The Carbon Finance team collaborates extensively with CI field programs and partner organizations to develop and finance a robust pipeline of high-quality Nature-based Solutions (NBS) carbon projects, alongside innovative financing strategies that ensure long-term viability and engagement from the private sector. Drawing on CI’s extensive expertise and technical knowledge, the team enhances the quality and scale of gigatons of emission reductions and removals within both voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Emphasizing impact, the Carbon Finance team prioritizes community engagement and equitable benefit-sharing, biodiversity and environmental co-benefits, and the rigorous application of safeguards.
The Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Delivery will lead the design, execution, and delivery of a portfolio of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon projects across Africa, ensuring field-level implementation adheres to established timelines and aligns with approved work plans, certification benchmarks, and CI’s stringent quality standards. This position will serve as a core member of the Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) team, collaborating closely with the Rob Walton Foundation to mobilize funding for protected areas. The role will oversee stakeholder engagement with project partners while partnering with cross-functional teams to advance critical milestones—such as drafting Project Descriptions (PDs), preparing Monitoring Reports (MRs), and facilitating projects through validation and verification phases. Effective coordination between internal project teams and country offices is essential to maintain alignment, foster accountability, and ensure timely delivery, including conducting periodic field assessments at key stages of project development to evaluate progress, mitigate risks, and provide hands-on support to teams.
The Senior Manager will spearhead the execution of Keystone Protected Area Financing initiatives in partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. Responsibilities encompass fostering early-stage pipeline growth, executing project scoping and due diligence, delivering Technical Assistance—such as conducting feasibility assessments—and performing on-site evaluations. Additionally, the role involves collaborating closely with project partners to advance high-priority opportunities toward full-scale implementation. To maintain transparency, the individual will report project developments to internal stakeholders via designated channels, highlighting critical milestones, potential risks, and key accomplishments across the portfolio.
The Senior Manager will oversee the evaluation of financial and grant reports submitted by project partners, verifying that funds are allocated and utilized in strict compliance with approved budgets and robust financial controls. This role will also assist in compiling and submitting progress reports to the Rob Walton Foundation and other funding entities, ensuring all reporting obligations are fulfilled punctually and with precision. Furthermore, the position will contribute to the establishment and maintenance of robust systems, governance frameworks, and operational procedures to uphold project integrity and optimize delivery efficiency.
This role does not involve direct supervision of personnel.
Executes a range of duties including overseeing daily operations, managing project timelines, coordinating team workflows, and ensuring adherence to quality standards. Conducts thorough performance evaluations, identifies process improvements, and implements strategies to enhance efficiency. Collaborates with cross-functional departments to align objectives, resolves escalated issues, and maintains compliance with industry regulations. Prepares comprehensive reports, tracks key performance indicators, and communicates progress to stakeholders. Additionally, mentors team members, fosters a collaborative work environment, and drives continuous professional development initiatives.
Project managers oversee the end-to-end execution of initiatives, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards. They coordinate cross-functional teams, align stakeholders, and mitigate risks to deliver projects successfully. Responsibilities include defining scope, developing detailed plans, allocating resources, and monitoring progress through structured methodologies. Strong leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills are essential, along with proficiency in project management tools and frameworks. Experience in managing complex deliverables and achieving measurable outcomes is required.
Oversee the execution and administration of a diverse portfolio of nature-based carbon initiatives throughout Africa, collaborating closely with Conservation International (CI) field programs, pertinent CI project teams, external partners, and service providers to confirm alignment with established work plans, allocated budgets, and predetermined timelines.
Support the facilitation of Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) initiatives in partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. This encompasses:
The process involves identifying and delineating potential project opportunities to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and strategic priorities.
We are responsible for designing and executing comprehensive Technical Assistance (TA) packages, ensuring their successful delivery to meet client needs and organizational objectives. This role involves identifying key requirements, developing tailored solutions, and overseeing the implementation process to drive measurable impact and sustainable results.
