Restoring degraded peatland is a key pillar of Scotland’s response to the twin crises of climate change and biodiversity loss. This is an area where we need to deliver transformative change to meet Scotland’s emissions targets and biodiversity conservation ambitions. We are looking for someone with demonstrated experience in green finance to be an effective and proactive advocate of private investment in peatland restoration.
The purpose of the post is to help transform the financing of peatland restoration projects to accelerate the use of private investment alongside public funds. The successful candidate will play a prominent and key role in developing the funding and financing of this high profile and essential task.
The post will identify and provide advice to stakeholders and prospective investors in peatland restoration, securing additional resources and blended finance solutions for an accelerated pipeline of projects. The post will explore and develop innovative financing models, and provide advice and support across all Peatland ACTION delivery bodies.
The post covers the whole of Scotland and will require the ability to travel independently, as public transport is not always available and site are remote. On occasions, this will require travel that necessitates nights away from home.
The post involves developing close working relationships with colleagues across NatureScot, with IUCN’s Peatland Code team, business and finance communities, land managers and with Scottish Government’s Peatland and Private Investment in Natural Capital (PINC) programmes in order to accelerate and transform the financing of peatland restoration.
Context
NatureScot’s Peatland ACTION programme restores damaged peatlands in Scotland. It is integral to the government’s determination for peatland to reduce carbon emissions and contribute wider benefits for biodiversity, water management and green growth.
NatureScot has dual roles in providing leadership on shared services and business solutions across all Peatland ACTION delivery partners and increasing the pace and scale of peatland restoration projects on the ground.
The NatureScot Peatland ACTION Programme is expanding in support of the government’s 10 year, £250m, commitment for restoration. It has an annual budget of ~ £15m and comprises over 50 posts employed or supported by NatureScot.
This post is a new post, recognising the need for added impetus to develop private financing models for peatland restoration that meet Scottish Government’s principles for investment in natural capital.
The post holder will be one of a team of eight managers supporting the Head of Peatland Programme & Strategy and Head of Peatland Delivery in providing strategic direction, tactical guidance and operational management in rapid expansion of peatland restoration. The postholder will work closely with NatureScot’s Green Finance and Natural Capital team.
For further information go to https://www.nature.scot/about-snh/working-us
Closing date: Midday, 3 July 2023
