What We Can Achieve Together:

The Sustainable Debt Team (part of TNC’s NatureVest Team) collaborates with TNC’s global conservation teams and country offices as part of the Nature Bonds Program to help achieve TNC’s 2030 goals by structuring and implementing sovereign debt conversions that generate new funding for conservation and enable governments to make and achieve ambitious conservation policy commitments. Learn more about TNC’s Nature Bonds Program at https://www.nature.org/en-us/what-we-do/our-priorities/protect-water-and-land/land-and-water-stories/nature-bonds/

The Director, Sustainable Debt will lead development of new sovereign debt transactions focused on conservation and climate outcomes. They will be responsible and accountable for the complete transaction process cycle, including all aspects of deal origination, structuring, and negotiation, as well as internal approvals, capital raising, and investor relations through to financial close. Key responsibilities will also include overseeing the development of flexible and transparent financial models (including the incorporation of credit enhancements and blended finance), performing due diligence and risk assessments, developing internal and external information memoranda, the development of new credit enhancements by collaborating with external and internal stakeholders, the structuring of new funds to be deployed towards Nature Bonds, development of new strategies that allow to manage, mititgate and reduce the risks TNC takes in Nature Bonds projects, and structuring and closing sovereign debt deals. The Director may also be responsible for training and overseeing the work of Associate(s) and/or Analyst(s).

The position’s location is flexible within countries where The Nature Conservancy is a registered NGO and has an established office. Candidates should have the ability to overlap at least 4 hours per day with USA EST time zone. Requires willingness and ability to travel both domestically and internationally up to 30% of the time, and to work occasional weekends and evenings.

We’re Looking for You:

The Sustainable Debt Director will lead Nature Bonds financial transactions from initial scoping to final negotiations and financial close. They will play a key role in meeting TNC’s strategic priorities through sustainable debt transactions with emerging market sovereign partners. The Director will routinely collaborate with staff across The Nature Conservancy, including Sustainable Debt Team Analysts, Associates, and Project Managers, other NatureVest teams, Regional and Country Senior Directors, Global Protect and other central teams, government relations associates, lead scientists, and senior management, as well as partner organizations, such as other NGOs, multilateral and bilateral institutions, capital market investors, commercial lenders, and national governments. They will work in collaboration with the Debt for Nature Coalition to advance development of a robust portfolio of Nature Bonds. The Director will bring sophisticated business, financial, credit, and economic analysis, and structured finance expertise, including financial modeling, pitch deck creation, credit/information and internal approval memorandum drafting experience, due diligence, deal structuring, and negotiation skills to the design and implementation of this work. They will approach all work with a spirit of collaboration and respect for colleagues and partners across geographies, cultures, and subject matter expertise.

RESPONSIBILITIES & SCOPE

• Commitment to the mission and values of The Nature Conservancy, although no prior experience in environmental conservation is required.

• Supports the Managing Director of NatureVest in making resource allocation decisions regarding which deals to pursue based on Nature Bonds strategic priorities and potential contribution to TNC’s 2030 Goals.

• Supports the Managing Director of NatureVest and other members of the Nature Bonds Team in identifying and exploring new business opportunities, including new sectors, investment approaches and potential partners.

• Sources, develops, drives, and executes multiple new and existing sovereign debt transactions (each expected to be $100+ MM), including a global scope with an emphasis on Latin America.

• May lead or support the development of non-sovereign (e.g. corporate) commercial debt transactions.

• Leads the negotiations of complex, high profile or sensitive agreements associated with the transactions.

• Leads communications and relationship management with financial institutions, credit enhancers and other external partners.

• Develops new credit enhancement instruments by collaborating with internal and external stakeholders.

• Responsible for training and development of the Associate and Analyst-level Sustainable Debt Team staff.

What You’ll Bring:

• Bachelor”s degree in a finance-related field and 7 years’ of relevant experience in a private sector environment, such as management consulting and investment banking, or with a leading conservation organization or government entity, or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience developing and implementing complex projects and strategic initiatives in an unstructured environment.

• Experience leading and managing large scale projects, including working with both internal and external stakeholders.

• Fully fluent English professional business speaking, writing, and reading.

• Debt and structured finance experience and experience structuring, negotiating and closing debt transactions, including in emerging markets.

• Ability to make strategic decisions based on analysis, experience, and judgment.

• Experience negotiating complex legal agreements from a business and financial perspective.

Desired Qualifications:

• Familiarity with debt swap structures, terms and mechanics.

• Spanish fluency a plus.

• Outstanding analytical and project management capabilities.

• International work experience a plus.

• Strong team player who can build relationships and work collaboratively across the organization and with Conservancy partners.

Salary Information:

This position may be based in any country where TNC has an established entity, taking into consideration legal restrictions, such as non-national ratios and immigration processing times. For U.S. based applicants only, the starting pay range for this position is generally within the range of $150,000 – $190,000 for annual base salary and is based on location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. For all other applicants, pay ranges will be in local currency, the pay range will be based on the local labor market, and not tied to the above pay range. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment and used to determine your actual pay range. Additionally, for all applicants, actual pay will fall within a range based on a variety of factors including, for example, the candidate’s qualifications, specific skills, and experience.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring:

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy”s background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to [email protected] with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.