Business Development Manager- Nature-based solutions, East Africa

South Pole is an energetic, global company offering comprehensive sustainability solutions and services. With offices spanning all continents across the globe, we strive to create a sustainable society and economy that positively impacts our climate, ecosystems and developing communities. With our solutions, we inspire and enable our customers to create value from sustainability-related activities.

Our Project Sourcing team works hand in hand with project owners and developers, active in the carbon markets and renewable energy space, to identify, negotiate and contract new emission reduction projects. By acquiring new projects within our portfolio, we ensure that South Pole always has the right mix of carbon credits available to meet the demands of our clients. If you’re an ambitious and dynamic sustainability professional with a strong passion to make a real difference in the fight against climate change, this position may be right for you!

Job summary:

As part of the Global Sourcing team within the Climate Projects business line, the Sourcing Manager, East Africa Nature-based Solutions, will be responsible for structuring, negotiating and building new partnerships to develop emission reduction projects in the Africa region. In this role, you will originate and develop business with implementation partners locally and globally, focusing on nature-based projects in East Africa. This position will be a key member of the Global Sourcing team and report to the regional Sourcing Practice Lead. You will also work closely with the project development and implementation team on the technical issues related to emission reduction projects and the Investment team to assess and potentially provide finance for project opportunities.

Main tasks & responsibilities:

•   Structure and source new Emission Reduction projects that are eligible for carbon finance, such as reforestation and afforestation, REDD+, agroforestry, sustainable agriculture and grassland management etc.

• Negotiate and sign Emission Reduction Purchase Agreements and other relevant commercial contracts

• Drive business development, including targeted business meetings, leading pitching sessions, financial analysis and liaising with clients

• Develop relevant documentation and financial analyses, and commercial terms with Project Partners and the project implementation team as needed to facilitate investment into emission reduction project opportunities

• Proactively network with relevant organisations, including attending relevant gatherings and conferences and expanding the existing network

• Ensure efficient and effective implementation of South Pole’s Regional and Global Sourcing strategy

• Conduct research relevant to new project leads, project developers, project owners, relevant regulatory regimes/policies in Africa

• Support coordination and collaboration with other teams within the South Pole globally in regard to project leads and opportunities

• Ensure that sourcing flows and processes (including documentation and interaction with other teams) are in line with the company guidelines

Requirements:

Essential 

• A University degree in Agriculture, Forestry, Economics or Business Administration, ideally with evidence of a focus on environmental or sustainability issues
• Several years of relevant commercial experience, preferably in business development or an origination role in carbon markets and other environmental assets
• Strong experience and network in agriculture, forestry, conservation and/or natural resource management in Africa
• Strong track record in generating new business opportunities and closing deals in a portfolio worth millions of dollars
• Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients and team members
• Consistent commercial acumen, business development, strong networking and stakeholder management skills
• Knowledge of legal and contract management aspects
• Proficiency with Google Suite and MS Office
• Entrepreneurial and proactive mindset, willingness to take initiative
• Excellent written and oral command of English
• National, or holder of a valid required work visa in the host country

Desirable 

• Master's degree would be an advantage
• Knowledge of and experience with emission reduction project-based carbon standards, technologies and project development processes
• A technical understanding of nature-based mitigation solutions would be a strong advantage and ideally a broad understanding of related regulations/policies in numerous countries in Africa
• Good working knowledge of any widely spoken languages in the continent - e.g. Swahili, French, Portuguese
• Broad understanding of global sustainability issues
• Experience working with a multicultural and ethnically diverse global company

What we offer:

At South Pole, we care about our employees as much as we care about the planet. South Pole is not just an employer, we are a Team. South Pole does not just offer people a job, we offer you a career. By joining our team, you will find strong purpose and deep meaning in everything you do. You will have the chance to make a real difference for our clients and for the planet, working alongside a passionate team of like-minded colleagues, while building your knowledge/skills and developing your career in a fun, dynamic, international and fast-growing organisation. 

We’re a planet of 7.5 billion unique and different people. We all have a contribution to make and South Pole is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, marital status or disability. Our recruitment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit and business need.