Head/Lead - Climate Finance

About the Role:

On behalf of one of our client organizations, Arthan is hiring a seasoned professional to lead the design and execution of carbon finance and climate investment strategies for a pioneering organization working at the intersection of sustainability, decarbonization, and financial innovation.

This role offers a unique opportunity to influence how carbon markets and climate finance mechanisms are structured and deployed, directly contributing to India's low-carbon transition. You will work closely with internal teams, investors, clients, and regulators to unlock capital, shape strategy, and develop high-impact climate finance instruments.

Key Responsibilities:

• Design and Execute Carbon Finance Strategy: Lead the development of carbon finance frameworks aligned with global and domestic carbon markets to support decarbonization goals.
• Carbon Credit Monetization: Structure and implement end-to-end carbon projects (identification to credit issuance and monetization) under VCS, Gold Standard, CDM, and Article 6.
• Climate Finance Instrumentation: Design and advise on green bonds, ESG-linked debt, and blended finance structures for mobilizing capital toward climate goals.
• Climate & Financial Risk Analysis: Conduct financial and climate risk assessments for sustainable investments and carbon assets.
• Strategic Advisory: Guide public and private stakeholders on ESG frameworks, net-zero pathways, and climate-aligned capital strategies.
• Market Engagement & Thought Leadership: Represent the organization in national/international forums, policy discussions, and investor networks to advance carbon finance ecosystems.
• Team Development: Build and mentor a high-performing, cross-disciplinary team focused on climate and carbon finance.
• Policy & Market Literacy Support: Contribute to capacity building for stakeholders through training programs and market awareness initiatives.

Focus Areas:

1. Carbon Market Development and Project Execution

• Lead the identification, design, and registration of carbon projects in energy efficiency, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions.
• Ensure compliance with MRV (Measurement, Reporting, Verification) standards and carbon credit issuance protocols.
• Monitor developments in both voluntary and compliance markets, incorporating emerging trends into advisory strategies.
• Manage third-party validation and verification processes, ensuring the quality and credibility of emission reduction claims.

2. Climate Finance Structuring and Strategy

• Structure tailored climate finance solutions, including green bonds, ESG debt instruments, and blended finance models that mobilize capital for decarbonization.
• Guide clients in aligning with international climate finance frameworks and integrating ESG principles into investment decision-making.
• Collaborate with internal teams to embed climate finance components in broader consulting assignments.
• Influence policy and regulatory environments to enable scalable adoption of carbon finance solutions across sectors.

Education: 

• Master's in Finance, Economics, Sustainability, Environmental Management, or related fields.

Main requirements:

• Master's degree in Finance, Economics, Environmental Management, Sustainability, or a closely related field.
• 10+ years of experience in financial services or consulting.
• Demonstrated ability to design and execute carbon finance strategies, including experience in carbon credit monetization.
• Strong understanding of carbon market mechanisms like VCS, Gold Standard, CDM, and Article 6.
• Proven experience in structuring financial instruments, green bonds, blended finance, and ESG-linked products.
• Experience conducting climate risk assessments and financial due diligence for sustainability projects.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to translate climate goals into finance-ready models.
• Exceptional leadership and team-building skills, with experience managing cross-disciplinary teams.
• Strong client relationship and stakeholder management capabilities.
• Ability to work at the intersection of policy, technology, and capital.
• Experience representing organizations in external forums, consultations, and networks.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, especially for technical and strategic presentations.
• Adaptability to a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Technical Expertise:

• Expertise in carbon markets and climate finance mechanisms, including familiarity with MRV systems and offset protocols.
• Strong understanding of financial modeling, structuring, and risk assessment for decarbonization projects.
• Hands-on experience with carbon project development and registration under international standards.
• Working knowledge of ESG-linked instruments, green bonds, and regulatory compliance related to sustainable finance.

Soft skills requirements:

• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills for working across functions and with diverse stakeholders.
• High level of adaptability and problem-solving, especially in evolving policy and market environments.
• Strong integrity and accountability in managing financial and environmental data.
• A proactive learning mindset with the ability to absorb new standards, taxonomies, and tools.

Cultural requirements:

• Alignment with the org's mission of sustainability and climate leadership.
• Willingness to engage cross-functionally across technical, policy, and finance teams.
• Open and clear communication style, with respect for feedback and constructive dialogue.
• Ability to collaborate effectively in a high-performance yet purpose-driven culture.
• Entrepreneurial and self-driven, but with a strong sense of team orientation and shared goals.
• Flexibility to operate in both structured consulting environments and dynamic field settings.

Travel expectations:

The role is based in Mumbai but may require domestic and occasional international travel (estimated at 50% of the time), which includes:

• Client meetings across India.
• Site visits for carbon project validation and verification.
• Participation in policy discussions, industry events, and capacity-building workshops.

Deadline to Apply: 8th September 2025