DFCD Business Development Officer

World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF)

DFCD Business Development Officer

Deadline: 21 April 2025

Region: Cape Town or Johannesburg

Type of employment: Full time

Reference Number: RAS250401-1

Job Title: DFCD Business Development Officer

Job Type: Full Time

Experience Level: Associate

Workplace Type: Hybrid

Location: Cape Town

Job Category: Scientific

Description: (This is a 24-month contract position based in Newlands, Cape Town or Braamfontein, Johannesburg)

DFCD Business Development Officer will support the Dutch Fund for Climate and Development (DFCD) in advancing climate change adaptation and resilience-building initiatives across South Africa and the African region. DFCD, a collaboration between the Nederlandse Financierings-Maatschappij voor Ontwikkelingslanden N.V. (FMO), Climate Fund Managers (CFM), WWF Netherlands, and SNV Netherlands Development Organisation, mobilises private sector funding to implement nature-based solutions that address climate risks.

This role focuses on identifying, originating, and developing bankable climate adaptation projects, building stakeholder capacity, and integrating DFCD’s strategic landscape approach to achieve sustainable environmental and social impact.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Bankable Project Identification, Origination, and Development (100% South Africa):
• Scout and evaluate new bankable projects by leveraging local networks and engaging with communities and stakeholders.
• Support due diligence activities and oversee contracting processes for new projects.
• Ensure smooth project implementation, address challenges, highlight successes, and facilitate project graduation to investors.
• Capacity Building and Stakeholder Engagement:
• Work with WWF South Africa colleagues to support multi-stakeholder partnerships and capacity-building initiatives.
• Integrate DFCD insights into WWF South Africa’s landscape planning processes.
• Facilitate community engagement initiatives and assist bankable projects in executing inclusive and participatory activities.
• National Risk and Opportunity Review:
• Analyze existing risk and vulnerability assessments to inform landscape planning and mainstream climate adaptation solutions.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts on Gender Equality and Social Inclusion (GESI), Biodiversity, and Food and Nutrition Security (FNS) to assess environmental and social risks.
• Project Management:
• Align strategy and planning with the DFCD Regional Manager for Africa.
• Manage and update a pipeline of project opportunities using tools like Monday.com.

• Degree in finance, business, economics, climate, or environmental development.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in finance (e.g. investment banking, assets management etc.) and climate change adaptation.
• Strong financial modelling, analytics and interpretation of data sets capabilities.
• Proven application of climate change adaptation strategies to landscapes.
• Analytical and strategic thinker with a holistic view of climate risks and resilience.
• Strong understanding of climate change risks, vulnerability, and resilience-building.
• Project management expertise, including planning, implementation, and monitoring.
• Proven ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders, including local communities and governmental bodies.
• Exceptional communication skills, both written and oral.
• Knowledge of environmental and social topics like ecosystems, GESI, FNS, and biodiversity.
• Experience in capacity building and working with funding partners and third-party organisations.
• You recognise yourself in the values of WWF: Courage, Integrity, Respect, Collaboration and Inclusion.

How to apply

Please provide a detailed CV and cover letter fully motivating the relevant skills, experience and creativity that you can bring, together with the names, current e-mail addresses and telephone numbers of three relevant references.

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Date posted: 04 April 2025