an international financial institution or a private equity firm
- Senior role in banking, investment, project finance or DFIs with track record of closing or approving transactions
- Prior line management or team leadership
- Solid background in analysing the welfare and the financial soundness of borrowers and investors or leading preliminary negotiations about the main terms of the financing agreements. Experience in preparing project identification sheets to evaluate and execute projects/transactions
- Excellent written and verbal skills in both French and English.
- Strong interpersonal skills, ability to interact with a wide range of stakeholder including public administrations and policy makers. Participation in conferences, including as a speaker as appropriate
- Strong organisational skills and ability to multi-task
- Significant interest in both environmental and social issues
Desired skills:
- Structuring and closing quality and complex investments (investment structuring related to the blended finance funded investment in projects, including modelling of respective risks and subsidies, assess the products/structure that meets the project needs and has an adequate risk/return for the contributor, financial engineering for derisking projects. Develop innovative and appropriate financial structures for complex transactions. Portfolio management of complex investment transactions).
- Provide credible transformational insights to the senior management team and ensure their successful implementation
- Proven analytical, financial analysis, equity valuation, and financial modelling skills to analyse and form conclusions on company financial information or projects
- Strong client relationship and skills to build networks and business relationships
- Ability to work and communicate effectively with colleagues as part of a team
- Willingness to apply even if you do not tick all the boxes!
We offer you:
- A dynamic and international team of researchers, analysts and sustainable finance specialists passionate about the climate and nature transition. Unique think tank dedicated to address all the value chain in sustainable finance
- A mission that integrates legal, finance, economics and impact for climate/nature
- A place to be empowered and propose initiatives
- Opportunities for growth and collaboration with colleagues from diverse backgrounds
- Meal vouchers worth 12€ per day, with 54% covered by the employer
- Full cover of the public transport fees or a Mobility Package
- Possibility to partially work from home to be decided with the manager.
Interested in using your skills and knowledge in finance to tackle climate change and loss of biodiversity? Contact us!
Start date: S1 2026
Please send your application quoting SFO-SFBS-012026: resume without picture and one-page cover letter in English indicating your earliest possible start date and salary expectations to: jobs@sf-observatory.org.
The Sustainable Finance Observatory is committed to a policy of equal employment opportunities and will continually ensure equal opportunity to our employees and to our applicants in the conduct of all business activities.
Please note we are only able to accept candidates who are eligible to work in the EU.
