Investment Director – Fund for Nature

CrossBoundary is a mission-driven investment firm dedicated to unlocking the transformative power of capital in frontier markets — delivering strong financial returns while creating lasting impact. The Investment Director – Fund for Nature is a senior leadership role at the heart of CrossBoundary's natural capital investment strategy, with a focus on reforestation, blue carbon, and sustainable agriculture across emerging markets in Africa and beyond.

Reporting directly to the Head of Fund, the Investment Director will take primary ownership of deal origination, structuring, execution, and portfolio management. This is a rare opportunity for a seasoned impact investor to work at the frontier of sustainable finance, shaping first-of-kind transactions and contributing to the long-term development of a high-performing, purpose-driven investment team based in Nairobi.

• Proactively originate, identify, and qualify investment opportunities in reforestation, blue carbon, and sustainable land use across emerging markets, building a high-quality proprietary pipeline.
• Cultivate and maintain on-the-ground relationships with project developers, government bodies, carbon ecosystem intermediaries, and co-investors to drive deal flow.
• Develop and apply a rigorous screening framework to assess opportunities against the fund's financial return requirements and impact criteria.
• Lead end-to-end investment due diligence including financial modelling, carbon methodology review, legal and regulatory analysis, community safeguards, and country risk assessment.
• Structure and negotiate investment terms for corporate and project-level opportunities, preparing well-reasoned investment committee materials and recommendations.
• Take active post-close ownership of portfolio companies, monitoring KPIs, identifying risks early, and providing hands-on operational support to investees where needed.
• Work with project teams to strengthen operational resilience, improve carbon credit issuance outcomes, and unlock follow-on value creation opportunities.
• Lead identification and cultivation of strategic partnerships — including carbon credit offtakers, technical partners, and research institutions — that strengthen the fund's competitive position.
• Mentor and develop junior team members, embedding analytical discipline and investment best practices across the team.
• Contribute to fund strategy, impact reporting frameworks, and investor relations materials as a senior member of the leadership team.

• Demonstrate at least 10 years of progressive investment experience, with a track record of closing complex deals in emerging or frontier markets.
• Lead the full deal lifecycle independently — from origination and due diligence through structuring, negotiation, and post-investment management.
• Build and execute sophisticated financial models for project-level and corporate investments, including scenario analysis and sensitivity testing.
• Navigate carbon markets, including voluntary carbon standards, carbon methodology review, and credit issuance processes, with practical hands-on expertise.
• Engage confidently with government counterparts, project developers, and co-investors across diverse cultural and regulatory environments.
• Apply knowledge of environmental and social safeguards (e.g. IFC Performance Standards) to assess community and biodiversity risks in natural capital investments.
• Communicate complex investment analysis clearly and persuasively — both in writing (IC memos, reports) and verbally to senior stakeholders and fund LPs.
• Demonstrate experience in sustainable finance, natural capital, conservation finance, or climate-aligned investment strategies.
• Hold a Bachelor's degree in Finance, Economics, Environmental Science, or a related field; a postgraduate qualification or professional certification (e.g. CFA) is strongly preferred.

CrossBoundary offers competitive, internationally benchmarked compensation commensurate with the seniority of this role. Based on the Director-level scope and the organisation's international profile, the estimated monthly gross salary range is KES 500,000 – KES 900,000, subject to experience and qualifications. Specific package details will be discussed during the selection process.

• Mission-driven work with a globally recognised impact investment firm
• Exposure to high-impact, frontier market transactions across Africa
• Professional development and international collaboration opportunities
• Comprehensive benefits package (details shared at offer stage)

Ideal candidates are seasoned investors with a genuine passion for natural capital and sustainable finance — professionals who thrive in ambiguity, are energised by frontier market complexity, and bring both analytical rigour and strong relationship-building skills. You have a demonstrated track record of closing deals, managing portfolios, and mentoring teams in emerging market contexts. Experience in carbon markets, conservation finance, or climate investment is a significant advantage.

Do not apply if you have fewer than 8 years of directly relevant investment experience, have not previously led deal structuring or investment committee processes, or are seeking a purely analytical role without cross-functional leadership responsibilities. This role requires independent judgement on complex, often novel transactions and is not suited to candidates who require highly structured, well-defined investment environments.

• Visit the CrossBoundary careers page or the platform where this role is listed.
• Submit your updated CV and a tailored cover letter outlining your relevant investment experience, your motivation for joining CrossBoundary's Fund for Nature, and a specific example of a complex deal you have led from origination to close.
• Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an initial screening interview, followed by a technical assessment and panel interviews.
• Note: Do not pay any fees at any stage of this recruitment process. CrossBoundary will never request payment for assessments, certificates, or onboarding.