Non-Executive Director

About Finance Earth

Finance Earth is the UK’s leading environmental impact investment advisor and FCA-regulated fund manager, working in partnership with a range of organisations to protect and restore the environment utilising market-based mechanisms. We design and implement bespoke financing solutions and develop high-impact investments that mobilise investment for nature, climate and communities.

We are an employee-owned social enterprise and have advised on over 100 projects, operate in more than 35 countries, and have mobilised over £100 million for environmental impact.

We are a recognised leader in the UK’s emerging ‘nature markets’, supporting the Government’s aims to scale private investment into nature recovery in England to at least £500 million a year by 2027, and over £1 billion by 2030. We are also an experienced impact fund manager, having designed, raised and managed several impact funds to date, including Community Owned Renewable Energy (“CORE”), a £50 million fund raised in 2017 that invested in community solar farms, successfully exited in 2023 generating commercial-level returns alongside a projected £20 million in local community benefits.

We are currently fundraising for the UK Nature Impact Fund, an innovative blended finance vehicle targeting commercial-level returns from high-impact investments into nature-based solutions (NbS) across England.

We have a growing presence internationally, including delivering the UK Government-backed Carbon Accelerator Programme for the Environment (CAPE) with FSD Africa and our recently launched Blue Catalyst Fund with Fair Carbon Foundation; managing our Fisheries Improvement Fund; and implementing multi-year advisory and capacity building programmes in regions including the South West Indian Ocean and the UK Overseas Territories.

Other examples of our work can be found on our website.

The Role

We are looking to recruit two or three individuals with significant experience at Executive or Non-Executive level across large corporate or philanthropic organisations to join our exceptional Board.

As Board members, you will provide strategic oversight, independent challenge and specialist advice to the executive team, ensuring Finance Earth operates in line with best-practice governance, regulatory requirements and its mission-led purpose.

The expected time commitment is approximately 10 FTE days per annum, including Board meetings, committee work and ad hoc engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• To provide strategic leadership to Finance Earth in collaboration with the Executive team and the Chair.
• To inspire the Executive, and those within and outside Finance Earth through the promotion of the organisation’s vision, mission and values.
• To support the Chair and Executive, drive forward the development, delivery, and growth of the offerings of Finance Earth with a particular focus on the organisation’s ability to increase the scale of its impact, its global position, its international brand awareness, and enhance and maintain its market leading reputation, mobilise resources and influence change.
• To ensure the financial and wider sustainability of Finance Earth, and to ensure excellent governance of and within Finance Earth.

Governance

• Supporting the recruitment process of new Board members and senior team members, as required.
• To participate in annual executive leadership offsite(s) to align on strategy, values, and execution priorities.
• To ensure the company meets its statutory and regulatory obligations. Monitor the effectiveness of internal controls, compliance, and risk management systems.

Relationship with the Executive

• Fostering a relationship between the Board and executives which is centred on honesty, trust, transparency, and a strong understanding of shared goals.
• With the Chair, setting, reviewing and monitoring key operational metrics and business performance indicators, against expectation, prior years and competitors.
• With the Chair, setting and assessing performance objectives where appropriate members of the Finance Earth team.
• Supporting succession planning, mentoring, and leadership capacity building throughout the organisation.
• Assessing and challenging strategic assumptions and risk factors, holding the Executive team to account for achieving strategic, operational and financial metrics.

External representation

• Act as an ambassador for Finance Earth’s work and our organisation.
• Support the growth and visibility of the organisation, through mobilising networks and senior-level external representation.
• As appropriate, and in partnership with the Executive, to maintain close relationships with external stakeholders in the UK and international governments, international and national, civil society organisations, funders, business leaders and other key influencers.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate.
• Represent Finance Earth at external functions, meetings and events.

Specific Skills and Experience

You will bring one or more of the following areas of expertise:

Corporate Experience:

• Proven Experience in Large Corporates: demonstrated background in major multinational companies or large UK corporations with an active approach to sustainability, for example, in sectors such as food & beverage, retail, technology, infrastructure, energy and utilities, mining & metals and construction
• Sustainability Expertise: extensive experience in sustainability teams, with a strong understanding of climate, biodiversity, water, social issues and sustainability strategies
• Nature and Carbon Finance: knowledgeable in nature and carbon finance for mitigation, transition and adaptation within a financial or corporate setting, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals; and practical experience of Net Zero and Nature Positive initiatives and partnerships
• Strategic Insight: board level experience with an ability to bring strategic insight and innovative approaches from a corporate perspective to advance climate and nature goals

Philanthropic Experience:

• Proven Experience in Large Philanthropic Organisations: demonstrated background in major trusts, foundations, charities or NGOs that actively target and review funding opportunities in nature and conservation, both in the UK and globally
• Sustainability Expertise: experience of sustainability, with a strong understanding of climate, biodiversity, water, social issues, and sustainability strategies
• Nature and Carbon Finance: some knowledge of nature and carbon finance for mitigation, transition and adaptation practices, with a focus on impact within a philanthropic setting; some practical experience of Net Zero and Nature Positive initiatives and partnerships would be helpful, but not essential
• Strategic Insight: board level experience with an ability to bring strategic insight and innovative approaches from a philanthropic perspective to advance climate and nature goals

Personal attributes

• Provides objective, independent challenge while remaining collaborative and constructive.
• Demonstrates sound strategic judgement and the ability to anticipate risk and opportunity.
• Brings commercial awareness alongside a strong commitment to purpose and impact.
• Builds effective relationships with Board colleagues and executives.
• Communicates with clarity, credibility and diplomacy across diverse stakeholders.

The Rewards

Annual Bonus Participation:

Non-Executive Directors are eligible to participate in the discretionary annual bonus scheme, which is linked to the achievement of revenue targets. The non-executive bonus pool is calculated based on the equivalent number of days worked per year (including meetings, events, and ad hoc requests), at a rate of £400 per day per Non-Executive Director. The Chair will determine each individual allocation yearly.

Equity Participation:

Non-Executive Directors collectively hold 3% equity. Dividends, typically declared annually, representing 3% of distributions will be shared equally among the Non-Executive Directors.

How to Apply

If you think that you are the right person for this important role on our Board, please send your application to [email removed - click apply for more details] by Sunday 11th January 2026. In your application, please include a comprehensive CV and a cover letter noting your relevant experience and interest in joining Finance Earth’s Board.

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.