Systemiq is sharing an opportunity for a Head of Operational Improvement with a leading tropical forest restoration organisation operating in West Africa.

Head of Operational Excellence (CEO Office)
Reports to: Co-CEO
Location: West Africa (Ghana / Sierra Leone) preferred; London considered
Travel: Frequent site travel required (minimum ~15 weeks/year if London-based)
Contract: Full-time, permanent — individual contributor role

About the Organisation

A large-scale tropical forest restoration company operating in West Africa, restoring degraded ecosystems through long-term, community-led projects.

With 2,000+ employees across multiple countries and thousands of hectares already restored, the organisation is now scaling rapidly towards 100,000+ hectares under management over the next three years.

Projects align with leading international standards (e.g. VERRA VCS, CCB), delivering measurable climate, biodiversity, and socioeconomic outcomes.

The Role

This role sits in the Co-CEO Office and exists for one reason: to make operations work at scale.

You will go into parts of the organisation where things are unclear, inconsistent, or breaking — figure out what’s actually going on, and fix it. That means building systems, driving adoption, and holding the line until they stick.

You are not tied to a function. You will move across the business — forest protection, restoration, livelihoods, ESG — focusing on the highest-priority problems at any given time.

This is not a strategy role in the abstract. It is a hands-on execution role:
diagnose → design → implement → embed → repeat

The goal is to replace reactive, project-by-project execution with systems that are repeatable, measurable, and owned.

There is no team to hide behind. Progress depends on your ability to cut through noise, build trust quickly, and deliver in messy, real-world conditions.

Key Responsibilities

• Find the real problems: Cut through reporting and surface what’s actually slowing execution down
• Build what’s missing: Design SOPs, workflows, and decision frameworks that teams can realistically use in the field
• Make it stick: Work side-by-side with teams to implement systems and drive adoption — not just design them
• Create accountability: Define KPIs, establish reporting rhythms, and ensure ownership is clear and followed through
• Upgrade how decisions get made: Introduce tools and processes that improve visibility and speed
• Act as an extension of the Co-CEO: Step into priority issues, unblock teams, and drive cross-functional execution
• Represent externally (over time): Engage with senior stakeholders (including government and partners) as a credible operator, not just a messenger

Success in 12–18 Months

• Core operational processes are no longer dependent on individuals — they run consistently across regions
• Leadership has a clear, real-time view of performance (and trusts the data)
• Teams spend less time dealing with recurring issues and more time executing against clear plans
• Accountability is visible and enforced, not assumed
• You are trusted to step into critical issues and represent leadership when needed

Who You Are

• 4–7 years in top-tier operational consulting or similarly demanding operational roles
• You’ve worked on real operational problems — not just slide decks — and have seen implementation through
• Strong structured thinker, but willing to get into the detail when needed
• Comfortable operating without clear answers or clean data
• Able to challenge senior stakeholders and still bring people with you
• Equally credible in the field and with leadership
• High ownership, low ego, and a bias for action
• Resilient — you don’t lose momentum when things get ambiguous or slow
• Willing to spend significant time on the ground
• Motivated by building something that has long-term environmental and social impact

Why This Role

You will be working directly on the hardest operational problems in a fast-scaling organisation — with visibility from the top and very little insulation.

If you want a clearly defined role with stable boundaries, this is not it.
If you want to build systems that actually get used, in a complex, real-world environment, it is.

Systemiq, the systems change company and certified B Corp, was founded to drive the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change by transforming markets and business models in five key systems: nature and food, materials, and circular economy, energy, urban areas, and sustainable finance.

We are guided by the conviction that all system transformations are rooted in human transformations. We must continue to bring more diverse people and voices into real conversations to succeed. We know we don’t have all the answers; we may not even have all the right questions. But we know that open mindsets drive change, so relationships, people, and trust are at the heart of everything we do

We are looking to grow our global network of talented independent consultants with experience in consulting, professional services, and project management. As we frequently require contractors at short notice, we’re building a pool of trusted professionals to support our diverse and high-impact assignments aimed at driving system change worldwide.

With advanced problem-solving, analytical and relationship skills, you will be experienced working on consulting projects to deliver breakthrough insights, action and results. Ideally your background includes working at a leading management consultancy or in a strategy role in industry, public sector or civil society. You are keen to work in a small yet fast growing company where you can play a shaping role and make an impact.

We work with both global blue chip clients, public-private partnerships and ground-breaking new ventures. Recent initiatives include advising on circular economy in Germany, developing go-to-market strategies for new technologies as well as forest restoration and preventing ocean plastic pollution in South East Asia.

The high-performing contractors may be considered for a full-time position when an opportunity becomes available. 

Requirements

• Very strong analytical skills with high level of comfort and enthusiasm for building dynamic excel models and synthesising large data sets
• For Project Manager specific roles, you will have previous experience leading teams on strategy consulting projects
• Ability to work in a stand-alone capacity and deliver a defined output
• Strong problem solving and structuring skills, delivering intuitive presentations of complex data
• Intellectual curiosity and an interest to quickly dive into new topics,
• Skills and experience of relationship management on a senior level,
• Collaborative team player and can-do attitude,
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify opportunities and new initiatives and to turn them into reality.

Associate – India (Ammonia & Industrial Decarbonisation)

Location: New Delhi, India
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract, with path to permanent employment

Our Energy Platform designs and implements corporate and country decarbonisation strategies, promotes emerging clean technologies and green technology clusters, and supports the global energy transition at speed and scale. With a growing footprint in India, we are working at the forefront of one of the world’s most consequential energy transitions.

With around 350 people across offices in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Jakarta, Paris, São Paulo, Nairobi and New York, we are a diverse, mission-driven team united by a shared conviction to accelerate the transition to a sustainable global economy.

