Company Description: Systemiq is the system change company, working to accelerate the transition to a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy. As a certified B Corp, we partner with business, finance, policymakers and civil society to transform five interconnected systems: energy, nature and food, materials and circularity, sustainable finance, and urban transformation.
We bring together strategy, policy, market design and capital mobilisation to deliver tangible results in the real economy. Founded in 2016, Systemiq has grown to a global team of more than 300 people across Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kenya, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, united by a singular focus on sustainability.
Associate, Sustainable Finance
Location: UK or Europe offices, or Kenya or Indonesia
Contract: Full-time
Preferred start date: 1st of Sept or October
Application shortlisting deadline: 20 July
Role Overview
We are seeking an Associate to join Systemiq’s Sustainable Finance team, supporting advisory and investment-related projects that help shift capital towards a net-zero, nature-positive and inclusive economy.
Working with investors, financial institutions, corporates, philanthropies, development finance institutions and policymakers, you will contribute to projects that explore how finance can drive real-economy transformation. Your work may span sustainable investment strategies, blended finance, climate and nature finance, impact investing, financial regulation, philanthropic capital and innovative financing models.
This role is ideal for an early-career professional with experience in finance, financial advisory, consulting, development finance or impact investing who wants to apply their skills to sustainability and systems change.
You will support research, analysis, stakeholder engagement and the development of practical recommendations for senior clients and partners. You will also use AI-enabled tools to strengthen research, synthesis and communication, applying sound judgement to ensure outputs remain robust, accurate and relevant.
Key Responsibilities
Project Delivery
- Contribute to advisory and investment-related projects through high-quality research, analysis and synthesis.
- Develop presentations, reports, briefing papers and workshop materials.
- Translate financial, market and policy evidence into clear insights and practical recommendations.
- Support project planning and delivery to ensure work is completed to a high professional standard.
Sustainable Finance
- Support projects across ESG, sustainable finance, climate finance, nature finance, blended finance and impact investing.
- Analyse how financial instruments, investment strategies and policy frameworks can accelerate sustainable economic transformation.
- Help design practical financing solutions that mobilise private, public, philanthropic or development capital.
- Contribute to research on how the financial system can better support real-economy decarbonisation, resilience and nature-positive growth.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Support client meetings, interviews, workshops and multi-stakeholder engagements.
- Build effective working relationships with colleagues, clients and external partners.
- Collaborate with investors, corporates, policymakers, development finance institutions, donors and civil society organisations.
Team Contribution
- Work collaboratively across project teams and contribute to an inclusive, entrepreneurial culture.
- Support business development through research, proposal writing and thought leadership.
- Use AI responsibly to enhance research, analysis and communication.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for an intellectually curious and impact-driven individual with strong analytical skills and a genuine interest in using finance as a lever for systems change.
You enjoy solving complex problems, working with diverse stakeholders and translating financial and sustainability evidence into practical recommendations. You are motivated by learning, comfortable with ambiguity and excited by the opportunity to help redirect capital towards more sustainable and inclusive outcomes.
Essential Experience
- Master’s degree or equivalent in finance, economics, business, international development, public policy, sustainability or another relevant discipline.
- Approximately 2-4 years’ experience in a financial institution, financial advisory, consulting, development finance, impact investing or another analytical, project-based environment.
- Strong understanding of sustainable finance, ESG, climate finance or impact investing trends.
- Strong analytical, research and structured problem-solving skills.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear recommendations.
- Interest in one or more of the following areas:
- Sustainable finance
- Climate finance
- Nature finance
- Blended finance
- Impact investing
- Development finance
- Financial regulation and policy
- Philanthropic capital
- Practical experience using AI tools to support research, analysis or drafting, together with sound judgement regarding their appropriate use.
Core Capabilities
- Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving.
- Strong organisational and project management skills.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills.
- Collaborative mindset and ability to work effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
- Intellectual curiosity, adaptability and sound judgement.
- Entrepreneurial mindset and commitment to creating positive impact.
Desirable
- Experience working with investors, banks, asset managers, private equity, venture capital, development finance institutions, donors or philanthropies.
- Exposure to energy, industry, manufacturing, commodities, agriculture, nature or circular economy sectors.
- Knowledge of sustainable finance regulation, taxonomies, disclosure frameworks or emerging financial instruments.
- Experience supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives or partnerships.
- Additional European language(s).
Location & Right to Work
This role is based in Europe. Candidates must have the legal right to work in the country where they will be employed.
Applications should be submitted in English.
What We Offer
Joining Systemiq means working with leading organisations across finance, business, government and civil society to tackle some of the world’s most pressing sustainability challenges. You will collaborate with experts from a wide range of disciplines, develop your consulting and sustainable finance skills through meaningful project work, and contribute to practical solutions that help shift capital towards a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy.
Alongside impactful work, you will benefit from a collaborative culture, opportunities for professional development and the chance to help shape the future of sustainable finance.
Diversity & Inclusion
At Systemiq, we absolutely believe diverse perspectives are essential to driving system change. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where people feel respected, supported and able to do their best work.
Click here to view our Data Policy.
Skills Required
- Master's degree or equivalent in finance, economics, business, international development, public policy, sustainability or related discipline
- Approximately 2-4 years' experience in financial institutions, financial advisory, consulting, development finance, impact investing or analytical project-based environment
- Strong understanding of sustainable finance, ESG, climate finance or impact investing trends
- Strong analytical, research and structured problem-solving skills
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills; applications in English
- Ability to synthesise qualitative and quantitative evidence into clear recommendations
- Practical experience using AI tools to support research, analysis or drafting, with sound judgement on their use
- Structured and analytical approach to problem-solving, strong organisational and project management skills, collaborative mindset
- Legal right to work in the country of employment
- Experience working with investors, banks, asset managers, private equity, venture capital, development finance institutions, donors or philanthropies
- Exposure to energy, industry, manufacturing, commodities, agriculture, nature or circular economy sectors
- Knowledge of sustainable finance regulation, taxonomies, disclosure frameworks or emerging financial instruments
- Experience supporting multi-stakeholder initiatives or partnerships
- Additional European language(s)
What We Do
Systemiq is a certified B Corp and system change company dedicated to designing and building a better economy. They orchestrate system change across five key areas: energy, nature and food, materials, urban areas, and finance. By combining specialist advisory services, coalition building, and investment, Systemiq aims to catalyze disruptive economic systems and unlock opportunities that benefit business, society, and the environment.
