About the Organisation
The Centre for Sustainability Transitions (CST) is a leading research, learning, and engagement centre housed within the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences at Stellenbosch University. CST is dedicated to supporting systemic, just, and sustainable transitions across Africa through transdisciplinary research, postgraduate training, and collaborative partnerships with public institutions, communities, and development actors.
About the Job
The Climate Finance Analyst will support CST’s growing portfolio of work with African Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), with a focus on enabling climate-aligned investment in inclusive and resilient infrastructure. This role is integral to CST’s long-term strategy of strengthening institutional ecosystems across Africa to support a just and climate-resilient development pathway. It offers the Climate Finance Analyst a unique opportunity to gain direct exposure to development finance, contribute to systems-level change, and co-create practical tools that will be used by financial institutions across the continent.
Strong candidates will bring functional expertise in finance and an openness to learning. Ideal applicants will be collaborative, solutions-oriented, and able to work across technical and stakeholder engagement tasks.
This role is part of the Climate Finance Fellowship, a 12-month program designed to bridge the talent gap in the climate finance sector. The Fellowship supports mid-career finance professionals who are looking to transition into purpose-driven, climate-focused work—particularly within nonprofit and civil society organizations across the Global South.
Now entering its second cohort (following a successful inaugural program in 2024–2025), the Fellowship places participants within high-impact host organizations, in full time roles, where they take on a core finance or strategy role related to climate finance. In addition to this placement, Fellows join a cohort-based learning journey that includes:
Tailored climate and leadership development modules
One-on-one coaching and mentorship
Peer learning and community exchange
Access to professional networks in climate and development
A dedicated professional development fund to support individualized learning goals
The Fellowship is led by Surge Climate Talent (SCT), with program design and implementation managed by Global Good x Amani, an international impact consulting and leadership development firm. Together, SCT and GGxAmani work to ensure host organizations are supported, Fellows are set up for success, and the program contributes meaningfully to strengthening the climate finance ecosystem.
This opportunity is especially suited for professionals from the private or public sectors with strong finance or related sector experience who may not yet have worked in climate or nonprofit contexts. It is also open to those currently in the nonprofit sector seeking to specialize in climate finance. Additionally, in this second cohort, the fellowship also includes some legal placements (e.g., in regulatory or compliance-oriented teams), where the role has a clear emphasis on finance-related or corporate law responsibilities, and the organization views this as a long-term strategic role, rather than a short-term or one-off project.
Key Responsibilities
Focus Area 1: Technical Research and Resource Development
Contribute to the development of user-friendly tools and guidance materials to support climate-aligned project preparation
Conduct background research and assist in synthesising relevant policy, financial, and institutional frameworks
Help translate technical concepts into accessible formats for use by development finance institutions
Support validation processes by gathering feedback from key stakeholders and refining content accordingly
Focus Area 2: Institutional Mapping, Stakeholder Engagement, and Support Mechanism Design
Assist with data collection and analysis for a continental mapping of financial institutions, including institutional capacity, governance, and financial flows
Support the design and implementation of interviews, surveys, and stakeholder consultations
Contribute to regional engagement activities, including workshops and learning sessions
Help shape and pilot a support model that provides ongoing assistance to financial institutions, based on identified needs and regional priorities
Requirements
Masters Degree in Finance, Climate Finance or related
Mid-career finance professional with 5–10 years’ experience in investment, infrastructure finance, development banking, or related areas.
Strong technical skills in financial analysis, project preparation, or capital structuring.
Ability to interpret and apply financial frameworks and risk assessment approaches.
Demonstrated ability to produce written outputs, presentations, or financial tools.
Fluent in English (written and verbal).
Excellent interpersonal and communication skills across technical and non-technical audiences.
A collaborative approach, adaptability, and comfort working in dynamic and cross-functional teams.
High degree of professionalism, integrity, and a learning mindset.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Friday 5th September 2025 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