Role Overview

Systemiq is seeking a motivated and analytically strong Associate to support the delivery of a flagship initiative aimed at catalysing India’s first wave of low-emissions ammonia investment and accelerating the decarbonisation of the fertiliser sector.

This role sits at the intersection of research, analysis, and stakeholder engagement. The successful candidate will work closely with the Programme Director and Systemiq’s global teams to contribute rigorous analytical outputs, support stakeholder processes, and help build the evidence base for market-shaping decisions.

Working alongside the Programme Director and local partners (including CEEW), the Associate will contribute to both day-to-day delivery and longer-term programme strategy — building skills in energy systems analysis, coalition management, and climate policy.

This is an excellent opportunity for a professional with 3–6 years of experience who is eager to deepen their expertise in industrial decarbonisation and contribute to one of India’s most important climate transitions.

Key Responsibilities

Research & Analysis

• Conduct techno-economic analysis and literature reviews to support programme workstreams on low-emissions ammonia and fertiliser decarbonisation
• Contribute to the development of investment cases, market assessments, and pathway modelling
• Synthesise complex data and insights into clear, actionable outputs for both internal and external audiences
• Use AI and digital research tools to accelerate synthesis and insight generation

Programme Delivery Support

• Support the Programme Director in managing workplans, timelines, and milestones across a multi-year initiative
• Prepare and maintain high-quality documentation, presentations, and reports
• Track programme progress and flag risks or delivery issues in a timely manner
• Coordinate logistics and preparation for stakeholder meetings, workshops, and events

Stakeholder & Coalition Support

• Assist in building and managing relationships with government ministries, fertiliser producers, project developers, and financial institutions
• Support the design and facilitation of coalition structures and working groups
• Prepare briefings, meeting notes, and follow-up materials for senior stakeholder engagements

India Platform Contribution

• Provide on-the-ground support to Systemiq’s growing India presence
• Contribute to internal knowledge management and organisational learning on India’s energy transition
• Support business development and opportunity identification as directed by the Programme Director

Essential Experience

• 3–6 years of experience in strategy consulting, energy, climate, research, or a related analytical field
• Experience in top-tier strategy consulting background is strongly preferred – McKinsey, BCG, Bain
• Demonstrated ability to produce high-quality quantitative and qualitative analysis under time pressure
• Experience contributing to complex projects or programmes in multi-stakeholder environments
• Some exposure to energy systems, industrial sectors, climate policy, or related domains
• Familiarity with applying AI tools to research, synthesis, and data analysis

Core Capabilities

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an ability to work from first principles
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to distil complex analysis into accessible outputs
• High attention to detail and commitment to quality across all deliverables
• Proactive, collaborative working style with the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously
• Comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-moving environments and taking initiative

Additional Experience

• Understanding of India’s energy, industrial, or policy landscape
• Exposure to fertiliser, ammonia, hydrogen, or broader power-to-x value chains
• Experience working across public, private, or non-profit sectors
• Familiarity with climate finance, carbon markets, or sustainable investment frameworks

What This Role Offers

• Opportunity to contribute to a high-impact initiative critical to India’s energy transition and food system resilience
• Direct exposure to senior policymakers, industry leaders, and financial institutions
• Mentorship and development within a high-performing, mission-driven team
• A clear pathway for progression within Systemiq’s growing India platform
• A collaborative, global work environment with diverse programmes, offices and relationships around the world

Banyuwangi Hijau is a program initiated by the Banyuwangi Government to realize a clean city through a comprehensive waste management system. The program is coordinated by the Environmental Office (DLH) of Banyuwangi Government, supported by a cross-sectoral working group. It focuses on four key intervention components: governance, waste system, behavior change & communication (BCC), and innovative financing.

The BCC component is designed to foster sustainable community demand for waste management services through an integrated behavior change campaign. This campaign employs multiple communication approaches, including advocacy, community mobilization, public campaigns, and interpersonal communication.

In particular, interpersonal communication will be implemented through several methods, such as triggering activities, door-to-door outreach, religious community gatherings, and other community meetings. These approaches aim to promote and reinforce proper waste management practices at both household and community levels.

To support the implementation and monitoring of this approach during Phase 3, the BCC team will recruit an additional Technical Assistant. This role will provide support for the strategic approach and field-level implementation, particularly for roll-out activities, achieving participation targets, and maintaining community participation following service roll-out.

OBJECTIVES 

The additional BCC Assistant will support the preparation and implementation of service roll-out activities and ensure sustained community participation following service roll-out.

SCOPE OF WORK

The additional BCC support will be responsible for delivering the following tasks:

1. Support the preparation and implementation of BCC service roll-out activities.
2. Support efforts to maintain community participation following service roll-out (program health).

Contribute to the planning and design of BCC activities.

1. BCC service roll-out activities implemented in assigned areas in line with the approved workplan and implementation strategy.
2. Community participation maintained after service roll-out, including basic monitoring information on participation status and key field issues (program health).
3. Field-based inputs and recommendations provided to support planning and design of BCC activities.

Short activity documentation and brief internal reporting related to roll-out implementation and post–service roll-out participation.

1. Mandatory Qualifications

1. Minimum Bachelor’s degree (S1) in Communication, Social Sciences, Public Health, Development Studies, or other relevant fields.
2. At least two (2) years of experience supporting community-based programs, behaviour change activities, or field-level implementation.
3. Strong local Banyuwangi context, demonstrated by at least one of the following:
• Prior involvement or active participation in community organisations in Banyuwangi, particularly at the district or sub-district level; and/or
• Direct experience working with Banyuwangi communities in community-based, social, or development programs.
4. Familiarity with interpersonal communication approaches, including door-to-door outreach, community meetings, and other community mobilisation activities.
5. Demonstrated ability to work closely with communities, local stakeholders, and implementation teams at village and sub-district levels.
6. Ability to produce basic documentation and reporting, including activity notes and field observations.
7. Good oral and written communication skills in Bahasa Indonesia.
8. Able to work independently in the field while maintaining effective coordination with the BCC team.
9. Willing to be based in or travel to assigned implementation areas as required.
10. Team-oriented, with the ability to maintain accountability and focus on assigned outputs in line with SYSTEMIQ work standards.
11. Ability to understand and communicate in local languages of Banyuwangi (Javanese, Maduranese, and/or Osingnese).

