Entrepreneurship in the territories: is it the right time?
Asia Engine for Net Zero (AENZ) is a Finance Mobilization and Capacity Enhancement non-profit at the forefront, and in the intersection, of Energy Transition and Corporate Decarbonization in emerging markets like the Philippines and beyond. AENZ is committed to act as an engine towards an inclusive, responsive, and sustainable net-zero future by bridging critical gaps in finance, policy, and human capital.
Based in Metro Manila, Philippines, AENZ seeks to appoint a
SUSTAINABLE FINANCE ASSOCIATE
The Sustainable Finance Associate will design and implement financing models for climate solutions, provide technical assistance to financial institutions, and support the integration of ESG and climate considerations into credit and investment decisions. Working closely with public and private stakeholders in the Philippines, the role will embed climate-smart thinking into financial products, influence institutional strategies, and build project pipelines. Reporting to the Program Delivery Director, the Associate will deliver 2–3 technical outputs, strengthen institutional partnerships, and enhance capacity and policy engagement in the local financial sector.
This role is part of the Climate Finance Fellowship, a 12-month program designed to bridge the talent gap in the climate finance sector. The Fellowship supports mid-career finance professionals who are looking to transition into purpose-driven, climate-focused work—particularly within nonprofit and civil society organizations across the Global South. Fellows are placed within high-impact host organizations, where they take on a core finance or strategy role. In addition to this placement, Fellows join a cohort-based learning journey that includes:
- Tailored climate and leadership development modules
- One-on-one coaching and mentorship
- Peer learning and community exchange
- Access to professional networks in climate and development
The Fellowship is led by Surge Climate Talent (SCT), with program design and implementation managed by Global Good x Amani, an impact consulting and leadership development firm. Together, SCT and GG x Amani are working to ensure that host organizations are supported, Fellows are set up for success, and the program contributes meaningfully to strengthening the climate finance ecosystem.
This opportunity is especially suited for professionals from the private or public sectors with strong finance experience who may not yet have worked in climate or nonprofit contexts. It is also open to those currently in the nonprofit sector seeking to specialize in climate finance.
Key responsibilities for the Sustainable Finance Associate will include:
- Co-lead technical assistance programs with banks and financial institutions to operationalize ESG integration and climate finance
- Develop and adapt financial models and instruments to evaluate the viability of clean energy and carbon projects
- Support stakeholder engagements with regulators, investors, and multilateral institutions to drive sustainable finance alignment
- Produce high-quality research outputs including market scans, policy briefs, and investment case studies
- Contribute to strategic program design, business development, and partnership-building efforts
- Represent AENZ in public dialogues, consultations, and training events across the climate finance ecosystem
Focus Area #1: Finance Mobilization
- Co-develop models and tools to support renewable energy and climate project financing
- Structure financing pathways for distributed renewable energy, agrivoltaics, and other climate-smart technologies
- Analyze blended finance, concessional capital, and impact investment opportunities relevant to the local market
Focus Area #2: Sustainable Finance Policy Implementation
- Co-lead the development and delivery of training curricula for financial institutions advancing their net-zero transition. Topics include operationalizing sustainability within banks, designing sustainable finance products, and synthesizing green finance taxonomies.
- Develop policy recommendations and engagement strategies to accelerate sustainable finance alignment
- Help shape AENZ’s contributions to regulatory consultations (e.g., on taxonomies, ESG disclosures, transition finance)
The Sustainable Finance Associate must meet the following criteria
- At least 6 years of professional experience in commercial banking, financial advisory, credit analysis, or investment management
- Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, business administration, or a related field
- Solid understanding of financial analysis, portfolio design, and/or capital markets
- Demonstrated experience working with financial institutions or regulators
- Strong analytical, research, and problem-solving skills
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills for both technical and strategic audiences
- Passion for sustainability, climate innovation, or impact investing
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work in cross-disciplinary teams
- Open to occasional domestic and regional travel
View the full job description and application instructions on the Vacancies page at https://www.actionappointments.co.za/climate-change-vacancies
