Climate Advisory Specialist

responsAbility board seeks a Senior Climate Advisory Specialist in Cape Town to provide technical expertise on climate mitigation and adaptation projects for its investment portfolio.

This position sits within a dynamic team dedicated to climate advisory, based in Cape Town. The specialist will work independently across a broad range of tasks, providing critical technical guidance to the investment team and engaging directly with portfolio companies to ensure robust environmental and social outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Advise the investment team on the technical viability of climate mitigation and adaptation strategies in key target markets.
• Evaluate the environmental and social impacts of projects against fund guidelines through direct engagement with investee companies.
• Conduct greenhouse gas (GHG) impact assessments for various climate mitigation technologies.
• Collaborate with investment support functions, including technical assistance and ESG teams, throughout the investment lifecycle.
• Perform technical and environmental & social due diligence (ESDD) for climate-related projects.
• Facilitate the implementation of technical and environmental & social action plans with portfolio companies.
• Collect and structure key market data on climate solutions for analysis and decision-making.
• Track and summarize critical technological trends in climate mitigation and adaptation.
• Monitor portfolio performance regarding GHG impact and environmental and social risk management systems.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly, and annual performance reports for the team.

Requirements

• Engineering degree with background or experience in renewable energy, energy efficiency, electric mobility, circular economy, or climate-smart agriculture.
• At least six years of experience in climate project development, consulting, or investment firms.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English.
• Solid understanding of GHG accounting principles and methodologies.
• Proven ability to conduct technical assessments of climate interventions.
• Experience in managing environmental and social risks.
• Capability to handle large datasets and conduct independent research.
• Demonstrated interest in development or climate finance.
• Strong proficiency with presentational and quantitative tools.
• Reliable, flexible, and self-reliant with strong intercultural competencies.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, unstructured work environment.

Nice to have

• Prior experience working in a climate change consulting firm.

What the company offers

• An engaging role in a new office located in Cape Town.
• Significant autonomy and room for personal initiative.
• A forward-looking and future-oriented working environment.

About the company

responsAbility is a leading Swiss impact asset manager specializing in private market investing across emerging markets. The firm integrates impact and ESG considerations deeply into its investment process, supported by active engagement with portfolio companies. It is committed to ethical banking practices and driving sustainable change.

• Impact and ESG are embedded throughout the investment process.
• Active engagement with portfolio companies supports sustainable outcomes.
• Commitment to ethical banking and sustainable change.

How to apply

Documents to submit:

• CV
• motivation letter

Application language: English