1. Preferred Qualifications

1. Prior experience supporting Banyuwangi Hijau field roll-out activities, community engagement, or participation-based programs.
2. Experience working in programs related to waste management, health, or environmental issues.

Basic English proficiency is an advantage.

PERIOD OF WORK  

July 2026 – December 2027 

Director, Power Systems & Grid Transformation

Location: Amsterdam ( preferred), or London
Reports to: Eveline Speelman, Global Energy Platform Lead
Role type: Full-time

Role Overview

Systemiq is seeking a Director with deep expertise in power system transformation, with a particular focus on grids, system planning, flexibility, market design, utility transformation, and the integration of renewables at scale.

This role will help clients address some of the most critical bottlenecks in the energy transition: grid constraints, connection queues, system adequacy, flexibility markets, transmission and distribution investment, regulatory reform, and the changing role of utilities and system operators.

This is not a generalist energy transition role. We are looking for a senior strategy leader who understands how power systems actually work technically, commercially, and institutionally, and who can help clients unlock the grid, market, and system integration challenges now slowing the transition.

This is a senior leadership role combining:

• Deep power systems expertise
• Top-tier strategy problem solving
• Origination and senior client leadership
• Delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder programmes
• Team leadership and platform-building

You will work closely with Eveline Speelman and global partners to build Systemiq’s work on power system transformation, with a particular focus on grids, flexibility, market design, utilities, and system-level decarbonisation.

Key Responsibilities

Power Systems & Grid Transformation

• Lead work on power system transformation, including grid constraints, transmission and distribution investment, system planning, flexibility, renewables integration, and utility transformation.
• Advise clients on the strategic, regulatory, commercial, and institutional choices needed to accelerate power system decarbonisation.
• Translate technical power system challenges into clear strategic recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Identify the practical barriers slowing power system transformation and shape interventions to overcome them.

Strategic Advisory

• Lead high-impact strategy engagements with corporates, governments, investors, utilities, system operators, and other energy system actors.
• Structure and solve complex, ambiguous problems and translate them into actionable recommendations.
• Advise senior stakeholders, including C-suite leaders and policymakers, on transition pathways, investment priorities, and market-shaping decisions.

Systems Change & Platform Leadership

• Shape and drive system-level interventions beyond individual projects, including coalitions, market-shaping initiatives, and public-private collaboration.
• Identify structural bottlenecks across policy, infrastructure, regulation, market design, and capital allocation.
• Work across sectors and stakeholders to unlock system-wide impact beyond project-level outcomes.
• Contribute to Systemiq’s broader Energy platform strategy and thought leadership.

Origination & Growth

• Identify, shape, and win new work across power systems, grids, utilities, flexibility, and energy transition topics.
• Build trusted relationships with senior clients, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to scaling Systemiq’s Energy platform globally.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor high-performing teams.
• Coach and develop team members, building capability in power systems, analytical problem solving, and systems-level thinking.
• Contribute to a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven culture.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a high-calibre, strategy-led leader with deep power systems expertise and the ability to operate at the intersection of strategy, policy, regulation, infrastructure, and real-economy delivery.

Essential Experience

• Deep experience in power systems, ideally including transmission and distribution grids, system operation, power market design, flexibility, renewables integration, storage, demand response, or utility strategy
• Around 10 to 15+ years’ experience in strategy consulting or energy advisory
• Experience working with or advising utilities, TSOs, DSOs, regulators, energy ministries, market operators, developers, infrastructure investors, or major energy users.
• Strong understanding of how grid constraints, interconnection, flexibility, storage, demand response, market reform, and regulation affect decarbonisation pathways.
• Ability to translate technical power system issues into strategic choices for senior decision-makers.
• Proven track record leading strategy engagements, complex programmes, and senior client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including C-suite leaders, policymakers, regulators, and investors.
• Experience combining advisory work with real-world implementation is strongly valued.

Core Capabilities

• Exceptional problem structuring and analytical rigour.
• Strong commercial judgement and experience in origination and growth.
• Ability to move between high-level strategy and practical implementation.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Systems thinker focused on practical, scalable, real-world outcomes.
• Ability to lead complex work across multiple stakeholders, sectors, and geographies.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in international energy systems, infrastructure investment, large-scale transition programmes, or power market reform.
• Experience with digital, AI, or advanced analytical tools that improve insight generation, modelling, or delivery efficiency.
• Experience building new areas of work, propositions, or client relationships.

Mindset

• Entrepreneurial and opportunity-driven.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and building new areas of work.
• Collaborative, low ego, and mission-driven.
• Pragmatic, intellectually rigorous, and focused on real-world impact.

Why This Role Matters

Power systems are now one of the central constraints in the energy transition. Renewables, electrification, storage, flexibility, industrial decarbonisation, and clean technology deployment all depend on power systems evolving faster than they are today.

This role sits at the centre of that challenge. It will help clients and partners address the grid, market, regulatory, and institutional barriers that determine whether economy-wide decarbonisation can happen at the pace required.

Director, Power Systems & Grid Transformation

Location: Amsterdam ( preferred), or London
Reports to: Eveline Speelman, Global Energy Platform Lead
Role type: Full-time

Role Overview

Systemiq is seeking a Director with deep expertise in power system transformation, with a particular focus on grids, system planning, flexibility, market design, utility transformation, and the integration of renewables at scale.

