Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) conserves wildlife and ecosystems focussing on protected areas and outstanding wild places. Operating long-term conservation programmes across Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, FZS is at the forefront of global conservation efforts. To support the critical 30 x 30 agenda of the Convention on Biological Diversity, FZS has given itself an ambitious growth strategy that will double our conservation impact within high biodiversity and wilderness landscapes by 2030.

FZS’ conservation programmes are funded primarily through institutional and bilateral donations and grants. To further scale up our efforts and increase financial sustainability, FZS is looking to leverage a variety of innovative financial instruments, including carbon and biodiversity finance, environmental impact bonds, and public-private financing vehicles.

We are seeking a dynamic Coordinator for Nature-based Finance Instruments with an entrepreneurial mindset and experience in nature-based finance. This is a unique opportunity to shape and implement innovative financing solutions that support conservation landscapes, scale up FZS programmes, and contribute to global biodiversity goals, including the 30x30 target.

• Research & Evaluation: Explore and assess existing and emerging nature-based financing mechanisms, including carbon finance, biodiversity credits, and conservation-focused public-private partnerships.
• Business Case Development: Conduct market analyses, risk assessments, and collaborate with FZS conservation programmes and external partners to create impactful financing proposals.
• Programme Support: Guide conservation managers in designing and implementing nature-based finance solutions, ensuring alignment with FZS’s mission and fostering stakeholder knowledge-sharing.
• Performance Monitoring: Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning (MEL) team to develop scalable, outcome-based approaches for nature financing and report outcomes to senior management.
• Framework Development: Create a flexible, global policy framework to inform and guide FZS programme managers in adopting relevant financing solutions.
• Capacity Building: Facilitate learning and best practices among FZS staff and partners, contributing to the advancement of nature-based finance standards.

We are looking for a professional with:

• At least 3 years of experience at the intersection of nature finance and natural resource management.
• A higher education qualification in business management, finance, economics, or a related field, ideally combined with expertise in natural resource management or ecology.
• Demonstrated ability to develop, guide, and implement nature-based financing projects or products.
• Strong research and analytical skills with a proven track record of delivering results.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with experience engaging diverse stakeholders, including governments, private sector entities, NGOs, and local communities.
• Resilience, problem-solving abilities, and a results-oriented approach.
• Self-motivation and organisational skills, with the ability to work autonomously and prioritise tasks effectively.
• Proficiency in presentation and reporting, with a willingness to travel.
• Fluency in English (German and/or Spanish is a plus).
• A passion for conservation, community development, and sustainability.

At FZS, you’ll work at the forefront of global conservation, developing innovative solutions to protect our planet’s most precious resources. Join a team committed to making a lasting impact on biodiversity and sustainability.

• Engaging and meaningful work that encourages independent and entrepreneurial thinking
• Opportunity to get to know impressive wilderness areas and to contribute towards their protection
• A dynamic and motivated team environment, working to secure outstanding wild places across the globe
• Flat hierarchy, opportunities for further training and the option for remote work within limits
• Job-Ticket, Corporate Pension Scheme, 30 days of vacation per year

The contract will be for 2-years initially with a long-term perspective.

Interested? Please send your application (as one single PDF including a motivation letter, CV, qualifying certificates and contact details for two references) together with your salary expectations and the earliest possible starting date via our online application tool.
 
We look forward to receiving your application by 05^th January 2025. 
Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e. V.
Bernhard-Grzimek-Allee 1
60316 Frankfurt am Main