Senior Associate - Carbon and Nature Markets

Green Finance Institute (GFI); England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading financial organization in the UK seeks a Senior Associate to drive investment in carbon and nature markets. With 4-5+ years of finance experience, the successful candidate will identify barriers to commercialization, engage stakeholders, and develop financial solutions that contribute to environmental sustainability. Strong analytical and relationship-building skills are essential in this dynamic role, which supports the net-zero transition across the UK and EU.

Qualifications

• 4-5+ years of experience in finance.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Knowledge of carbon markets, including nature-based carbon.

Responsibilities

• Assess risk factors and conduct sensitivity analysis.
• Work closely with banks and investors on financial structures.
• Monitor market trends and regulatory changes.

Skills

Financial analysis

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving skills

Interpersonal skills

Tools

Spreadsheet software

Job description

About the Green Finance Institute (GFI):

Founded in 2019 to accelerate the deployment of finance towards a net zero and resilient economy, the GFI is an independent, commercially focused and philanthropically-financed organisation, seed funded by the UK Government and the City of London Corporation.

The GFI has already established a leading and differentiated position based on a distinct strategy of identifying impactful interventions to unlock barriers to deploying capital at pace and scale towards sector specific, real-economy outcomes such as the energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of road transport, nature-based financial solutions, international carbon markets and developing markets’ climate smart infrastructure.

Through both creating and managing networks of dynamic decision makers across financial services, policy, business, academia and civil society, the GFI is renowned for its practical financial expertise, efficient project execution and generous collaboration, increasingly positioning the organisation as a partner of choice for both policy‑makers and market participants to connect political ambition and industry objectives with well‑designed solutions for the financial sector both in the UK and overseas.

What's the role?

This is an exciting role for an experienced financial practitioner looking to support and drive the net‑zero transition in the UK and EU, applying their financial skillset to mobilise investment into carbon and nature markets.

We are looking for a proactive and engaged individual with ~5 year’s experience of working in a financial institution or in a financial role, with knowledge of carbon markets. You will be well‑versed in both voluntary carbon and compliance markets, understand the nexus of policy and finance, and have been involved in at least one deal involving carbon – either engineered or nature‑based. You will have expertise in financial analysis, due diligence and deal execution in corporate finance, lending and/ or project finance.

Supporting the GFI’s Carbon Dioxide Removal and Nature teams, you will have a cross cutting role helping to identify potential transactions the GFI can support as we seek to scale capital for nature and carbon storage outcomes, as part of the strategic advancement of these nascent markets.

Specifically you will identify the barriers to commercialisation of carbon removal and nature projects, and develop solutions to de‑risk first‑of‑a‑kind investments. These activities will be a vital part of a wider effort to unlock commercially scalable industries in the UK and EU with a positive outcome for the natural environment.

As a Senior Associate, you will be a key member of a growing team, working across the GFI’s sectoral missions and engaging with a diverse range of domestic and global stakeholders. Your responsibilities will be broad, encompassing the management and delivery of project objectives while providing specialist support in scaling carbon and nature markets. This role provides an opportunity to develop deep expertise in green finance and contribute to shaping policies that support the adoption of new financial products and services.

You will also contribute towards external working groups, steering committees, and taskforces, helping to drive key initiatives in the net‑zero/nature positive agenda. As your experience grows, you will have the opportunity to represent the Institute at industry events and collaborate with major financial institutions to design innovative financial solutions.

We'll trust you to:

• Assess risk factors, conduct sensitivity analysis, and provide insights to optimise financial structures.
• Work closely with banks, investors, and industry to test and refine financial structures.
• Work with project developers and emerging technology businesses to understand their key financial barriers to scaling.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and financing opportunities relevant to the sector.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Support the strategic direction of projects and be responsible for elements of their day‑to‑day running, under the direction of the senior team.
• Build your expertise in green finance topics and areas of focus and contribute to supportive policy formation to accelerate the adoption of new products and services.
• Represent the Institute at relevant industry events.

You need to have:

• 4‑5+ years of experience in finance, understanding cash flows and identifying solutions to help overcome potential issues affiliated with nascent markets.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and communication skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills with senior‑level officials, partners and influencers across private and public sectors.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a proven capacity to translate information and big ideas into actionable plans.
• A strong independent work ethic in addition to an ability to work as part of an agile and fast‑moving team.
• A genuine interest in environmental sustainability.
• High attention to detail and demonstrable research and analytical skills.
• Strong organisation skills and ability to handle multiple projects.

We’d love to see:

• Working knowledge of carbon markets, including nature‑based carbon.
• Experience in structuring and executing debt and equity transactions.
• Solid understanding of credit analysis, risk assessment, and capital markets.

If this sounds like you:

Please apply by submitting your CV and a short cover letter (of no more than two sides). Your cover letter should include details of:

• your relevant work / educational experience.
• your skills and in particular your experience in modelling and analysis.
• how you meet the broader requirements of the role.

CVs without a cover letter will not be considered.

The closing date for applications is 9am (GMT) on Monday 8th December 2025. Please apply via our website here: https://gfisolutionsltd.peoplehr.net/Pages/JobBoard/Opening.aspx?v=c0ec6644-e1f1-4d68-9ecb-16c78e48fa0d

Please note:

• If you do not already hold the right to work in the UK and/or require sponsorship in order to continue working here, you should think carefully before applying.
• The Green Finance Institute is an equal opportunity employer and we value diversity. If you are invited to interview and need any reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.