Programme Director

Please note, this is an initial 12 month contract with possibility of extension. About the Green Finance Institute (GFI) Established in 2019, the Green Finance Institute (GFI) is an independent advisor to governments and investors. It is at the forefront of shaping how finance can be used to facilitate a real economy transition, by designing, testing, and scaling financial solutions that enable capital to flow where it can deliver the greatest impact in the real economy. Bridging the gap between committed capital and impactful solutions, the GFI delivers positive outcomes for climate and nature by aligning policy, development capital, and pipeline development. As a commercially focused philanthropic organisation working with governments and partnering with financial institutions, corporates, NGOs, policymakers, academics and civil society experts, the GFI has mobilised £77bn in committed capital over six years. The GFI is headquartered in London and has a presence in eight countries including Belgium, Brazil, Denmark, Indonesia, the Philippines, Scotland, Singapore, and Spain, and its missions work in built environment, CDR, energy, transportation and nature. What’s the role? This is an opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of sustainable buildings finance. As the leader of the Global Property Linked Finance Initiative (GPLFI), you will be responsible for establishing a new global asset class that can mobilise investment towards climate-resilient and energy efficient buildings globally. PLF is an innovative financing mechanism that links repayment obligations to the property rather than the owner. This approach addresses key barriers to retrofitting – such as high upfront costs and long payback periods – by enabling affordable, long-term funding for environmental upgrades. The Global Property Linked Finance Initiative, launched by the Green Finance Institute and partners, aims to unify fragmented PLF markets by creating shared standards, replicable product pathways, and providing technical assistance to scale PLF globally. This role will set the strategic direction of the GPLFI, oversee a global network of country-specific PLF accelerator programmes, and deliver measurable outcomes that accelerate PLF market development, mobilise private capital towards the transition, and enable climate-resilient and energy-efficient buildings worldwide. Success in this role will depend on your ability to influence and build trust with senior stakeholders across government, finance, and industry. You will convene decision-makers, champion PLF adoption, and drive collaboration that leads to the creation of a new sustainable asset class. Responsibilities Strategic Leadership Define and execute the global vision for GPLFI, ensuring alignment with PLF Principles and Pathways. Ability to set and articulate a compelling strategic vision, balancing long-term objectives with short-term deliverables. Translates ambitious global strategies into actionable plans that deliver PLF markets and tangible, measurable outcomes with a focus on capital mobilisation, accelerated market growth, and climate resilience. Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy Exceptional ability to build trust, energise stakeholders, and inspire action; skilled at convening key stakeholders to champion PLF. Build and maintain relationships with governments, financial institutions, investors, and industry leaders. Secure ministerial-level commitments and influence enabling legislation through global platforms (e.g., COP Country Coalition). Strong cross-cultural communication and diplomacy skills. Programme Delivery Manage a globally distributed team and partner network under a federated governance model. Proven ability to lead large-scale, multi-country initiatives and create collaborative environments that foster innovation and knowledge sharing. Oversee the design and implementation of PLF Accelerators and Capital Market Vehicles in priority countries. Capital Mobilisation Attract catalytic capital and build investor confidence to scale PLF markets. Deep understanding of capital markets and investment structures; ability to design and promote innovative financing solutions. Thought Leadership & Communications Represent GPLFI at global forums (COP, Climate Week, MIPIM) and act as a visible champion for PLF. Skilled in public speaking, media engagement, and simplifying complex financial concepts for diverse audiences. Lead strategic communications to amplify GPLFI’s impact and engage stakeholders. Innovation & Problem-Solving Address systemic barriers to market development with creative, scalable solutions. Tackles challenges such as split incentives and fragmented markets with entrepreneurial thinking and replicable models. Role requirements Established senior leader in climate finance, with demonstrable experience in either green finance, sustainable investment or related fields. Entrepreneurial mindset, with a passion for climate action. Global programme management experience with proven track record of delivering multi-country initiatives with multi-million budgets. Established public profile, experience of representing an organisation at global events as a recognised thought leader. Experience influencing enabling legislation and regulatory frameworks working with a wide range of stakeholders. Capital markets knowledge; familiarity with green finance instruments, PLF structures and securitisation vehicles. Comfortable operating in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment. If this sounds like you: To apply - please submit your CV and a short cover letter (of no more than two sides). Your cover letter should include details of: your skills and in particular your experience that is relevant to this role. how you meet the broader requirements of the role. CVs without a cover letter will not be considered. Please note: If you do not already hold the right to work in the UK and/or require sponsorship in order to continue working here, you should think carefully before applying. The Green Finance Institute is an equal opportunity employer, and we value diversity. If you are invited to interview and need any reasonable adjustments during the interview process, please let us know.