We contribute to initiatives aimed at securing project funding and investment, ensuring financial viability and alignment with strategic objectives. Our responsibilities include analyzing project proposals, assessing financial risks, and identifying potential funding sources to enhance project success. Additionally, we collaborate with stakeholders to develop compelling business cases and proposals that attract investor interest and support.
Collaborating with Co-Management Partners and Protected Area Management initiatives, the role focuses on strengthening local carbon finance capabilities to support sustainable conservation efforts.
Work collaboratively with stakeholders to craft detailed, project-specific work plans and pinpoint deliverables, establishing clear roles and responsibilities to uphold accountability throughout each phase of the project lifecycle.
Monitor project progress vigilantly, proactively detect potential delays or quality concerns, and enact targeted corrective measures to uphold both timeline adherence and established quality benchmarks.
Develop, implement, and sustain project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure consistent tracking of progress and outcomes.
Collaborate effectively with the finance, grants, and contracts department to monitor project budgets, thereby ensuring the consistent fulfillment of project deliverables throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Build and maintain strong connections with project partners, consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and external service providers to uphold accountability and ensure projects are delivered punctually.
Conduct routine field assessments to evaluate the progress of implementation, partner capabilities, safeguards efficacy, and overall project preparedness.
Collaborate effectively with all staff and teams involved in carbon-related initiatives across the institution—including both field and global programs—to ensure full alignment with Conservation International’s Nature, Climate, and Carbon Strategy, as well as carbon crediting objectives.
Prepare progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other donors, meticulously ensuring all reporting requirements are fulfilled accurately and punctually.
We seek a skilled Carbon Project Development professional to design, implement, and manage initiatives that reduce or remove greenhouse gas emissions. Your responsibilities will include identifying viable carbon reduction opportunities, conducting feasibility studies, developing project documentation, securing necessary approvals, and ensuring compliance with relevant standards. You will collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate carbon reduction strategies into broader sustainability plans and track progress through performance metrics. Proficiency in methodologies such as the GHG Protocol, Clean Development Mechanism (CDM), or Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) is required, along with experience in carbon accounting and project financing. Strong analytical, project management, and communication skills are essential to engage stakeholders and drive impactful outcomes.
As the Carbon Finance Technical Lead, oversee the preparation and execution of Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and associated documentation to facilitate successful project validation and verification, ensuring adherence to relevant carbon standards. You will collaborate closely with project teams, offering guidance on work planning, technical contributions, review processes, monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and managing the work of consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and other external service providers.
Conduct carbon project development training sessions tailored to the unique requirements of CI countries, projects, and partners, as determined by a comprehensive needs assessment.
Conducting thorough evaluations of pipelines and performing comprehensive due diligence assessments are key responsibilities for this role. The position involves analyzing pipeline integrity, operational efficiency, and compliance with regulatory standards to identify potential risks and opportunities. Additionally, the role requires assessing financial viability, technical specifications, and strategic fit to support informed decision-making in pipeline transactions or investments. Strong analytical skills, a deep understanding of pipeline systems, and meticulous attention to detail are essential for success in this position.
Conduct preliminary evaluations, feasibility studies, and thorough due diligence for emerging carbon project opportunities. This role entails comprehensive desktop research and technical evaluation of project-related documents—such as design proposals—along with active collaboration with project stakeholders and, when necessary, on-site due diligence assessments.
Assess anticipated emission reductions and removals, evaluate governance preparedness, review safeguards frameworks, and analyze implementation risks to guide strategic investment choices.
Deliver well-organized insights regarding the feasibility and preparedness of projects for advancement.
Technical Innovation drives the evolution of cutting-edge solutions and pioneering advancements, fostering a culture of creativity and forward-thinking to meet complex challenges. This role champions the exploration of emerging technologies, implementing innovative approaches to enhance operational efficiency and product development. Collaboration with cross-functional teams is essential to translate visionary ideas into tangible outcomes, ensuring alignment with strategic business objectives while maintaining a commitment to excellence and sustainability.
