The Organization

The Alliance of Bioversity International and the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (CIAT) delivers research-based solutions that harness agricultural biodiversity and sustainably transform food systems to improve people’s lives. Alliance solutions address the global crises of malnutrition, climate change, biodiversity loss, and environmental degradation.

With novel partnerships, the Alliance generates evidence and mainstreams innovations to transform food systems and landscapes so that they sustain the planet, drive prosperity, and nourish people in a climate crisis.

The Alliance is part of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food-secure future.

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/www.cgiar.org

Based in Nairobi, Kenya at the Africa region headquarters of the International Center for Tropical Agriculture, and reporting to a Scientist, the AI Engineer will be responsible for coordinating with the CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (Impact SF), ensuring deliverables are met in a timely manner.

The CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) was set up in 2022 to mainstream CGIAR wide knowledge and expertise on environmentally friendly interventions to improve climate adaptation and resilience of the agriculture and food system, into sustainable financing and investment processes. This mainstreaming has and will continue to result in generation of vast amounts of data. ImpactSF through insights generated from this data, envisions improving the flow of public and private capital to improve sustainability of agriculture and food systems in the global south. This is timely, as there is simultaneous demand from both financial institutions and investors (both private and public) and regulators to use science-based approaches and related data to identify, implement, measure, monitor and report impacts of their investments.

Housed within the data science and data management (development and operations team / DevOps) team of ImpactSF, the role of the AI Engineer will be leverage upon various data sources (geospatial data, survey data, text data etc.), to build, test and deploy scalable solutions that will provide the basis for ImpactSF’s data driven service offerings to the financial sector.

About ImpactSF 

The CGIAR Hub for Sustainable Finance (ImpactSF) is a key technical partner for sustainable finance actors, integrating science-based impact KPIs in all areas of the investment lifecycle. This includes investment design, pipeline development, investment screening, due diligence, implementation, post-investment monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV). Building off CGIAR evidence, ImpactSF offers an array of data-driven solutions empowering financial institutions and investors to de-risk investments by quantifying climate and environmental risks and impacts. Our goal is clear: drive investments toward climate-smart and nature-positive Food, Land, and Water systems.  

Role and responsibilities

The role involves supporting the design, analysis, and execution of climate-related investments by conducting cost-benefit analyses, financial modeling, and impact assessments. You will be responsible for gathering and analyzing data on investment opportunities that address climate risks and enhance sustainability, particularly within the agrifood sector. In collaboration with the investment team, you will evaluate the financial viability and potential climate impact of new and existing investments.

Additionally, you will assist in due diligence processes, providing insights into climate-related risks and opportunities. You will work closely with investees to track Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to climate impact and financial performance, ensuring that climate-smart investments align with both sustainability and financial goals. You will also support the development of financial products that integrate climate considerations and contribute to the long-term resilience of the portfolio. 

Responsibilities:

• Cost-Benefit Analysis and Financial Modeling: Conduct comprehensive financial analyses and develop models to evaluate the viability of climate-smart investments, assessing both economic returns and environmental impacts.
• Climate Impact Assessments: Analyze the potential climate-related risks and benefits of investment opportunities, focusing on projects that contribute to sustainability and resilience within the agrifood sector.
• Due Diligence Support: Assist in the due diligence process by evaluating the financial health and climate impact potential of prospective investments. Identify key risks and opportunities related to climate change and provide recommendations to the investment team.
• KPI Tracking and Reporting: Monitor and report on Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) related to climate impact and financial performance. Collaborate with investees to ensure data accuracy and timely reporting, ensuring alignment with sustainability goals.
• Development of Climate-Smart Financial Products: Support the design and development of innovative financial products that integrate climate considerations, working closely with the investment team to ensure products meet both financial and environmental objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Engage with external stakeholders, including fund managers, financial institutions, and investees, throughout the investment lifecycle to ensure alignment with climate investment goals and effective communication of progress.
• Research and Market Analysis: Stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes, and new developments in climate finance, particularly in the agrifood sector, to inform investment decisions and strategy.
• Impact Reporting and Analysis: Assist in the preparation of impact reports that outline the financial, social, and environmental outcomes of climate-related investments, ensuring transparency and accountability to investors and stakeholders.
• Support Portfolio Resilience: Contribute to efforts aimed at enhancing the climate resilience of the investment portfolio, identifying ways to mitigate risks and improve the long-term sustainability of investments. 