This role will help clients address some of the most critical bottlenecks in the energy transition: grid constraints, connection queues, system adequacy, flexibility markets, transmission and distribution investment, regulatory reform, and the changing role of utilities and system operators.

This is not a generalist energy transition role. We are looking for a senior strategy leader who understands how power systems actually work technically, commercially, and institutionally, and who can help clients unlock the grid, market, and system integration challenges now slowing the transition.

This is a senior leadership role combining:

• Deep power systems expertise
• Top-tier strategy problem solving
• Origination and senior client leadership
• Delivery of complex, multi-stakeholder programmes
• Team leadership and platform-building

You will work closely with Eveline Speelman and global partners to build Systemiq’s work on power system transformation, with a particular focus on grids, flexibility, market design, utilities, and system-level decarbonisation.

Key Responsibilities

Power Systems & Grid Transformation

• Lead work on power system transformation, including grid constraints, transmission and distribution investment, system planning, flexibility, renewables integration, and utility transformation.
• Advise clients on the strategic, regulatory, commercial, and institutional choices needed to accelerate power system decarbonisation.
• Translate technical power system challenges into clear strategic recommendations for senior decision-makers.
• Identify the practical barriers slowing power system transformation and shape interventions to overcome them.

Strategic Advisory

• Lead high-impact strategy engagements with corporates, governments, investors, utilities, system operators, and other energy system actors.
• Structure and solve complex, ambiguous problems and translate them into actionable recommendations.
• Advise senior stakeholders, including C-suite leaders and policymakers, on transition pathways, investment priorities, and market-shaping decisions.

Systems Change & Platform Leadership

• Shape and drive system-level interventions beyond individual projects, including coalitions, market-shaping initiatives, and public-private collaboration.
• Identify structural bottlenecks across policy, infrastructure, regulation, market design, and capital allocation.
• Work across sectors and stakeholders to unlock system-wide impact beyond project-level outcomes.
• Contribute to Systemiq’s broader Energy platform strategy and thought leadership.

Origination & Growth

• Identify, shape, and win new work across power systems, grids, utilities, flexibility, and energy transition topics.
• Build trusted relationships with senior clients, partners, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to scaling Systemiq’s Energy platform globally.

Team Leadership

• Lead and mentor high-performing teams.
• Coach and develop team members, building capability in power systems, analytical problem solving, and systems-level thinking.
• Contribute to a collaborative, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven culture.

Candidate Profile

We are looking for a high-calibre, strategy-led leader with deep power systems expertise and the ability to operate at the intersection of strategy, policy, regulation, infrastructure, and real-economy delivery.

Essential Experience

• Deep experience in power systems, ideally including transmission and distribution grids, system operation, power market design, flexibility, renewables integration, storage, demand response, or utility strategy
• Around 10 to 15+ years’ experience in strategy consulting or energy advisory
• Experience working with or advising utilities, TSOs, DSOs, regulators, energy ministries, market operators, developers, infrastructure investors, or major energy users.
• Strong understanding of how grid constraints, interconnection, flexibility, storage, demand response, market reform, and regulation affect decarbonisation pathways.
• Ability to translate technical power system issues into strategic choices for senior decision-makers.
• Proven track record leading strategy engagements, complex programmes, and senior client relationships.
• Demonstrated ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders, including C-suite leaders, policymakers, regulators, and investors.
• Experience combining advisory work with real-world implementation is strongly valued.

Core Capabilities

• Exceptional problem structuring and analytical rigour.
• Strong commercial judgement and experience in origination and growth.
• Ability to move between high-level strategy and practical implementation.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.
• Systems thinker focused on practical, scalable, real-world outcomes.
• Ability to lead complex work across multiple stakeholders, sectors, and geographies.

Desirable Experience

• Experience in international energy systems, infrastructure investment, large-scale transition programmes, or power market reform.
• Experience with digital, AI, or advanced analytical tools that improve insight generation, modelling, or delivery efficiency.
• Experience building new areas of work, propositions, or client relationships.

Mindset

• Entrepreneurial and opportunity-driven.
• Comfortable with ambiguity and building new areas of work.
• Collaborative, low ego, and mission-driven.
• Pragmatic, intellectually rigorous, and focused on real-world impact.

Why This Role Matters

Power systems are now one of the central constraints in the energy transition. Renewables, electrification, storage, flexibility, industrial decarbonisation, and clean technology deployment all depend on power systems evolving faster than they are today.

This role sits at the centre of that challenge. It will help clients and partners address the grid, market, regulatory, and institutional barriers that determine whether economy-wide decarbonisation can happen at the pace required.

We have an opportunity to join our Grants Team, which is led by our Global Grants and Partnerships Manager, and sits within our Operations Finance team. The Grants Team works across all our locations, supporting dozens of grants projects.

Grants funding is crucial for SYSTEMIQ’s work; annually it accounts for more than 50% of our project revenues. Management of such grant funding requires ensuring spend is impact-oriented and in compliance with both funders’ contractual requirements and SYSTEMIQ’s standards.

You will also be a crucial part of starting out our presence in Nairobi, and helping to shape our work in the region in the grants space.

About the role

As a Project Grants Finance Manager, you will be responsible for delivering high quality management and oversight of several workstreams that are supported by funding from government, philanthropy and corporate funding sources. You will manage a portfolio of projects, including a large multiyear multimillion grants project funded by NORAD.

You will work closely with a range of internal stakeholders, including senior management, project delivery teams, Systemiq’s Global grants team, and the global finance team, PMO and legal team during the entire lifecycle of projects. Project staff are based across all our locations, and most global operations staff are based in London and Jakarta. Your Line Manager will be our Global Grants Finance Manager, who is based in Berlin.

The key focus of the role is to ensure compliance with company processes and policies, as well as project contractual requirements on due diligence, financial management, expenditure and invoicing, procurement and project auditing and reporting.

