Jessica Smith

Jessica Smith is Head of Nature at the UN Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI), leading efforts to integrate nature across global finance. She played a key role in establishing the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) and advancing financial sector engagement in the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. She co-authored the “Finance for Nature Positive” working model and has developed extensive technical guidance on nature risks and opportunities.

With deep expertise in nature-related finance, Jessica has led research on unlocking investments into Indigenous- and community-managed landscapes and advocated for Indigenous leadership in emerging nature markets, including the Biodiversity Credit Alliance’s Communities Advisory Panel. She authored the first academic paper linking conservation finance, blended finance, and community-led conservation and holds advisory roles in both public and private sectors.

Before UNEP FI, Jessica directed an environmental finance consultancy and led secretariats for the Equator Principles Association and the Cross-Sector Biodiversity Initiative. She previously held roles at UNEP-WCMC, IUCN, and UNDP.

Jessica holds degrees in environmental studies, business, international development, and finance and is a PhD researcher at the University of Cape Town's Graduate School of Business.