Principal Business Developer: Carbon Projects

Anthesis Group is seeking a Principal Business Developer for Carbon Projects in Cape Town, South Africa. The role involves driving the origination and commercialisation of carbon projects, focusing on nature-based solutions, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonisation. Candidates should have a Master's degree and 8-10 years of experience in carbon project development and business development. Responsibilities include market engagement, stakeholder management, and project structuring.
Principal Business Developer: Carbon Projects

Department: Climate & Nature : Carbon Project Development

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: South Africa - Cape Town

Description

About Anthesis
Anthesis is the sustainability activator. Proud to be a B Corp, we seek to make a significant contribution to a world which is more resilient and productive. We do this by working with cities, corporates, investors and other organisations to drive sustainable performance. We develop financially driven sustainability strategies, underpinned by technical expertise and delivered by innovative collaborative teams across the world.

At Anthesis Group, we are truly committed to putting people and our planet at the heart of all we do.

Summary of Role
We are seeking a Principal Business Developer: Carbon Projects to drive the origination, structuring, and commercialisation of high-quality carbon projects across various sectors, including nature-based solutions, agriculture, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonisation. This role requires a strategic thinker with expertise in carbon markets, business development, and project origination. The ideal candidate will have a strong commercial mindset, industry connections, and the ability to drive revenue growth in voluntary and compliance carbon markets.

Key Responsibilities
Business Development & Strategy:
• Identify new market opportunities, partnerships, and revenue streams in voluntary and compliance carbon markets.
• Engage with corporate buyers, investors, and project developers to secure funding and off-take agreements.

Project Origination & Development:
• Identify and assess potential carbon project opportunities, including nature-based solutions, renewable energy, and industrial decarbonisation projects.
• Work closely with internal teams (technical, legal, finance) to develop commercially viable carbon projects.

Market Engagement:
• Stay abreast of carbon market trends, policy developments, and emerging carbon methodologies to inform project development strategies.
Stakeholder Management:
• Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including project developers, corporates, financiers, and regulatory bodies.
Project Structuring:
• Lead negotiations and deal structuring for carbon credit transactions, project financing, and long-term agreements.
• Develop commercially viable project structures, including financial modelling, risk assessment, and investment frameworks.

Contract Negotiation:
• Lead or assist in negotiations on project development agreements, carbon offtake agreements, and funding arrangements.
Strategic Growth:
• Contribute to the strategic growth of Anthesis’s carbon project portfolio, supporting expansion into new markets and sectors.
Collaboration:
• Work closely with internal teams, including technical, and commercial experts, to drive project success.

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Essential:
• A Master’s degree, ideally in Business / Economics, Environmental Sciences, Engineering, or sustainability-related disciplines.
• Minimum 8-10 years of relevant work experience in carbon project development, sustainability consulting, environmental finance, or related fields.
• Proven track record in business development, project origination, and commercial structuring within the carbon markets.
• Strong understanding of carbon standards (e.g., Verra, Gold Standard), methodologies, and project financing mechanisms.
• Experience engaging with corporate buyers, investors, and project developers in the carbon market ecosystem.
• Exceptional negotiation, stakeholder engagement, and commercial acumen.
• Strong analytical skills, including financial modelling and risk assessment.

Desirable:
• Experience in nature-based solutions, agriculture, renewable energy, or industrial decarbonisation projects.
• Knowledge of carbon market regulations, Article 6 mechanisms, and voluntary/international compliance markets.
• A professional network within the carbon markets, corporate sustainability, and climate finance sectors.
• Passion for climate action and sustainability.

Benefits
You will be part of the South African branch of Anthesis. You will have the opportunity to put the company on the map and play a major role in this. We offer a competitive salary, medical aid and public transport allowance, subsidised meals, as well as life insurance and disability cover. In addition, up to 23 days of vacation and opportunities to develop yourself further.

We work from the trendy Kloof Street in Cape Town; the buzzy area of Rosebank in Johannesburg and the laid-back vibe of Ballito near Durban. All our three offices in South Africa are situated at Workshop17 - the address for innovative and cutting-edge companies. Easy to reach, great coffee, and an ideal place to meet people.