Associate – Natural Capital

About the firm
CrossBoundary Advisory, part of CrossBoundary Group, is a leading investment advisor focused on unlocking private capital in underserved markets. We have advised US$12+ billion of closed transactions across agriculture, health, education, manufacturing, ICT, infrastructure, and clean power. Our clients include governments, development of finance institutions, foundations, private equity firms, corporates, and research institutions. With 180+ professionals in 20+ offices across Sub-Saharan Africa, the Middle East & North Africa, Asia-Pacific, Eastern Europe, and Latin America & the Caribbean, we combine local presence with global expertise to structure bankable transactions and scalable programs. Learn more at www.crossboundary.com/advisory
 
CrossBoundary’s Natural Capital practice focuses on unlocking private capital for nature-based solutions that contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation, and address biodiversity loss. We provide transaction support to companies in the agribusiness, aquaculture, and forestry sectors, as well as to nature-based carbon projects focused on restoration and conservation of nature.

Who We Are
The CrossBoundary team is a unique group made up of people who are genuinely excited by the opportunity to make a difference in some of the most challenging yet exciting markets in the world. Team members come from diverse backgrounds but share several qualities: curiosity, humility, integrity, a drive for excellence, and a bias for action.

Job Description
CrossBoundary Advisory is recruiting a full-time Associate in Nairobi, Kenya. We seek candidates with experience across finance, strategy, and understanding of the investment landscape and nature-based solutions (conservation, natural capital, forestry, agriculture, etc.) in emerging markets.

As an Associate, you will identify and evaluate investment opportunities, conduct macroeconomic market assessments, and provide transaction support to both investors and capital seekers. You will also support business development, new strategic partnerships and thought leadership.

Who You Are

• Bachelor’s degree required. Master’s degree preferred (or another relevant advanced degree/professional qualification)
• 3-5 years of relevant experience in investment banking, management consulting, private equity, or similar
• Experience living and/or working in underserved markets required, experience in East, Central, and Southern Africa region highly preferred
• High tolerance for ambiguity; able to operate effectively in a changing context
• Strong quantitative skills and analytical abilities: can think clearly, structure problems logically, and then design and implement solutions that focus on the core issues
• Great at building and maintaining relationships under stress with colleagues and clients in the sector and/or region
• Willing to take on new types of work, even without prior experience or direct supervision
• Experience in project management/leadership roles preferred
• Excellent presentation skills: ability to communicate clearly and effectively with diverse audiences
• Self-starter who is humble and passionate about creating lasting change in underserved markets
• Enthusiastic about working, traveling, and living in sometimes challenging environments
• Fluency in English is required
• Experience in natural capital, conservation, forestry, agriculture, or similar sector (in emerging markets) is highly valued
• Knowledge of carbon markets, with experience developing or financing carbon projects preferred

• Drive day-to-day execution on workstreams including:

• Identifying and evaluating investment opportunities
• Conducting sector or geographic landscape assessments
• Identifying and engaging with qualified regional and international investors

• Support on transaction advisory engagements by:

• Supporting commercial due diligence assignments
• Performing market research and developing client-facing recommendations
• Advising on the structuring and deploying of blended finance vehicles

• Advice on carbon project development and deal structuring
• Cultivate and manage relationships with existing and potential investors, clients, companies, and other stakeholders
• Supporting business development through proactive opportunity sourcing and relationship building, as well as responding to donor-funded procurements (EOIs and RFPs), including executing technical and financial proposals

Locations
This role is based in Nairobi, Kenya. This role will involve travel across the region.

Interested in applying?
Think you have what it takes but not sure you check every box? Research shows that while men apply to roles when they meet an average of 60% of the criteria, women often only apply when they meet every requirement. If you’re passionate about what we’re building, apply! We want to hear from you.

Equal Opportunity Employer
CrossBoundary is an equal opportunity employer. If you need assistance and/or a reasonable accommodation due to a disability during the application or the recruiting process, please send a request to our [email protected]