Programme Manager - Nature-Related Finance

Are you looking for a nature and finance research focused role within an inspiring, world-leading organisation? Do you want to contribute to our mission to create a more sustainable economy? The University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership (CISL) is a globally influential institute within the University of Cambridge working on a mission to develop leadership and solutions towards a sustainable economy. Working with over 50 global financial institutions across banking, insurance and investment, the Centre for Sustainable Finance (CSF) provides the insight needed to challenge current assumptions and drive change. CSF is comprised of three membership-based convening groups of financial industry organizations: ClimateWise, the Banking Environment Initiative and the Investment Leadership Group. Based within the Centre for Sustainable Finance, this role is a full-time research and programme management position with a focus on nature and biodiversity in the context of sustainable finance. The role will provide research capacity and leadership for EU Horizon funded projects in addition to other projects. The role Nature's health is under pressure from global trends in consumption, structural inequalities and economic growth. This creates long-term risks to business, citizens and wider society who depend on nature. These pose nature-related financial risks to financial institutions. The research led by you will enable and support financial institutions to integrate the value of natural capital in their decision-making, helping to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. The finance community is starting to enter the nature-positive finance space now and needs to be moving at speed, we will help to develop a comprehensive set of solutions, such as by focusing on how to move beyond one-off transactions and niche investment strategies. You will also examine technical, financial and operational feasibility and performance of solutions for disaster risk financing and investments with nature-based solutions. This role includes a focus on research delivery, as well as operational management of research projects and budgets, liaison with stakeholders and collaborators, facilitation of meetings and workshops.

• PhD degree or equivalent in Geography, Environmental Economics, Sustainable Finance, Ecology, or a related field.
• Demonstrable work experience in a university environment, or equivalent demonstrable project management experience of a policy-oriented research activity.
• Knowledge of disaster risk finance and investment, with a strong interest in sustainable finance
• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to monitor and streamline research project components and manage budgets.
• A good understanding of the private financial sector and/or other public and private financial mechanisms would be desirable.
  
  What you'll receive:
• Working 37 hours per week ¿ Hybrid/flexible/part-time working considered
• From March 2025, the salary range will rise to £41,671 - £55,755 in line with the national salary uplift.
• 41 days annual leave (inc bank holidays).
• Excellent benefits including a generous pension scheme, discount portal, cycle to work scheme, access to the university accommodation service, employee assistance programme, family friendly policies, relocation assistance along with many more.
• Extensive development opportunities.