Conservation Finance Analyst - ACC65030463

The State of North Carolina is hiring a Conservation Finance Analyst to support the Atlantic Conservation Coalition's mission of enhancing carbon sequestration through natural solutions. Responsibilities include developing financing strategies for nature-based investments, conducting economic analyses, and providing technical assistance. Candidates should have expertise in natural resource economics and experience with financing models. A bachelor's degree and three years of relevant experience are required.
Agency
Dept of Natural and Cultural Resources


Division
HomeTown Strong


Job Classification Title
Program Analyst I (NS)


Position Number
65030463


Grade
NC17


Overview
The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) takes care of the things that people love about North Carolina. DNCR manages over 100 locations across the state, including 27 historic sites, seven history museums, two art museums, five science museums, four aquariums, 35 state parks, four recreation areas, dozens of state trails and natural areas, the North Carolina Zoo, the State Library, the State Archives, the N.C. Arts Council, the African American Heritage Commission, the American Indian Heritage Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, the Office of State Archaeology, the Highway Historical Markers program, the N.C. Land and Water Fund, and the Natural Heritage Program. The Department’s vision is to be the leader in using the state’s natural and cultural resources to build the social, cultural, educational, and economic future of North Carolina.


Description of Work
The Atlantic Conservation Coalition (ACC) program is a multi-state coalition with North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland whose mission is to increase carbon sequestration through protection and restoration of the region’s forests, wetlands, and coastal habitats. The ACC Conservation Finance Analyst position will be responsible for identifying innovative strategies, policies, and impact partnerships that complement and leverage existing funding sources for natural climate solutions delivery while also analyzing and developing future focused opportunities and instruments (programs, policies, instruments, etc.) for durable and scalable nature‑based investments during the grant program and beyond. The position will articulate the business case and economic rationale to drive the adoption, funding, and expansion of nature‑based solutions (NBS) in NC and provide technical assistance to ACC partners as needed. The role will serve as a thought leader on conservation finance and advise the ACC Leadership team.


Key Responsibilities

Expertise in NBS and/or natural resource economics, including conducting benefit‑cost analyses and return on investment for NBS, and a track record of delivering projects that influence external stakeholders and decision making.
Demonstrated experience and familiarity with tools used to finance nature‑based solutions (e.g., revolving funds, low‑interest loans, guarantees, project finance, or bridge financing), including experience with impact investment structures, debt for nature swaps, and other viable financing models.
Experience gathering and organizing information and ability to clearly convey, present, and negotiate complex conservation finance information and ideas in a concise and articulate manner in both written and oral form internally and externally; includes ability to edit and adjust language or terminology to meet the needs of the audience.
Ability to simultaneously support multiple project engagements, develop robust economic frameworks and models, research projects, and author high‑quality reports and write‑ups on relevant topics.

Minimum Education and Experience
Bachelor’s degree from an appropriately accredited institution and three (3) years progressively responsible experience related to the area of assignment.


EEO Statement
The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.


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