Associate

ASSOCIATE - SUSTAINABLE FINANCE About Systemiq Systemiq is a system change company dedicated to accelerating the transition toward a net-zero, nature-positive and more inclusive economy. As a certified B Corp, we work alongside businesses, financial institutions, policymakers and civil society organisations to transform five interconnected systems: energy, nature and food, materials and circularity, sustainable finance, and urban transformation. We blend strategy, policy, market design and capital mobilisation to create tangible real-world impact. Since our founding in 2016, Systemiq has expanded to a global workforce of over 300 professionals operating across Brazil, France, Germany, Indonesia, Kenya, the Netherlands, the UK and the US, all united by a commitment to sustainability. The Opportunity We are seeking a Strategy Associate to join our expanding Sustainable Finance practice based in Kenya, with a particular focus on public and development finance. In this role, you will partner with governments and public finance institutions to strengthen their financing strategies and unlock capital for climate, nature and development priorities. Working within small, collaborative teams, you will support sophisticated advisory engagements and multi-stakeholder initiatives involving governments, international financial institutions, bilateral donors and private sector actors. You will contribute to key workstreams that leverage expertise across Systemiq and our external partners, with growing opportunities to lead and shape your own initiatives within the sustainable finance space. The ideal candidate combines macro-level strategic thinking with robust research and analytical capabilities, strong stakeholder relationship skills, excellent communication abilities, and a talent for producing high-quality outputs in dynamic, stakeholder-intensive environments. While strategy consulting experience is valued, it is not required. Your Responsibilities Support or lead workstreams delivering high-quality advisory services on public and development finance targeting climate and nature outcomes. Develop rigorous analytical frameworks and translate complex information into polished client materials including strategic presentations, technical papers and comprehensive briefing documents. Advance the development of sovereign financing strategies by analysing macroeconomic conditions, sovereign risk profiles, debt sustainability considerations and credit market dynamics. Contribute to the design, development and evaluation of innovative financing approaches and instruments, encompassing concessional finance, blended finance structures, sustainability-linked bonds and loans, debt-for-climate and nature swaps, and risk-sharing mechanisms. Facilitate stakeholder engagement across finance ministries, debt management offices, central banks, international and bilateral development institutions, donors and private sector organisations, including organising workshops and multi-party convenings. Participate in proposal development, thought leadership initiatives and ongoing knowledge development activities within the team. What We're Looking For Essential Qualifications Undergraduate or postgraduate degree in Economics, Finance, International Development or related discipline. Between 2 and 5 years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: Strategy consulting with a sustainable finance specialisation. Roles at international financial institutions such as the IMF, World Bank or African Development Bank. Central banking or sovereign debt management positions. Credit rating agencies. Sovereign research or strategy roles. Finance ministry or public finance positions. Development finance or advisory roles with substantial sovereign finance experience. Demonstrated knowledge of the sovereign financing landscape including concessional finance, blended finance mechanisms and climate and nature-focused instruments such as sustainability-linked bonds, debt swaps and similar structures. Strong analytical capabilities and problem-solving skills with the ability to distil complex information into clear, well-structured outputs. Fluent English proficiency both in writing and verbal communication, with proven stakeholder engagement experience. Disciplined approach to project management with demonstrated ability to deliver excellent results within compressed timelines. Genuine team player with entrepreneurial qualities and authentic commitment to our mission. Preferred Strengths Formal training in economics with particular emphasis on macroeconomics, development economics, climate economics or natural capital economics. Background in public sector policy or planning roles within finance ministries, environment ministries or development finance institutions. Knowledge of Sub-Saharan African sovereign financing contexts and regional development priorities. Experience coordinating stakeholder consultations, convenings or government engagement initiatives. Proficiency in additional languages such as Swahili or French. The Ideal Candidate You are driven by purpose and genuinely energised by the prospect of helping governments and financial institutions mobilise resources for climate and nature solutions. You balance intellectual depth with pragmatic thinking and possess strong interpersonal skills. You excel in small team settings, appreciate working across different disciplines and stakeholder communities, and are motivated by the opportunity for your work to shape real policy and investment decisions. You naturally embody our core values: Creativity, Challenge, Collaborate, Change and Care. Role Details Position: Strategy Associate Location: Nairobi, Kenya (preferred)