Application Guide
How to Apply for Head of Capital Raising
at BURN
🏢 About BURN
BURN is the world's leading cookstove company, having sold over 4 million stoves across Africa, reducing carbon emissions and improving health, time savings, and economic opportunities for millions. Working here means joining a mission-driven team at the intersection of climate action and social impact, with a proven business model and a strong track record in carbon finance.
About This Role
As Head of Capital Raising, you will lead BURN's efforts to secure equity and project-level finance from institutional investors globally, directly fueling the company's expansion and the scaling of clean cookstove carbon projects. This role is pivotal in bridging climate finance with tangible on-the-ground impact, requiring you to originate and close complex transactions that can transform energy access in Africa.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might involve virtual meetings with a European DFI to discuss a blended finance structure for a new carbon project, followed by an internal call with the CFO to update on fundraising pipeline. Afternoons could be spent preparing pitch materials for a family office in the Middle East and reviewing term sheets for a carbon credit forward sale.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who BURN Is Looking For
- A seasoned capital raiser with 10+ years of experience and a verifiable track record of closing equity and/or debt deals with institutional investors (e.g., DFIs, pension funds, sovereign wealth funds) in Europe, the US, and the Middle East.
- Deeply networked within climate finance, impact investing, and carbon markets, with established relationships at fund managers and family offices that align with BURN's mission.
- Experienced in structuring and negotiating complex project finance for carbon projects, including debt, mezzanine, blended finance, and carbon credit pre-purchase agreements.
- Passionate about climate and social impact, with a clear understanding of how clean cookstoves generate carbon credits and the regulatory landscape (e.g., Article 6, voluntary carbon markets).
📝 Tips for Applying to BURN
Quantify your capital raising success: include total amounts raised, number of deals closed, and types of investors (e.g., 'Raised $50M from 3 European DFIs for off-grid energy projects').
Highlight any experience with carbon project finance or cookstove carbon credits specifically—mention if you've worked with Verra, Gold Standard, or similar standards.
Tailor your resume to show a global investor network: list geographies (EU, US, Middle East) and investor types (pension funds, impact funds, SWFs) you've successfully engaged.
In your cover letter, explicitly connect your past deals to BURN's mission—show you understand how capital raising accelerates carbon emission reductions and social impact in Africa.
Prepare a one-page summary of 3-4 recent capital raising transactions you led, including structure, investor type, and impact metrics (e.g., tons of CO2 avoided).
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
['Your proven ability to close large-scale equity and debt transactions with institutional investors in Europe, US, and Middle East, with specific examples.', "Your experience in carbon finance or climate tech, especially if you've worked on project-level financing for carbon credits or clean energy access.", "Your alignment with BURN's dual mission of environmental sustainability and social impact, demonstrating that you see capital raising as a tool for change.", "Your network: name-drop relevant investor relationships (e.g., 'I have existing relationships with three European DFIs that have funded similar cookstove projects')."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study BURN's latest impact reports and carbon credit methodology (e.g., how many credits per stove, verification standards used).
- → Review BURN's investor base and recent funding rounds—identify which DFIs or impact funds are already involved and who might be missing.
- → Understand the competitive landscape: other cookstove companies (e.g., BioLite, Envirofit) and how BURN differentiates itself in technology and scale.
- → Familiarize yourself with key carbon market trends, especially Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and CORSIA, and how they affect project finance.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Don't submit a generic application—failing to mention specific experience with carbon finance or institutional investors in relevant geographies will signal lack of fit.
- Avoid exaggerating your network: if you claim contacts at certain funds, be prepared to provide references or demonstrate those relationships.
- Don't overlook the social impact angle—BURN is mission-driven; focusing solely on financial metrics without showing passion for the mission could be a turn-off.
📅 Application Timeline
This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.
Typical hiring timeline:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!