In addition, you will play a key role in supporting and developing relationships with funders and delivery partners and helping us to build out our funding network for our grants work in the region.

Project Preparation:

• Develop project budgets and financial plans for project grant funding proposals
• Support our project teams to negotiate cost-efficient budgets and demonstrate value for money
• Ensure project budgeting, staffing plans and preparation complies with company practice and client’s financial control requirements
• Complete formal proposal application processes

Project Delivery:

• Ensure project’s financial requirements are adhered to in relation to company policy, funder requirements and applicable laws and regulations
• Ensure compliance with company and funder procurement rules, and oversee large-scale procurement and tender processes for goods and services
• Lead downstream subcontracting and subgranting, including large-scale procurements for supply of goods and services
• Lead project audits, including sample data, field work and auditor communications
• Liaise with Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable to ensure correct invoicing for funders and suppliers, and track project cashflows
• Complete monthly financial forecasting and expenditure reconciliations to track cashflows and monitor financial position of our largest grants projects, supporting project planning and progress reporting against project delivery framework
• Prepare financial status reports for project and finance team leadership
• Prepare external financial, budgetary and accounting reports to clients / funders
• Liaise with PMO to set up new project finances and close finances of completed projects
• Provide guidance and documentation to the project team to support effective project financial management

General:

• Design and delivery of training materials and workshops on grants financial management
• Support annual company audit processes as required
• Support company’s financial controls, financial planning and financial analysis process (including budget forecasting, proposal pipeline monitoring and invoicing)
• Contribute to company’s best practice development for project financial management and expert grants financial management

The Mindset, Skills & Experience we are looking for

Our ideal candidate will be able to work in different contexts, and are keen to work in a new location for an entrepreneurial company to help shape the business and make maximum impact. You are interested in sustainability inspired by SYSTEMIQ’s mission and approach to system change.

Specifically, you come with a combination of the following mindset, skills, and experience:

• 3+ years’ experience within a project financial management function in a grants context, working on projects funded by governments, multilaterals or philanthropy
• 2+ years’ experience of leading processes on grants budgeting and financial reporting
• Experience of procurement of both goods and services, including supporting or coordinating large-scale tender processes to select suppliers
• Fluent verbal and written English is essential
• Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills
• Ability to maintain a high level of accuracy across complex budgets and expenditure records, with strong process orientation and excellent attention to detail
• Ability to work with confidential material and maintain high standards of discretion
• Ability to multitask and handle competing deadlines
• Collaborative team player and can-do attitude with good communication skills,
• Interest in working on project financial management for projects funded by non-commercial clients and on projects with restricted and unrestricted funding
• Alignment with SYSTEMIQ's values (creativity, challenge, collaborate, change, care).

We are keen to receive applications from all parts of the community.

Location: Kenya (Nairobi preferred)
Contract: 12-month FTC (very likely to extend / convert to permanent)
Team / Platform: Sustainable Finance
Reporting to: Sustainable Finance leadership 

About the role : Systemiq is looking for a Strategy Associate to join our growing Sustainable Finance practice in Kenya, focused on public and development finance. You will help governments and public finance institutions to strengthen financing strategies and mobilise capital for climate, nature and development priorities.

This is a strategy advisory role: working within small, collaborative teams, you will support complex advisory engagements and multi-stakeholder initiatives spanning governments, IFIs/DFIs, bilateral donors and the private sector. You will contribute to workstreams that draw on expertise across Systemiq and external partners, and over time you will have opportunities to shape and lead your own workstreams within the sustainable finance space.

This role blends macro-level strategic thinking with strong research and analytical skills, excellent stakeholder engagement and communication, and the ability to deliver high-quality outputs in fast-moving, stakeholder-heavy contexts. Strategy consulting experience is welcome but not essential.

What you’ll do

• Help support or lead workstreams and deliver high-quality advisory support on public and development finance for climate and nature outcomes.
• Develop structured analysis and synthesize complex information into client-ready materials (strategy decks, technical notes, briefing packs).
• Drive development of sovereign financing strategies, including consideration of macroeconomic context, sovereign risk, debt sustainability and credit dynamics.
• Help design, shape, and assess financing approaches and instruments, including concessional and blended finance, sustainability-linked bonds/loans, debt-for-climate/nature swaps, and risk-sharing structures.
• Support stakeholder engagement across ministries, debt management offices, central banks, IFIs/DFIs, donors and private sector partners, including workshops and convenings.
• Contribute to proposal development, thought leadership and knowledge building within the team.

Mindset, skills & experience

Essential

• Degree/Masters – Economics/Finance/International Development especially welcome
• 2–5+ years of relevant experience, for example in:
• strategy consulting (sustainable finance focus)
• international financial institutions (e.g., IMF, World Bank, AfDB),
• central banks or debt management offices,
• credit rating agencies,
• sovereign research / strategy teams,
• finance ministries or public finance roles,
• development finance / advisory roles with strong sovereign finance exposure.
• Familiarity with the sovereign financing landscape, including concessional finance, blended finance and/or climate and nature instruments e.g. sustainability-linked bonds/loans, debt-for-climate/nature swaps etc.
• Strong problem-solving, analytical and research skills — able to synthesise complex material into clear, structured outputs.
• Excellent communication in English (written and verbal), and demonstrated stakeholder engagement skills
• Strong project discipline and ability to deliver high-quality work under tight deadlines.
• Collaborative team player with an entrepreneurial mindset and strong mission alignment.

Desirable

• Formal study in economics, with a focus on macroeconomics, development economics, climate economics and/or nature economics
• Exposure to public-sector policy or planning, for example within finance ministries, environment ministries, or IFIs/DFIs.
• Familiarity with Sub-Saharan African sovereign contexts and financing priorities.
• Experience supporting stakeholder consultations, convenings or government-facing processes.
• Additional languages (e.g., Swahili, French).