Deliverables

• Cost-Benefit Analysis Reports (Monthly)
  Deliver comprehensive reports detailing the financial viability and environmental impacts of various climate-smart investment opportunities. These should cover multiple sectors within the agrifood system and include both economic returns and climate resilience benefits.
• Financial Models for Climate-Smart Investments (End of Month 2)
  Develop detailed financial models for each cost-benefit analysis, incorporating projections for both financial performance and climate impacts. Models should be adaptable to different investment scenarios.
• Climate Impact Assessment Briefs (Monthly)
  Provide summaries of climate-related risks and opportunities associated with each analyzed investment. Include recommendations for mitigating risks and enhancing the sustainability of each project.
• Due Diligence Reports (Bi-Monthly)
  Support due diligence efforts with assessments of the financial health and climate impact potential of investment prospects. Highlight key risks and opportunities, focusing on sustainability and resilience factors.
• KPI Dashboard for Climate and Financial Performance (End of Month 3)
  Create a KPI tracking system or dashboard to monitor the progress of investees in terms of climate impact and financial performance. Ensure timely updates and data accuracy in collaboration with investees.
• Climate-Smart Financial Product Proposals (End of Month 4)
  Develop proposals for innovative financial products that integrate climate considerations, focusing on balancing financial returns with environmental impact goals.
• Market and Research Insights Memos (Monthly)
  Provide regular updates on market trends, regulatory changes, and developments in climate finance, especially as they relate to the agrifood sector. This will support informed investment strategies.
• Impact Analysis and Reporting (End of Month 5)
  Prepare detailed impact reports on financial, social, and environmental outcomes from the investments. Ensure these reports meet the transparency and accountability standards expected by investors and stakeholders.
• Portfolio Resilience Improvement Plan (End of Month 6)
  Propose strategies to enhance the climate resilience of the investment portfolio, identifying ways to mitigate risks and ensure long-term sustainability.

Requirements

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics or a related field.

Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in investment analysis, financial modeling, or impact investing, with a focus on climate-related investments, sustainability, or the agrifood sector.
• Experience in conducting cost-benefit analyses, financial due diligence, and impact assessments.
• Familiarity with climate finance, green finance products, or climate risk assessment is highly desirable.
• Solid understanding of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors, particularly related to climate change and sustainable investments.
• Knowledge of climate-related risks and opportunities, especially in emerging markets or the agrifood sector.

• Financial Analysis and Modeling:

ü  Strong skills in financial analysis, including creating and interpreting financial models, conducting cost-benefit analyses, and assessing return on investment (ROI) and impact.

• Climate Impact Analysis:

ü  Ability to analyze and quantify the environmental impact of investments, with a focus on climate risks and benefits.

• Due Diligence Expertise:

ü  Proficient in conducting due diligence, including evaluating financial health, market conditions, and climate-related risks for potential investments.

• Data Management and Reporting:

ü  Experience with data collection, analysis, and reporting of financial and impact metrics, including the use of relevant software and tools (Excel, Power BI, etc.).

• Project Management:

ü  Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Communication and Stakeholder Engagement:

ü  Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex financial and climate-related information clearly to stakeholders.

ü  Experience engaging with diverse stakeholders, including financial institutions, fund managers, and agrifood SMEs.

• Research and Analytical Skills:

ü  Strong research skills to stay updated on market trends, regulatory changes, and developments in climate finance and agrifood investments.

• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking:

ü  Strong problem-solving skills, with the ability to assess complex challenges and provide data-driven solutions.

• Technical Skills:

ü  Proficiency in financial software and tools (e.g., Excel, financial modeling software), as well as familiarity with ESG reporting platforms and climate risk assessment tools.

• Adaptability and Innovation:

ü  Ability to work in dynamic environments and adapt to changing priorities while maintaining a focus on innovation and sustainability.

Terms of employment

This is a Consultancy position is based in the Nairobi Kenya. The contract will be for a period of 6 months.

Please apply online through the website (https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers) no later than  17th October 2024, attaching a curriculum vitae, motivation letter, both in English, and contact information (e.g. names, email address) of at least three references. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Closing date for applications 17th October, 2024 

We invite you to learn more about us at:  

http://alliancebioversityciat.org

Please visit our careers page at:

https://alliancebioversityciat.org/careers