Contribute to the creation and enhancement of carbon-focused tools, frameworks, and templates designed to optimize the processes of data collection, analysis, and storytelling within feasibility assessments, due diligence reports, project descriptions (PDs), and monitoring reports (MRs). These may encompass, among other elements, emissions reduction or removal models, biodiversity and community monitoring protocols, stakeholder engagement strategies, work plans, and theory of change models.
Conduct thorough technical evaluations and provide expert feedback on carbon market standards and methodology reviews spearheaded by the Carbon Finance team.
Safeguards the integrity of projects and ensures compliance with established standards to mitigate risks and uphold organizational policies.
Establish and maintain robust safeguards, adherence to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC) principles, benefit-sharing commitments, and carbon integrity standards through the deployment of qualified professionals, effective systems, and strong governance frameworks.
Bachelor’s degree in finance, accounting, or a related field required; CPA or CMA certification strongly preferred. Minimum of five years of progressive accounting experience, including at least two years in a supervisory capacity, is essential. Proficiency in GAAP standards and experience with ERP systems are mandatory. Exceptional analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills are necessary to collaborate effectively across departments. Candidates must demonstrate a strong commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Required
A bachelor’s degree in forestry, rangeland management, ecology, natural resource management, climate science, environmental science, or a closely related discipline is required.
With a minimum of five to seven years of hands-on experience in developing, conducting due diligence on, or implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS) projects, candidates should demonstrate a proven track record in this specialized field.
Proven expertise in validating and verifying NCS crediting projects, such as those under VCS, Gold Standard, and CCBS frameworks, with hands-on involvement in drafting Project Descriptions (PDs), compiling Monitoring Reports (MRs), and conducting Validation and Verification Body (VVB) audits.
Analytical proficiency is essential, with a strong capacity to construct and evaluate carbon models in accordance with established carbon standards.
Experienced in leading projects with a proven track record of managing cross-functional teams and ensuring accountability among team members and stakeholders for successful delivery.
Experienced in collaborating with local stakeholders, with a keen awareness of the practical realities and obstacles encountered in project development and implementation.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with a wide array of team members, clients, stakeholders, and partners across diverse economic, cultural, religious, gender, and professional backgrounds, spanning multiple countries and geographic contexts.
Proficient in both written and spoken English communication.
Demonstrates strong capacity to perform effectively under tight deadlines, efficiently manage multiple responsibilities, prioritize tasks strategically, and consistently produce high-quality deliverables.
Proven capability in identifying solutions and leveraging existing expertise to create innovative strategies.
Preferred
A relevant field master’s degree is required.
Proficiency in either French or Swahili is required.
Accomplished expertise across diverse Nature-based Solutions (NBS) pathways and project categories, such as forest conservation initiatives (e.g., RED+), native ecosystem restoration efforts (e.g., ARR), enhanced forest management practices (e.g., IFM), sustainable rangeland and grassland management, and blue carbon projects, has been consistently demonstrated.
Proven track record in overseeing diversified carbon project portfolios spanning multiple countries, with a focus on Africa or other emerging market environments.
Proficiency in conducting carbon accounting specifically for soils, including peatlands, wetlands, and rangeland, is required.
Proficient in financial structuring for carbon projects, encompassing revenue forecasting, benefit-sharing frameworks, and financial modeling tailored to such initiatives.
Proven expertise in instructing field teams on the design and execution of forest, carbon, and biodiversity monitoring strategies.
Professional experience in roles involving collaboration with private sector entities on initiatives focused on climate action and nature-based solutions is required.
Applicants must possess hands-on experience collaborating with Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, along with a strong understanding of safeguards frameworks, Free Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC), grievance mechanisms, and benefit-sharing systems in carbon projects.
Having collaborated extensively with governmental stakeholders, you have facilitated the formulation and advancement of policy initiatives across multiple African nations.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
