Associate / Senior Associate, Training and Engagement

Collage; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 48,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

Convergence UK is a not-for-profit headquartered in Toronto, operating globally and seeking a London-based Associate/Sr. Associate, Training & Engagement to deepen member relationships and build partnerships across Europe in development finance.

The role combines stakeholder engagement, capacity building, advisory support, and collaboration with a global team. You will work with governments, development banks, private investors, and philanthropic partners, helping to design and deliver

Qualifications

• 1–2 years for Associate, 3–4 years for Senior Associate in relevant field.
• Must have a UK work permit.
• Experience in development finance, financial services or consulting.
• Interest in increasing investment in LMICs to finance SDGs.

Responsibilities

• Manage institutional member relationships to deepen partnerships.
• Identify potential Europe-based investor members and engage at industry conferences.
• Support multi-stakeholder initiatives with European partners.
• Onboard investors and deal sponsors with follow-on support.
• Prepare marketing and briefing materials; write articles or blogs.
• Become expert on Convergence’s platform to assist stakeholders.
• Support virtual and in-person training programs and admin.
• Develop knowledge opportunities with internal/external stakeholders.

Skills

Project management

Communication

Networking

Relationship-building

Strategic thinking

Flexibility in hours

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in business, economics, finance, or related field

Job description

Associate / Senior Associate, Training and Engagement

Convergence UK Full Time United Kingdom Hybrid £47,500 - £66,500 GBP per year

Convergence is the global network for blended finance. Blended finance is the use of catalytic public or philanthropic capital to increase private sector investment in places that need it most. We are the source for everything blended finance, including deals, data, reports, trainings, webinars, and much more. At Convergence, we believe that blended finance can disrupt traditional development finance as we know it, by attracting private sector funds to developing countries in volumes never before seen.

Convergence is a not-for-profit headquartered in Toronto. We operate globally and have a presence in Singapore, Nairobi, London, and Washington, DC. Over the last decade we have built a robust network of over 200 public, private, and philanthropic investors as well as sponsors of blended finance transactions. To accelerate advances in the field, Convergence also provides grants through its Accelerator , which funds the design of new blended finance solutions.

We are small but mighty. Join us if you want to be part of a global and energetic team with a unique role at the intersection of development and finance. We are passionate about and united around the goal of directing money to where it’s needed most – into developing countries and towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). We have built a culture defined by our diversity, inclusivity, and ability to get things done. As part of our nimble and growing organization, you can be sure that you’ll have a voice and leave your mark. Finally, we take our team members’ growth and well-being seriously, so we offer opportunities for professional development and team building as well as flexible schedules and generous time off policies.

Convergence has built a robust network of relationships across Europe and seeks to further expand its European presence. The Associate/Sr. Associate will focus on maintaining existing relationships as well as generating membership and partnership leads with local and regional stakeholders. We are looking for someone with strong experience in client service, business development, and/or relationship/account management with good understanding of the world of finance, banking, and capital markets. The Associate/Sr. Associate is expected to be based in London and will work closely with all our staff globally.

POSITION DESCRIPTION

The Associate/Sr. Associate will be instrumental in engaging stakeholders of all kinds, including Europe-based (i) governments engaged in international development (e.g., OECD DAC members), (ii) development finance institutions and multilateral development banks, (iii) private sector investors including asset managers and asset owners, (iv) and philanthropies. Convergence’s latest strategic plan priorities engaging mainstream institutional investors, and supporting Convergence and the standardization of private investment mobilization models. You will help drive growth in the region by:

• Gaining a deep understanding of the Convergence value proposition to different segments and organizations and then concurrently using this information to bring new members into the network
• Developing and managing institutional relationships with existing members
• Supporting the development of new and existing partnerships and strategic initiatives
• Working with the broader Convergence team to execute on advisory mandates, as applicable
• Co-Leading, developing, and delivering capacity building programs on blended finance in Europe, and beyond
• Representing Convergence’s work as it relates to identifying, reviewing, and managing the region’s pipeline of blended finance projects, companies, and funds seeking to raise capital,
• Supporting Convergence’s new and emerging Accelerator initiatives

RESPONSIBILITIES

The following comprises the core responsibilities of the Associate/Sr. Associate, Training & Engagement; however, the scope will evolve over time to match the region’s evolving requirements.

• Manage institutional member relationships with a focus on deepening partnerships leading to strong member engagement and retention.
• Identify potential pipeline of new mainstream investor members based in Europe, and engage with them directly and at relevant industry conferences such as Building Bridges, AFSIC, GIIN, Phenix Summit, PEI Impact Summit, OECD blended finance meetings amongst others.
• Support and engage with multi-stakeholder initiatives led by European partners, such as Sustainable Markets Initiative, the Net Zero Asset Owners Alliance, Climate Investment Coalition, the Investment Mobilization Collaboration Arrangement, SCALED, etc.
• Onboard investors and deal sponsors, including follow-on support (operational and administrative) to ensure maximum use of the platform.
• Support member pipeline development through preparation of marketing and briefing materials, writing articles or blog posts, and working closely with the broader Convergence team. Communicate client needs to internal stakeholders.
• Become an expert on Convergence’s platform to be able to support internal and external stakeholders with technical inquiries and lead initiatives to improve members’ experience.
• Support and over time manage the execution of virtual and in-person training programs; this includes program structuring, content development & delivery, partner collaboration, and administration.
• Identify and develop knowledge and research opportunities in collaboration with the internal knowledge team and external stakeholders, in the European ecosystem.
• Maintain open, thorough, and regular communication with cross-functional teams.
• Support the broader team on new strategic initiatives and project management as applicable.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• The candidate should be able to demonstrate strong interest and experience working to increase investment in Low and Middle-Income Countries to finance SDG and climate investment – a passion for Convergence’s mission
• Masters (preferred) or bachelor’s degree in business, economics, finance, or a related field
• Minimum of 1-2 years’ relevant work experience for Associate position (3-4 years for Sr. Associate) in development finance, development, financial services or consulting, demonstrating ability to deliver results through both independent and collaborative work.
• Must have a work permit in the UK
• Creative and strategic thinker with intellectual curiosity who enjoys brainstorming new opportunities with co-workers and partners.
• Strong project management skills and team player with a track record of on-time delivery.
• Good interpersonal skills, including communication, networking, prospect identification, and relationship-building.
• Interest in and knowledge of private sector participation/development finance issues in emerging and frontier markets.
• The candidate should be open to flexible working hours to facilitate engagement across time zones.
• Preference for candidates who have work experience in blended finance and investment mobilization, and related fields.