Associate - Sustainable Aviation Fuel

About the Green Finance Institute (GFI):

​

Founded in 2019 to accelerate the deployment of finance towards a net zero and resilient economy, the GFI is an independent, commercially focused and philanthropically-financed organisation, seed funded by the UK Government and the City of London Corporation.

​

The GFI has already established a leading and differentiated position based on a distinct strategy of identifying impactful interventions to unlock barriers to deploying capital at pace and scale towards sector specific, real-economy outcomes such as the energy efficiency of buildings, decarbonisation of road transport, nature-based financial solutions, international carbon markets and developing markets’ climate smart infrastructure.

​

Through both creating and managing networks of dynamic decision makers across financial services, policy, business, academia and civil society, the GFI is renowned for its practical financial expertise, efficient project execution and generous collaboration, increasingly positioning the organisation as a partner of choice for both policy-makers and market participants to connect political ambition and industry objectives with well-designed solutions for the financial sector both in the UK and overseas.

​

What's the role?

This is an exciting role for an experienced financial practitioner looking to support and drive the net-zero transition in the UK and EU, applying their financial skillset to mobilise investment into clean technology sectors including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).

​

We are looking for a proactive and engaged individual with ~5 year’s experience in the finance sector, or consultancy, who can bring expertise in financial analysis, due diligence and deal execution in corporate finance, lending, and/or project finance. Candidates with direct experience in SAF or adjacent sectors will also be considered.

​

Based in the GFI’s SAF Programme, this role provides an opportunity to spearhead the development of the program with an aim of getting several advanced FOAK SAF projects through Final Investment Decision (FID) in the coming year, through Project Skypower in the EU, and our work on commercialising SAF in the UK. These activities will be a vital part of a wider effort to unlock commercially scalable industries in the UK and EU.

​

As an Associate, you will be a key member of a growing team, engaging with a diverse range of domestic and global stakeholders. Your responsibilities will be broad, encompassing the management and delivery of project objectives while providing specialist support in the commercialisation of SAF production. This role provides an opportunity to develop deep expertise in transition finance and contribute to shaping policies that support the adoption of new financial products, structures and services.

​

You will also contribute towards external working groups, steering committees, and taskforces, helping to drive key initiatives in the net-zero agenda. As your experience grows, you will have the opportunity to represent the Institute at industry events and collaborate with major financial institutions to design innovative financial solutions.

​

We'll trust you to:

• Support the strategic direction of the SAF Programme and be responsible for elements of its day-to-day running, working closely with the SAF Programme Director and GFI senior team.
• Assess commercial risk factors and provide insights to optimize financing models and structures.
• Develop workable solutions to address the key barriers currently limiting investment in the SAF industry.
• Work closely with banks, investors, and industry to test and refine financial structures.
• Monitor market trends, regulatory changes, and financing opportunities relevant to the sector.
• Provide guidance and mentorship to junior team members.
• Build your expertise in green finance topics and areas of focus and contribute to supportive policy formation to accelerate the adoption of new products and services.
• Represent the Institute at relevant industry events.

​

You need to have:

• 4-5+ years of experience in the finance sector and/or relevant sectors.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Outstanding interpersonal and relationship building skills with senior-level officials, partners and influencers across private and public sectors.
• Experience in corporate finance, project finance and/or capital structuring.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills with a proven capacity to translate information and big ideas into actionable plans.
• A strong independent work ethic in addition to an ability to work as part of an agile and fast-moving team.
• A genuine interest in environmental sustainability.
• High attention to detail and demonstrable research and analytical skills.
• Strong organisation skills and ability to handle multiple projects.

  ​

  We’d love to see:

• Experience in structuring and executing debt and equity transactions.
• Solid understanding of credit analysis, risk assessment, and capital markets.

​