Candidate profile

You are mission-driven and excited by the opportunity to help governments and financial institutions mobilise financing for climate and nature outcomes. You combine intellectual rigour with pragmatism and strong relationship skills. You thrive in small teams, enjoy working across disciplines and stakeholder groups, and want your work to influence real-world decisions.

You will also align naturally with our values: Creativity, Challenge, Collaborate, Change and Care.

Additional information

• Only applications from candidates legally eligible to work in Kenya will be considered.
• Visa sponsorship / relocation costs will not be provided.

Systemiq, the systems change company and certified B Corp, was founded to drive the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change by transforming markets and business models in five key systems: nature and food, materials, and circular economy, energy, urban areas, and sustainable finance.

We are guided by the conviction that all system transformations are rooted in human transformations. We must continue to bring more diverse people and voices into real conversations to succeed. We know we don’t have all the answers; we may not even have all the right questions. But we know that open mindsets drive change, so relationships, people, and trust are at the heart of everything we do

We are looking to grow our global network of talented independent consultants with experience in consulting, professional services, and project management. As we frequently require contractors at short notice, we’re building a pool of trusted professionals to support our diverse and high-impact assignments aimed at driving system change worldwide.

With advanced problem-solving, analytical and relationship skills, you will be experienced working on consulting projects to deliver breakthrough insights, action and results. Ideally your background includes working at a leading management consultancy or in a strategy role in industry, public sector or civil society. You are keen to work in a small yet fast growing company where you can play a shaping role and make an impact.

We work with both global blue chip clients, public-private partnerships and ground-breaking new ventures. Recent initiatives include advising on circular economy in Germany, developing go-to-market strategies for new technologies as well as forest restoration and preventing ocean plastic pollution in South East Asia.

The high-performing contractors may be considered for a full-time position when an opportunity becomes available. 

Requirements

• Very strong analytical skills with high level of comfort and enthusiasm for building dynamic excel models and synthesising large data sets
• For Project Manager specific roles, you will have previous experience leading teams on strategy consulting projects
• Ability to work in a stand-alone capacity and deliver a defined output
• Strong problem solving and structuring skills, delivering intuitive presentations of complex data
• Intellectual curiosity and an interest to quickly dive into new topics,
• Skills and experience of relationship management on a senior level,
• Collaborative team player and can-do attitude,
• Entrepreneurial spirit with the ability to identify opportunities and new initiatives and to turn them into reality.

Job Title: Junior Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Analyst 

Job Summary: 
We are looking for a detail-oriented and motivated Junior Accounts Payable & Accounts Receivable Analyst to support the finance team in managing daily financial transactions. This role will focus on processing invoices, supporting payment cycles, monitoring receivables, and maintaining accurate financial records. The ideal candidate is eager to learn, organized, and able to work collaboratively in a dynamic and international environment. 

Key Responsibilities: 

Accounts Payable (AP): 

• Process vendor invoices, ensuring accuracy and compliance with company policies  

• Support payment runs, including bank transfers and other payment methods  

• Reconcile vendor statements and assist in resolving discrepancies  

• Maintain organized and up-to-date records of accounts payable transactions  

• Assist in month-end closing activities related to AP  

Accounts Receivable (AR): 

• Support the preparation and issuance of client invoices including expense reimbursement. 

• Monitor incoming payments and update financial records accordingly  

• Lead in chasing for outstanding receivables  

• Help reconcile customer accounts and investigate discrepancies  

• Collaborate with internal teams to resolve billing issues  

• Reviewing contracts for invoicing schedules, payment terms etc; 

• Maintenance of supplier onboarding forms and relevant WHT documents.  

General Responsibilities: 

• Maintain accurate financial data in accounting systems  

• Support monthly reconciliations and reporting activities  

• Assist with audit preparation by organizing documentation  

• Follow internal controls, policies, and procedures  

• Identify opportunities to improve processes and efficiency  

Key Competencies: 

• Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy in financial data and transactions  

• Organization: Able to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines  

• Communication: Clear and professional interaction with internal teams and external stakeholders  

• Analytical Thinking: Ability to identify discrepancies and support problem-solving  

• Teamwork: Willingness to collaborate and support team members  

Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Accounting, Finance, or a related field (or in progress)  

• 0–2 years of experience in Accounts Payable, Accounts Receivable, or Finance  

• Basic understanding of accounting principles  

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel  

• Familiarity with accounting systems (e.g., Xero, SAP, NetSuite) is a plus  

• Fluent English (for international environments) 

People HR Operations Associate

Part time (40% to 60%- we have an open mind how this would work in a working week)

We’re looking for a proactive and organised People Operations Associate to join our People team, supporting our European offices — primarily the Netherlands, France, and Germany.

You’ll play a key role in ensuring smooth people operations across the employee lifecycle, from onboarding to offboarding, HRIS management, and supporting day-to-day HR processes.

What you'll be doing

• Contract & Data Management
• Draft and process changes to employment contracts (e.g. contract extensions, hours changes)
• Maintain accurate employee data in our HRIS (iHub) for our European offices
• Keep personal employee files up to date for payroll and audit purposes

Onboarding & Offboarding

• Coordinate onboarding for new joiners across Europe, including scheduling, stakeholder comms, and induction materials
• Track probation periods and follow up with relevant managers
• Manage the leaver process, including exit interviews and offboarding logistics

Regional People/HR Support

• Be the first point of contact for day-to-day People queries from employees in the Netherlands, France, and Germany
• Support local processes such as leave of absence tracking, reference letters, benefits administration, and relocations

Payroll & Reporting

• Assist in preparing monthly payroll changes for European teams
• Provide HR data and reports for internal stakeholders as needed

Project Support

• Contribute to People team initiatives and support with ad-hoc projects
• Help maintain and update People-related content on our intranet

What we're looking for

• Proven HR or People Ops experience in a European context — experience in the Netherlands is essential, with France and Germany also advantageous
• Highly organised, detail-oriented, and confident juggling multiple tasks
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills — you’re approachable, empathetic, and able to work across cultures
• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively
• Fluent in Dutch (native or business level) and proficient in English (spoken and written)

Programme Director – India (Ammonia & Industrial Decarbonisation)

Location: New Delhi, India
Contract: 12-month fixed-term contract via Employer of Record (EoR), with the intention for permanent employment as Systemiq expands further in region

Our Energy Platform designs and implements corporate and country decarbonisation strategies, promotes emerging clean technologies and green technology clusters, and supports the global energy transition at speed and scale. With a growing footprint in India, we are working at the forefront of one of the world's most consequential energy transitions.

