•  Join purpose driven organisation, with a great culture and ambition to make a game changing impact on sustainability and social impact through finance 

• Opportunity to significantly shape the future of sustainable finance

• Work with financial institutions, government, regulators and civil society in a uniquely pivotal role

 The Organisation:

The Australian Sustainable Finance Institute (ASFI) has been established to realign the Australian financial services system so that more money flows to activities that will create a sustainable, resilient and inclusive Australia. We do this by coordinating, facilitating and driving implementation of the Australian Sustainable Finance Roadmap.

 ASFI is committed to realigning the finance sector to create a sustainable and resilient financial system by directing capital to support greater social, environmental and economic outcomes consistent with the Roadmap. 

 Our vision is for an Australia that has a financial system:

• That is sustainable, resilient and stable and can withstand systemic risks and other shocks and strains

• Meets the present and long-term needs of all Australians, the environment and the economy

• Where financial decisions are informed by and consider sustainability risks, impacts and opportunities

• That enhances financial inclusion, wellbeing and informed choice

• Where capital flows support Australia to meet sustainable development goals, including facilitating and orderly transition to a net-zero, resource efficient and social inclusive economy

Our work is modelled on the work and progress internationally to align the finance sector with the goals of a resilient and sustainable economy.

 In addition to the ability to do highly impactful work, as part of a great team with fantastic partners, ASFI offers a comprehensive range of staff benefits including

• Flexible work arrangements (location, hours and patterns of work)

• Reimbursement of mobile phone expenses

• Access to volunteering leave

• 4 weeks of annual leave per year, increasing annually based on length of service

• Support for professional development

Position Purpose

The Blended Finance Manager will play a key role in ASFI’s work with government and financial institutions to get more capital flowing more quickly into activities and assets that are contributing to sustainable outcomes. With oversight from the Program Lead, the Blended Finance Manager will work closely with government departments and different types of financial institutions across superannuation, asset management, development and climate finance, banking and insurance to design and develop financial structures and products – in particular ‘blended finance’ structures – to mobilise capital for climate, environment and social impact in Australia and Southeast Asia.

 The initial work will focus on providing an Australian institutional banking and investor perspective into the design of a blended finance vehicle for climate in Indonesia, but the focus of this workstream is expected to broaden over time. You will be required to facilitate and convene Australian institutional investors and banks as part of this work as well as working closely with government and other partners on the work.

 The position will also be responsible for contributing to other key ASFI projects, such as the annual progress tracker and Summit, and as a senior member of the ASFI team, representing ASFI externally.

 This role is suited to an experienced professional who is well organised, able to work in changing contexts with limited direction and with a track record of delivering results in this area.

Responsibilities:

Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Play a key role in ASFI’s work on sustainable finance solutions, particularly our work with government and financial institutions on the design and structuring of blended finance products and structures to mobilise finance for climate in the region, with oversight from ASFI Program Lead.

• Have sound technical knowledge in this area to engage in technical, policy and executive level conversations on financial structuring, bringing in prior background and experience, ideally in a financial institution.

• Effectively identify, engage and manage technical consultants as needed to deliver this work

• With guidance and support from the Program Lead, build and manage organisational partnerships required to effectively deliver and grow this area of work from its initial focus to other thematic areas in line with the Roadmap and to include a domestic as well as international focus

• Contribute to ASFI’s policy work based on the skills, expertise and insights generated through the SFS work program

• Manage multiple, competing and evolving, individual and team priorities to ensure you deliver successful outcomes.

• Independently prepare the structure and content of funding submissions and/or governance reports (i.e. status updates, Advisory Committee or Board papers, grant reports) from draft to final stage, requiring minimal editing by the ASFI Program Lead and CEO and other stakeholders.

• Independently prepare for and lead the facilitation of internal and external meetings/workshops in areas of responsibility.

• Identifying, escalating and addressing risks and issues in a timely manner.

• Negotiating and managing stakeholder expectations in relation to project delivery timeframes, budgets and risks, with oversight from the ASFI Program Lead and CEO.

 Selection criteria

With a relevant tertiary qualification, preferably in finance, public policy, environment or a related discipline, you will possess a minimum of seven years' experience in blending public and private capital to achieve sustainability outcomes, or financial innovation to enable faster scale up of capital towards sustainability outcomes.

 You are adept at working in a small team environment where people's opinions are valued and listened to. You thrive on open communication and are energised by a dynamic and fast paced work environment.

 In addition, you will possess the following:

• Experience in leading, with limited direction, significant and complex projects characterised by changing dynamics and myriad of relationships.

• Knowledge of sustainable finance and investment industry and/or climate change and sustainability issues and financial structuring to support sustainability outcomes

• The ideal candidate will have an understanding of and experience with ‘blended finance’ from their work with financial institutions and/or public sector organisations such as development agencies, multi-lateral development banks, or development finance institutions.

• Strong organisational, project management, and interpersonal skills.

• Experience collaborating internationally, across multiple time zones, markets and cultures

• Highly effective verbal and written communication skills including proven experience in coordinating multiple stakeholders within varying spheres of influence.

• Demonstrated problem-solving skills and the ability to work independently, prioritise activities and meet deadlines in an ever-evolving environment.

• Unwavering commitment to continuous quality improvement in both organisation and personal performance and alignment with ASFI's vision and mission.

 ASFI values diversity and is building a workforce that reflects the whole community. ASFI is an equal opportunity employer and Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from culturally & linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTQIA+) community members, and people living with disabilities are encouraged to apply.