Sustainable Finance Program Officer

Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR); United States; On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

CIFOR and ICRAF are seeking a junior consultant to support Rio Changemakers and the Sustainable Finance program. The role focuses on communications content, event coordination, and stakeholder engagement to advance nature-positive finance initiatives.

You will draft materials, coordinate events, and maintain records while collaborating with cross-functional teams and partners across the GLF network. Fluency in English and strong organizational skills are required.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, sustainable finance, international development, environmental studies, event management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two to three years of relevant experience in communications, event coordination, programme support or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with Canva, WordPress and AI applications, plus ability to learn new tools quickly.

Responsibilities

• Draft, edit and proofread invitations, short web content, newsletters and social media for Rio Changemakers and related activities.
• Coordinate planning for the Investment Case Symposium and Rio Changemakers roundtables and webinars.
• Prepare agendas, invitations, registrations and speaker briefings for events.

Skills

Excellent English

Content creation

Event coordination

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Canva

WordPress

AI tools

Job description

About Us

Landscape Alliance transforms science intoaction, unlocking the power of trees, forests and agroforestrylandscapes to advance planetary health and human well-being. It is theshared operating name of the Center for International Forestry Research(CIFOR) and the International Centre for Research in Agroforestry(ICRAF), two independent International Organizations and CGIAR ResearchCenters working together through a common strategy, governance andleadership structure.

CIFOR and ICRAF bring together decades ofscientific leadership in forests, trees, agroforestry, biodiversity,climate, food systems and livelihoods. CIFOR, headquartered in Bogor,Indonesia, advances research on forests and landscape management toinform policies and practices that improve human well-being, protect theenvironment and increase equity. ICRAF, headquartered in Nairobi,Kenya, harnesses the benefits of trees for people and the environment,generating knowledge that helps governments, development partners andfarmers make farming and livelihoods more sustainable.

CIFOR & ICRAF in action

Overview

OverviewThe Global Landscapes Forum (GLF), launched in 2013 by CIFOR-ICRAF with core partners including UNEP and the World Bank, is the world’s largest knowledge-led platform on sustainable landscapes. It brings together organizations, governments and communities to advance sustainable land use.Under its sustainable finance pillar, GLF works to strengthen the investment case for nature-positive landscapes and to bridge the gap between locally led initiatives and climate, biodiversity and land finance.A central component of this work is Rio Changemakers, an AI-enabled, science-guided platform designed to connect investors and funds with locally led climate and nature projects. Its development includes engagement with project developers, financial actors, advisers and other partners, alongside events and communications to build an informed community around the initiative. The initiative brings together responsible AI, science and sustainable finance, offering an opportunity to help shape an innovative approach to connecting locally led projects with finance.The GLF Sustainable Finance team also convenes the Investment Case Symposium, roundtables and advisory groups to discuss practical ways to bring finance closer to locally led solutions.GLF seeks a junior consultant to provide day-to-day program, communications and event support to the Sustainable Finance Program Manager and the Strategic Partnerships and Communications Officer for Sustainable Finance. Objectives of the AssignmentSupport the delivery of Rio Changemakers and related GLF sustainable finance activities by preparing clear communications materials, coordinating event logistics and stakeholder engagements, and maintaining accurate records and follow-up across the program.

Job Description

This is a remote position.

• Communications Content and Production

Draft, edit and proofread invitations, short web, newsletter, social media, email and presentation content for Rio Changemakers and related sustainable finance activities. Gather inputs from colleagues and partners, adapt material for different audiences, and create simple, visually appealing materials in Canva in coordination with the Strategic Partnerships and Communications Officer for Sustainable Finance and the GLF Communications team.

• Event and Meeting Coordination

Support the planning and delivery of the Investment Case Symposium, coordinate preparations for Rio Changemakers roundtables, webinars, advisory group meetings and other convenings. Maintain schedules and checklists; help prepare agendas, invitations, registration materials, speaker briefings and presentations; coordinate speaker responses and practical arrangements; and follow up after events.

