Associate

About Finance Earth

We are a mission-driven investment advisor and fund manager, working in partnership with world leading environmental organisations, such as RSPB, WWF and the National Trust, to protect and restore nature utilising market-based mechanisms, implementing bespoke financial tools and creating high impact investments.

We are a pioneering employee-owned social enterprise and are now the UK’s leading environmental impact investment advisor and fund manager, with a rapidly growing international mandate, providing strategic consultancy and corporate finance advice to many of the most impactful environmental organisations in the UK and across the globe.

We work across a wide variety of the conservation, natural and built asset sectors on projects specifically structured to deliver significant impact for the environment, local communities whilst delivering fair returns for investors. Our team of experienced professionals all excel in their given fields and innovate to meet changing trends in government policy, sources of finance and market opportunities.

Examples of our work can be found on our website: Finance.Earth

The Role

We are looking to recruit an Associate to help our growing environmental impact investment advisory and fund management team. The role offers the chance to work with market leading clients on the cutting edge of the emerging conservation investment market in the UK and internationally, and to become a recognised expert in the field. We are also investors in our people, offering the opportunity for both technical and soft skills development, and unique experiences to grow both professionally and personally.

The Associate will contribute to and lead a range of projects, which may include:

Developing a range of natural capital investment projects and opportunities, covering:

• Review and assessment of natural capital revenue and investment model opportunities
• Preparing business plans and financial models
• Preparing investor pitchbooks
• Developing impact measurement and reporting strategies
• Carrying out industry research on environmental markets.

Contributing to our mission by:

• Identifying and pitching for new opportunities
• Creating publications to highlight key sectors/ investment themes
• Attending industry events and developing a network of contacts
• Supporting with recruitment, marketing IT and other business operations.

Skills and Experience

You will have three to five or more years' work experience in one or more of corporate finance, investment banking, accountancy, venture capital, private equity, management consultancy, advisory and/or project management.

It is essential that you can demonstrate experience of and an interest in, the wider environmental and conservation finance sector in your application. We ask that you share your understanding of the role of finance in tackling climate change and biodiversity loss within your covering letter.

Personal attributes that we are looking for include: 

• Enthusiastic self-starter and strong team player
• A willingness to present ideas to peers and senior colleagues
• Excellent communication and relationship building capabilities, and an adaptable style
• Ability to operate in a dynamic working environment, handling multiple tasks and deadlines
• Highly committed individual looking to take ownership of projects and to create meaningful value for the long-term
• Energetic with the ability to work well independently where required.

Specific skills, competencies and experience that we are looking for include: 

• Business planning, analysis and commercial development
• Financial modelling and sensitivity analysis
• Structuring and executing financial transactions
• An understanding of the business advisory and capital raising arena
• Experience working with the environmental sector and/or charities and social enterprises
• Experience of structuring and executing financial transactions for small and medium sized businesses
• Well-developed analytical skills including the ability to assimilate complex information, identify and prioritise key issues
• Strong skills across project management and client relationship management, research and presentation, structured problem solving, business coaching and mentoring
• Proficient writing capability and presentation skills
• Strong IT skills, proficient in Microsoft Office.

We do not expect candidates to possess all of these skills and competencies; importantly, what we are looking for is someone who can creatively show how their skills and experience could be adapted to fit this profile, if/where there are gaps. Technical financial experience is essential.

The Rewards

Our people are our business; we work hard to ensure that they have fulfilling careers and a good work-life balance. We encourage training to make sure our people are equipped to do their jobs to the best of their abilities and offer flexible working and generous holidays so that staff can both meet client expectations and personal goals.

As a market leader, the talent and passion of our people is critical to our success. Together, we share a common set of values rooted in integrity, excellence and strong team ethic. Finance Earth can provide a superior experience for building and maintaining a professional career in finance - a place for people to learn, to achieve and grow whilst delivering work that is highly impactful and beneficial for our planet. A philosophy that balances personal lifestyles, perspectives and needs is an important part of our culture.

Opportunity to earn up to £57,000 - £71,000

• Base salary of £40,000 - £50,000 per annum depending on experience
• Up to 40% of salary discretionary bonus and Christmas bonus of up to £1,000
• Opportunity to become a shareholder after 12 months with a potential dividend allowance
• 25 days holiday plus 2-3 days free at Christmas (plus English bank holidays)
• Potential for hybrid and flexible working
• Generous training budgets with learning and continuous development as a critical element of the way we work
• Private medical insurance, Group life insurance and 3% Pension contribution
• Monthly team socials.

How to Apply

If you think that you are the right person for this important role in our business, please apply by sending:

• A comprehensive CV
• A cover letter that includes as a minimum:
• A summary of the relevant experience you will be bringing to this role; and
• A personal statement on why you believe the work being undertaken by Finance Earth is necessary to tackle climate change and biodiversity loss, highlighting areas of specific interest.

Applications should be submitted through this platform or directly to [email removed - click apply for more details] by 9 a.m. on Monday 30th October 2023.

Applications that do not include a cover letter will be immediately discounted.

Finance Earth is an equal opportunities employer. We work to provide a supportive and inclusive environment where all individuals can maximise their full potential. Our skilled and creative workforce is comprised of individuals drawn from a broad cross section of the disciplines in which we operate and who reflect a variety of backgrounds, talents, perspectives and experiences. Our strong commitment to a culture of inclusion is evident through our constant focus on recruiting, developing and advancing individuals based on their skills and talents.