Associate

Associate, Sustainable Finance

Location: Europe (Hybrid)
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.