About the Organisation
The Net Zero Lawyers Alliance (NZLA) is a dynamic and fast-paced nonprofit committed to mobilising commercial lawyers, law firms and the law to accelerate the transition to net zero emissions. The NZLA recognises that lawyers have critical expertise required to transform our financial systems to enable/align with the transition to net zero. We are looking for a Senior Legal Executive to join the NZLA Secretariat. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with a strong legal or policy background and an established professional network to support NZLA’s accelerator groups focused on removing legal barriers to transition.
About the Job
This mid-level role suits a legal professional with experience in finance, trade, or policy who is looking to transition into the climate or nonprofit space. The Senior Legal Executive will oversee the delivery of key NZLA accelerator groups designed to address legal and regulatory challenges in the financial system, with a particular focus on the Asia-Pacific region.
We welcome candidates with a background in project finance, international trade, corporate finance, or broader financial legal practice. This may include lawyers with experience in law firms, in-house legal teams at banks, pension funds, insurers, or accountancy firms (e.g. the Big Four), as well as legal professionals with a policy or regulatory background, particularly those with experience working with financial regulators.
Responsibilities include managing stakeholder engagement, contributing to the development of legal tools and resources, and supporting NZLA’s regional growth in Asia-Pacific. This includes Japan and South Korea, where NZLA is seeking to expand its membership and engagement.
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. Fellows are placed within high-impact host organizations, where they take on a core finance or strategy role. 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
The Fellowship is led by Surge Climate Talent (SCT), with program design and implementation managed by Global Good x Amani, an impact consulting and leadership development firm. Together, SCT and GGxAmani are working to ensure that 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 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.
Key Responsibilities
Programme Management – Project Finance Accelerator Group
Lead coordination of one or more NZLA accelerator groups related to climate-aligned finance
Manage stakeholder engagement across law firms, multilateral development banks, financial institutions, and regulators
Support development and dissemination of legal tools and resources (e.g. risk maps, principles, case studies)
Compile and assess real-world legal and regulatory challenges in financing the transition
Track workflows and ensure delivery of project milestones
Support promotion of outputs through events, convenings, and presentations
Asia-Pacific Regional Engagement and Membership Development
Contribute to NZLA’s outreach and membership strategy in Japan and the wider Asia-Pacific region
Identify and engage potential law firm members and strategic partners aligned with NZLA’s mission
Assist in onboarding new members from the region
Collaborate on the development of region-specific resources, events, and guidance
Ensure NZLA’s work is relevant and accessible to the APAC legal community
Requirements
Technical Experience
Legal qualification with strong grounding in finance, trade, or regulatory law
Familiarity with transactional structures, legal risk frameworks, or policy environments affecting finance and investment
Experience working with or advising financial institutions, investors, regulators, or development stakeholders
Professional Experience
Mid-career legal professional, ideally with experience in law firms, in-house financial institutions, accountancy firms, or financial regulators
Understanding of legal and regulatory environments in Japan
Demonstrated experience managing projects and working across stakeholder groups
Soft Skills and Cultural Fit
Proactive, collaborative, and mission-aligned
Strong written and verbal communication in English
Comfortable working across time zones and independently in a remote environment
Willingness to learn and contribute to cross-sector, global initiatives
Willingness to travel (e.g. to the UK for London Climate Action Week)
Other Desirable Criteria
Japanese language skills
Experience working with multilateral development banks, government stakeholders, or nonprofit initiatives
Familiarity with ESG, climate law, or sustainable infrastructure frameworks
To apply
To apply, email your application by Friday 5th September 2025 to callum@actionappointments.co.za