With around 300 people across offices in London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Jakarta, Paris, São Paulo and New York, we are a diverse, mission-driven team united by a shared conviction to accelerate the transition to a sustainable global economy.

Role Overview

Systemiq is seeking an entrepreneurial and execution-focused Programme Director to lead and shape a flagship initiative aimed at catalysing India’s first wave of low-emissions ammonia investment and accelerating the decarbonisation of the fertiliser sector.

This role sits at the intersection of programme delivery and market development. The successful candidate will not only lead a complex, multi-stakeholder initiative but also use it as a platform to build relationships, originate new opportunities, and contribute to establishing Systemiq’s long-term presence in India.

Working closely with Systemiq’s global teams and local partners (including CEEW), the Programme Director will act as the on-the-ground hub for delivery, stakeholder engagement, and market shaping across government, industry, and finance.

This is a high-autonomy role suited to candidates who are comfortable operating in ambiguity, building from first principles, and taking ownership of both execution and growth.

Key Responsibilities

Programme Leadership & Delivery

• Lead the design and delivery of a multi-year initiative focused on low-emissions ammonia and fertiliser sector decarbonisation in India
• Define programme strategy, workplans, milestones, and analytical approach
• Oversee high-quality analytical outputs, including techno-economic assessments and investment cases
• Ensure delivery against impact objectives, timelines, and stakeholder expectations

Market Development & Business Origination

• Identify, shape, and originate follow-on opportunities linked to the programme
• Build and maintain a pipeline of potential engagements across industry, finance, and policy stakeholders
• Convert relationships and insights into funded programmes, partnerships, or commercial work

Stakeholder & Coalition Leadership

• Build and manage senior relationships across government ministries, fertiliser producers, project developers, and financial institutions
• Design and lead coalition structures, including defining vision, governance, and engagement models
• Represent Systemiq externally in high-level forums, discussions, and partnerships

Team Leadership

• Manage and develop a small, high-performing team, including 1–2 Systemiq staff (potentially rotating or relocating to India) and a locally hired Associate
• Set clear priorities, provide coaching, and ensure high standards of delivery across the team
• Contribute to hiring and onboarding of additional India-based team members as the platform scales

India Platform Development

• Work in close partnership with Systemiq leadership to shape and scale the organisation’s presence in India
• Provide on-the-ground insight into market dynamics, opportunities, and risks
• Contribute to longer-term strategy, team build-out, and positioning in the region

Essential Experience

• 10+ years of experience in strategy consulting, energy, climate, infrastructure, or related sectors
• Strong track record of leading complex programmes or workstreams in high-performance environments
• Demonstrated experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders across government, industry, or finance
• Proven ability to originate and develop opportunities into funded work, partnerships, or programmes
• Deep understanding of energy systems, industrial decarbonisation, or adjacent sectors
• Experience applying AI tools to research, synthesis, and insight generation

Core Capabilities

• Strong problem-solving and analytical thinking, with the ability to connect detailed analysis to system-level insights
• High level of ownership and comfort operating in ambiguous, fast-evolving environments
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to influence senior audiences
• Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution
• Experience leading and developing high-performing teams

Additional Experience

• Deep, hands-on experience working in India’s energy, industrial, or policy landscape, with a strong local network across government, industry, and/or finance
• Exposure to fertiliser, ammonia, hydrogen, or broader power-to-x value chains
• Experience working across public, private, and non-profit sectors
• Familiarity with market-based mechanisms and climate finance structures

What This Role Offers

• Opportunity to lead a high-impact initiative critical to India’s energy transition and food system resilience
• A central role in shaping Systemiq’s long-term presence in one of the world’s most important transition markets
• Direct exposure to senior policymakers, industry leaders, and financial institutions
• Significant scope for career growth, including potential to shape future team and leadership structure in India
• A collaborative, mission-driven environment with global reach via our diverse programmes, offices and relationships around the world

Role Overview: As a Manager in the Nature & Food platform, you will be responsible for leading key projects, managing complex multi-stakeholder relationships, and driving impactful solutions. You will take ownership of multiple workstreams, oversee project delivery, and guide teams in designing and implementing strategic interventions in food and land use systems. You will play a critical role in translating sustainability insights into action, ensuring high-quality project execution, and mentoring junior colleagues.

We are looking for an experienced leader with deep expertise in sustainability topics, strong project management skills, and a demonstrated ability to drive systemic change through cross-sector collaboration.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and oversee multiple workstreams, ensuring successful project execution and high-impact outcomes.
• Develop and maintain strategic, long-term relationships with key stakeholders, including private sector leaders, government agencies, NGOs, and academia.
• Co-create and implement innovative approaches to balance economic viability, ecosystem regeneration, and social inclusion.
• Conduct and oversee data analysis to extract insights that inform decision-making and strategy.
• Provide strategic guidance and advisory support to partners, helping them design and implement nature-positive business models.
• Lead and mentor junior team members, fostering a collaborative, high-performance culture.
• Contribute to thought leadership by developing insights, frameworks, and recommendations for transforming food and land use systems.

