Head of Climate and Energy Investing

ROLE PURPOSE:

The Head of Climate and Energy Investing will lead Sygnus’ climate-focused investment activities across the Caribbean, primarily through the execution of the CCRF equity investment strategy. As a senior member of Sygnus’ investment team, you will lead the development of the core thesis behind equity investments in climate opportunities, derived from based on extensive investment and/or development experience in climate and energy projects. Such knowledge should include key drivers of value creation and financial, operational, strategic, and commercial variables that are part of any potential transaction.

The Head of Climate and Energy Investing will be responsible for assessing equity investments (including early-stage equity investments) in climate-focused opportunities, structuring proposals, and presenting them to relevant committees for approval. He/she will also provide support and project/investment monitoring to facilitate value creation at the Portfolio company level. You will work closely with the CCRF Portfolio Manager to support execution of the CCRF’s Equity Sub-Fund mandate.

As a senior member of the Sygnus team, he/she will champion the efforts and entrance of the region’s top alternative investment manager into climate finance and impact investing. They will be a member of different executive committees, participate in strategy development, and be a thought leader on climate investing in the region.

ABOUT THE FUND:

The Caribbean Community Resilience Fund (CCRF) is an expected US$135M blended-finance fund that provides exposure to key impact sectors such as renewable energy, climate-smart agriculture, sustainable housing, financial services, information, and communication technology (ICT), and blue economy. The key objectives of the CCRF are to mitigate and adapt to climate-related and economic shocks that affect the region and to invest in climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

The CCRF is composed of two sub-funds, a Debt sub-fund and an Equity sub-fund. The Debt sub-fund will focus on investing in economic resilience sectors such as transportation, ICT, access to financing, and sustainable housing. The Equity sub-fund will focus on climate and will provide early-stage catalytic capital in equity and quasi-equity instruments to support climate projects in the areas of renewable energy, blue economy, transportation and e-mobility, and sustainable agriculture. 

The CCRF is anchored by the CARICOM Development Fund with a US$15M commitment and supported with technical assistance through the USAID. Sygnus was selected as the Fund Manager in a competitive process based on track record and networks across the Caribbean. Read more on CCRF at https://bb.usembassy.gov/building-caribbean-resilience-together-caricom-development-fund-and-the-united-states-partner-to-launch-us100-million-fund-for-regional-development/.

KEY ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Investment Origination and Pipeline Development

• Identify and develop the investment pipeline in climate and energy aligned with the CCRF’s strategic objectives.
• Conduct market research and analysis to unlock new investment opportunities that maximize climate impact and additionality.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with potential partners, project sponsors, entrepreneurs, regulators, stakeholders, and industry contacts to source potential investments.

Investment Underwriting and Approval

• Lead the underwriting process for new investments, ensuring thorough due diligence and risk assessment.
• Structure and arrange investments including building financial models, valuations, identification of impact on climate, and negotiating key terms and conditions and exit strategy.
• Lead the investment approval process, ensuring thorough evaluation and alignment with CCRF’s strategic objectives.
• Prepare and present detailed investment proposals to the required investment committees.
• Ensure transparency and accountability throughout the approval process, maintaining high standards of governance and decision-making.

Deal Execution and Closing

Oversee the execution of investment deals, guiding the team through due diligence, structuring, negotiating documentation, and closing processes.

• Ensure all legal, regulatory, and financial requirements are met during the deal execution.
• Collaborate with legal, risk, compliance and finance business units to structure investments effectively.
• Work with consultants and strategic partners to establish and implement tools to track the climate impact of investment such as GHG emissions.
• Structuring appropriate legal and tax structures to optimize investor returns, scalability and operational efficiency.

Investment Exit

• Develop and implement exit strategies for investments, ensuring optimal returns and alignment with CCRF’s long-term goals.
• Manage the exit process, including preparing for divestment, identify strategic buyer, valuation, negotiating terms, and finalizing transactions.
• Ensure smooth transitions and handovers to new owners or managers as part of the exit process.

Strategic and Operational Oversight

• Provide strategic support and operational oversight for the CCRF’s equity investment in climate assets including sitting on Boards of Portfolio projects, etc.
• Oversee and lead the management of portfolio companies, actively support company operating and financial initiatives, oversee execution and implementation of identified value-creation initiatives, and serve as a Board member on behalf of the Fund.
• Develop the core thesis behind investments, derived from extensive investment experience in the sector, strong knowledge and understanding of industry trends, key drivers of value creation and financial, operational, strategic, and commercial variables.
• Develop and implement policies, frameworks, and procedures to guide the CCRF’s investment operations for climate-focused opportunities.
• Support the administration and deployment of funds for Technical Assistance in support of portfolio projects/opportunities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Represent Sygnus in senior-level meetings with limited partners, government officials, industry stakeholders, industry forums/conferences and the broader climate development community.
• Advocate for the CCRF’s mission and objectives, fostering strong relationships and securing support from key stakeholders.
• Engage with Development Finance Institutions (DFIs), Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs), and other funding entities to mobilize resources for CCRF’s initiatives in climate.

QUALIFICATION/SKILLS/EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor's or master’s level degree(s) in Business, Accounting, Management, Engineering, Physics, or another technical field.

• Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) or a similar advanced degree in Accounting, Finance, Investment, Commerce or a related field would be an advantage.

•  10 years of experience, preferably in the Caribbean and/or Latin America in:

• Structuring equity investments in energy projects, and/or climate infrastructure.
• Energy and infrastructure development
• Development and implementation of renewable energy projects, projects in the Blue Economy, and/or other climate-related project developer.
• Working with regulators, EPC contractors, and financier technical consultants to facilitate and execute energy projects.
• Led a team through the entire equity investment process from entry to exit, including origination, negotiation, and investment structuring experience, as well as knowledge of the legal and regulatory environment and the ability to assess management teams and work with them post-investment.

ABOUT SYGNUS GROUP:

Headquartered in Jamaica, Sygnus has operations in Puerto Rico and St. Lucia and is the Caribbean’s leading alternative investment management company with investment funds spanning private credit, real estate and private equity. In addition to our alternative investment solutions, Sygnus also provides its clients with Investment Banking and Wealth Management solutions.

Sygnus is an entrepreneurial and problem-solving business anchored by our 3i’s Principles of Innovation, Independence, and Integrity. Our leading alternative investment (AI) platform is fueled by innovative and transformational strategies that are committed to accelerating growth across the region whilst providing investors with an attractive asset class for their investment portfolios. Led by our team of experts, Sygnus strives to formulate customized solutions for our partners that unlock value whilst positively impacting the society of the region.

Sygnus offers its Team Members an unmatched opportunity to work with the leading alternative investment manager where they will gain exposure to cutting-edge financial solutions in private equity, private credit, real estate, and impact strategies, including investment in climate and economic resilience sectors. Team members work in a dynamic and supportive environment that requires constant collaboration, teamwork, ideation, and creative thinking. Team Members are empowered to sharpen their skills and build successful careers whilst working with industry leaders and industry pioneers. To learn more about Sygnus visit https://sygnusgroup.com/.