Background: a leading French investment fund in energy and infrastructure is launching the creation of an environmental activity. The aim is to raise several hundred million euros for reforestation and afforestation projects (NBS – Nature-Based Solutions) in developing countries and in challenging geographical areas.
Challenges prompting the involvement of the firm: the client has no contacts in non-OECD countries and has not identified within its network any potential candidates with experience of investment in sensitive areas (countries affected by conflict or that are politically unstable). It contacted us to identify leaders with experience of investment management and a knowledge of impact projects aimed at restoring nature and maintaining biodiversity.
Added value provided by the firm/Skills used: we studied international projects aimed at forest and mangrove restoration and sustainable development projects designed to capture large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. Through the study we identified global companies and public bodies and drew up an inventory of French players in this field. We provided our client with better information about those shown in their organisation charts and approached key profiles in the field.
Result and recruited profile: we hired a candidate with an engineering and business school background and the ability to understand the scientific and investment challenges of NBS. The candidate has experience in both finance (private equity) and project management in a global public body. Their experience of living in Africa and knowledge of certain emerging countries meant that they were the candidate that best matched the client’s ambitions.