Leadership: You will be a senior member of the Nature & Food team, working under the leadership of Partner Christine Delivanis. Christine advises pioneering companies, philanthropies, and NGOs on sustainability and systems change, focusing on global food system transitions, carbon removal, and regenerative agriculture.

Requirements:

Mindset, Skills & Experience: We are seeking candidates who demonstrate a strong commitment to SYSTEMIQ’s mission and a passion for systems change.

Ideal candidates will bring:

• Education: Master’s degree or equivalent in environmental science, agriculture, economics, business, or related fields.
• Experience: 6+ years of experience in consulting, strategy, project management, or sustainability-focused roles, with significant exposure to complex, multi-stakeholder projects in a global setting.
• Expertise: Deep understanding of sustainability issues, particularly in agriculture, food systems, land use, or biodiversity.
• Leadership & Strategy: Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and engage with senior stakeholders.
• Problem-Solving & Analysis: Exceptional analytical skills with experience in synthesizing complex data into actionable insights.
• Communication & Influence: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to present complex ideas effectively to diverse audiences.
• Entrepreneurial Mindset: Proactive, adaptable, and capable of identifying and executing new initiatives.
• Team Leadership: Experience mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Resilience & Adaptability: Ability to navigate ambiguity and drive projects forward in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Language: Full fluency in English, written, spoken and verbal is required;

Disclaimer: Please ensure you are legally eligible to work/live in your location when applying for this role. Visa sponsorship or relocation costs will not be provided.

Systemiq is sharing an opportunity for a Head of Forest Protection & Community Impact with a leading tropical forest restoration organisation operating in West Africa.

Head of Forest Protection & Community Impact

Ensuring long-term integrity of restored forest landscapes

Department: Permanence
Reports to: CEO
Location: Ghana (Accra or site-based: Bibiani / Dambai)
Direct Reports: 2 (Social Performance Lead, Livelihoods Lead)
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
Functional Team: ~50+ (Protection, ESG)

About the Organisation

The organisation is a large-scale tropical forest restoration company operating in West Africa, focused on restoring degraded, biodiverse ecosystems through long-term, community-centred projects.

With operations across multiple countries, a workforce of 1,000+ employees, and thousands of hectares already restored, the organisation is scaling towards 100,000+ hectares under management.

Projects are long-term and aligned with leading international standards (e.g. VERRA VCS, CCB), delivering measurable climate, biodiversity, and socioeconomic outcomes in partnership with global organisations and local communities.

The Role

This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO, responsible for ensuring that restored and protected forest areas remain secure and viable over the long term.

Forest Protection is the core focus of this role, requiring the design and leadership of large-scale, field-based protection operations. Alongside this, the role integrates community engagement and livelihood programmes to ensure sustainable, long-term outcomes.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in land or asset protection and have evolved into a broader operator, capable of working across protection, community engagement, and programme delivery.

You will lead three integrated functions:

• Forest Protection
• Livelihood Restoration
• Social Performance

Key Responsibilities

Forest Protection 

• Design and scale protection systems across all project sites
• Develop SOPs, patrol strategies, zoning, and incident response frameworks
• Lead and grow field protection teams (~50+, expanding significantly)
• Integrate GIS, satellite, and drone data into operational decision-making
• Ensure all protection activities align with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR)
• Build strong working relationships with local authorities and community leaders
• Establish data-driven monitoring systems to track incidents and performance
• Continuously optimise cost-efficiency as protected areas scale

Livelihood Restoration

• Lead programmes that reduce pressure on forest ecosystems
• Oversee agricultural intensification and related initiatives
• Design locally relevant livelihood interventions
• Align programmes with benefit-sharing frameworks
• Track and report socioeconomic impact

Social Performance

• Oversee community engagement, safeguards, and benefit-sharing
• Ensure compliance with IFC Performance Standards
• Lead land access processes, including FPIC
• Manage social impact measurement and reporting
• Maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders

Security & Human Rights (VPSHR)

• Embed VPSHR principles across all protection operations
• Conduct risk assessments and define rules of engagement
• Oversee training, grievance mechanisms, and incident management
• Ensure transparent reporting to leadership and stakeholders

ESG Oversight

• Provide oversight of ESG reporting via the Social Performance function
• Ensure alignment with investor and certification requirements

What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)

• A scalable, clearly defined forest protection system operating across all sites
• Strong SOPs, patrol models, and incident response frameworks in place
• A high-performing, disciplined protection team with clear leadership structure
• Measurable reduction in encroachment and illegal activity
• Strong, trust-based relationships with local communities and authorities
• Livelihood programmes demonstrably reducing pressure on forest areas

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• 5+ years leading land or asset protection at scale (1,000+ hectares), ideally in sub-Saharan Africa
• Significant field-based operational experience
• Proven ability to lead and scale teams of 50+ personnel
• Experience implementing VPSHR-aligned protection approaches
• Working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards
• Ability to use spatial tools (GIS, satellite, drones) for operational decision-making
• Strong experience engaging with rural communities and local stakeholders
• Background in conservation, land use, or natural resource management

Ideal Background

• Landscape-scale conservation (e.g. African Parks, WCS, park authorities)
• Large-scale agriculture, forestry, or plantation operations
• Extractive industries with strong ESG and community frameworks

Education

• Degree in relevant field (e.g. conservation, environmental science, security, social sciences); advanced degree preferred

Languages

• English required; French or West African languages advantageous

Personal Qualities

• Strong operator with a bias for execution
• Comfortable working in remote, challenging environments
• Able to build systems and teams from the ground up
• Credible across field teams, communities, and senior stakeholders
• High integrity and commitment to human rights
• Motivated by long-term environmental impact

Location

Based in Ghana (Accra or project sites).
Frequent travel to remote field locations required.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and brief cover note outlining relevant experience and motivation