• Stakeholder Outreach and Follow-up

Prepare and track invitations and follow-up correspondence with speakers, partners, project developers, funds and other stakeholders, working from agreed contact lists and messages. Maintain a clear record of responses, commitments and next steps, and flag items requiring a decision or senior follow-up.

• Program Organization and Documentation

Organize shared files, calendars, workplans and contact records for the Sustainable Finance team. Keep track of project updates, deliverables, deadlines and decisions across the team’s activities. Take accurate meeting notes, circulate concise action points and help assemble updates for internal meetings, partners and donors.

• Campaign and Digital Support

Help coordinate outreach calendars and campaign assets for Rio Changemakers launches, calls, events and other milestones. Support basic website updates, registration forms, mailing lists and content uploads in coordination with the relevant GLF teams and established approval processes.

• Cross-team and Partner Coordination

Liaise with colleagues, service providers and external participants to collect information, monitor progress and keep communications and event tasks moving. Provide practical support across the Sustainable Finance team’s activities, as requested by the Sustainable Finance Program Manager and the Strategic Partnerships and Communications Officer .

Deliverables include:

• Drafted and edited communications content and presentation materials
• Event agendas, speaker invitations, briefings and logistical checklists
• Up-to-date stakeholder and engagement records, including follow-up status
• Meeting notes, action lists and progress updates
• Registration, mailing and outreach materials for events and campaigns
• Coordinated website, newsletter and social media inputs for review
• Post-event summaries and follow-up materials

Success Indicators:

• Clear, accurate and timely communications materials
• Well-organized events and responsive speaker coordination
• Reliable records, notes and follow-up on engagements
• Consistent support to the team and delivery against agreed deadlines

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, sustainable finance, international development, environmental studies, event management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two to three years of relevant experience in communications, event coordination, programme support or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with and proficiency in a range of digital tools, including generative AI applications, graphic design platforms (e.g., Canva), content management systems (e.g., WordPress), and virtual meeting and collaboration tools. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new digital technologies.
• Experience drafting and editing clear content for digital channels, presentations or partner communications.
• Practical experience organizing meetings or events and coordinating invitations, speakers or participants.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong organizational skills and confidence using shared documents, spreadsheets, calendars and online meeting tools.
• Ability to take concise notes, track actions and communicate professionally with varied stakeholders.

Education, Experience and Technical skills

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, sustainable finance, international development, environmental studies, event management or a related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Two to three years of relevant experience in communications, event coordination, program support or stakeholder engagement.
• Experience with and proficiency in a range of digital tools, including generative AI applications, graphic design platforms (e.g., Canva), content management systems (e.g., WordPress), and virtual meeting and collaboration tools. Ability to quickly learn and adapt to new digital technologies.
• Experience drafting and editing clear content for digital channels, presentations or partner communications.
• Practical experience organizing meetings or events and coordinating invitations, speakers or participants.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong organizational skills and confidence using shared documents, spreadsheets, calendars and online meeting tools.
• Ability to take concise notes, track actions and communicate professionally with varied stakeholders.

Personal Attributes and Competencies

• Interest in sustainable finance, climate and nature, AI or innovation. Prior technical expertise in these areas is not required.
• Experience with website content management, newsletters, social media scheduling, CRM tools or registration platforms.
• Experience supporting international events, advisory groups or multi-stakeholder initiatives.
• Ability to use Canva, or other tools, to create clear, visually appealing invitations, presentations and other simple communications materials.
• Knowledge of additional languages, such as French, Spanish or Portuguese.
• Careful, dependable and attentive to detail.
• Able to prioritize several tasks and follow through on deadlines with appropriate guidance.
• Comfortable seeking clarification, sharing progress and flagging issues early.
• Collaborative and respectful when working with diverse partners and remote teams.
• Interested in learning about locally led climate and nature finance.

Terms and conditions

• This is a consultancy position.
• Period of the consultancy is 1 year.
• Work location: Bonn or remote