Nature Manager

About the role

The Nature Manager provides technical leadership to the development and implementation of the nature approach for the PIDG Group. This includes close collaboration with the PIDG Climate Change Manager to develop and implement an integrated nature and climate approach for the Group. The postholder will be required to enhance the existing nature ‘do no harm’ approach in the existing Health, Safety Environmental and Social (HSES) risk management framework, and to evolve this to also seek opportunities for nature enhancement across the investment lifecycle.

The postholder is part of the PIDG Impact team which includes the HSES and Sustainable Development Impact specialists. The Nature Manager will report directly to the PIDG Group Global Head HSES and will support the Impact function in the provision of services to support nature related governance, nature related adverse impact management, and nature related enhancement identification over the investment cycle. In line with PIDG strategy, the postholder will also work with PIDG teams to identify new ways in which infrastructure investments can also contribute to nature positive outcomes within the sustainable financing structure for the private sector. As such, the Nature Manager will work, under the guidance of the PIDG Chief Sustainable Impact Officer, to explore approaches to identify and track investment typologies that deliver nature positive outcomes that are in line with PIDG climate and development objectives. As PIDG starts deploying capital beyond traditional infrastructure into natural capital as an asset class, the Nature Manager will work closely with PIDG Natural Capital Lead in the appraisal and management of those investments.

Role and responsibilities

Capital allocation, review and monitoring of PIDG investments

• Lead nature risks and opportunity screening for all PIDG investments as part of the well -established sustainable impact screening process. This role requires the ability to inform investment decisions considering key areas including a) the linkage between nature and climate change, b) nature impact mitigation and management considering the mitigation hierarchy against established criteria and c) options to apply nature-based solutions/ investments.
• Advise deal teams on prospective investments that present distinct, novel or complex, nature related opportunities or risks.
• Ensure that data collection and analysis on nature related metrics is integrated in PIDG monitoring systems.
• Coordinate portfolio analysis of nature related themes for learning and reporting purposes.

Strategy implementation and evolution

• Work closely with the Climate change manager to develop and implement a nature and climate approach for the group that operationalizes PIDG Strategy 2023-30 ambition on nature and climate.
• Defines the steps required to assist PIDG investment teams improve nature adverse impact mitigation and to consider nature-based enhancement options.
• Support Group Natural Capital lead in deal screening and due diligence.
• Lead on nature awareness raising across PIDG group.
• Organise and manage nature training to PIDG teams and, where applicable, third-party investment staff, including contractors and consultants, where applicable.
• Develop and socialise across the PIDG Group, nature adverse impact management tools and guidelines, enabling positive long-term conservation outcomes on projects.

Nature-related disclosures and portfolio management

• Lead on nature related sustainability reporting across the Group, as part of PIDG established Impact disclosure and monitoring systems.
• Review the performance of PIDG investment on selected nature metrics.
• Provide nature input to HSES / Impact monitoring and assurance visits across PIDG portfolio projects.
• Provide guidance and support to the PIDG companies in responding to nature related incidents.
• Develop nature related lessons learnt and disseminating across PIDG Group.

Contribution to PIDG Impact Team

• Communicating and sharing PIDG nature expertise, and maximising learning opportunities, with other DFIs FIs and other stakeholders.
• Represent PIDG in external events as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of relevant sector developments and identify opportunities for partnerships to fulfil PIDG ambition on nature and climate.

Qualifications and education requirements

• A degree or equivalent post-graduate studies in relevant biodiversity / environmental discipline.
• An advanced degree / qualification such as Masters or PhD in environmental or social sciences or other relevant discipline highly desirable.
• At least 8 years leading biodiversity / environmental best practice at a global level.
• Have significant and considerable conservation (or related work) experience from Asia or Africa.
• Have relevant ‘real world’ work experience.

Skills

• Must have excellent computer skills, including with Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
• Ability to travel to regional offices and to project locations in Asia and Africa essential.
• Good team player who can help motivate and lead groups.
• Strong writing and public speaking skills.
• Strategic thinker with an ability to clearly visualise the big picture.
• Excellent verbal and written English language skills. Knowledge in other languages desirable.
• Ability to plan and prioritise workload, attention to detail, and to work and deliver under pressure.
• Ability to communicate and work well with people at all levels and to build strong trustworthy relationships with all companies and stakeholders – both internal and external.
• Integrity and discretion when handling confidential information.
• Ability to work with numerical information, plus analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to develop and deliver training with companies and stakeholders – both internal and external.
• Diplomatic approach and the confidence to liaise with high profile company staff and board members desirable.

Experience

Essential:

• A range of ecological experience including field work.
• Experience as an HSES / ESG Manager / Nature Manager (or equivalent role) in a consultancy, DFI, or similar sector.
• A thorough understanding of and experience in, the interpretation and application of financial lending standards including the International Finance
• Corporation (IFC) Performance Standards 6 requirements and a full working knowledge of international conservation frameworks and policies.
• Experience in Environmental Social and Health Impact Assessment (ESHIA) development with a focus on design, review, and implementation of ecological impact assessment, critical habitat assessment, as well as design and review of biodiversity baseline studies.
• Experience in developing and reviewing biodiversity action plans and biodiversity offset strategies.

Desirable:

• A knowledge of nature based solutions/nature enhancements.
• A knowledge of climate and the relationships between nature and climate change
• Experience of working on nature-based carbon projects.
• Experience of delivering training and presenting to a range of public and private stakeholders.
• Experience of nature related disclosures including TNFD reporting.

PIDG is an equal opportunities employer and values the diversity of all its employees, associates, owners, service providers and customers.

Please fill out the form on the 'Application' tab at the top of this panel.