The Carbon Finance team collaborates with CI field programs and partner organizations to identify and fund a robust pipeline of top-tier nature-based climate solutions (NCS) carbon initiatives, supported by innovative financial strategies that promote lasting sustainability and private sector engagement. Leveraging the specialized knowledge and technical capabilities within CI, the team drives the development and enhancement of gigatons of emission reductions and removals within voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Emphasis is placed on maximizing impact through active community involvement, equitable benefit-sharing, biodiversity and environmental co-benefits, and the consistent application of safeguards.
The Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Delivery will oversee the design and implementation of a portfolio of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon initiatives throughout Africa, ensuring adherence to agreed-upon timelines and alignment with certified standards and Conservation International (CI) principles of excellence. This role will also play a pivotal part within the Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) team, collaborating closely with the Rob Walton Foundation to mobilize investment in protected areas. The position will involve managing relationships with project stakeholders and working in tandem with cross-functional teams to advance critical milestones, such as the preparation and submission of Project Descriptions (PDs) and Monitoring Reports (MRs), as well as guiding projects through validation and verification stages. Effective coordination across internal project teams and country offices will be essential to maintain alignment, accountability, and timely delivery, including conducting frequent field assessments at various stages of project development to oversee implementation, evaluate risks, and offer hands-on support to teams.
The Senior Manager will serve a pivotal function in executing 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 procedures, and administering Technical Assistance—such as preparing feasibility assessments, conducting on-site evaluations, and guiding project collaborators toward full-scale implementation. Additionally, the role involves reporting project advancements to internal stakeholders via designated channels, ensuring transparency regarding critical milestones, potential risks, and notable accomplishments within the portfolio.
The Senior Manager will oversee the evaluation of financial and grant reports submitted by project partners to verify compliance with approved budgets and adherence to rigorous financial controls. This role will 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. Moreover, the position will contribute to establishing robust systems, governance frameworks, and operational procedures to uphold the integrity of projects and optimize their successful execution.
This role does not involve direct oversight of personnel.
Oversee daily operations to ensure efficient workflow and optimal performance, maintaining high standards of quality and productivity. Develop and implement strategic plans to achieve organizational goals, aligning resources and priorities effectively. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to foster innovation and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Monitor key performance indicators to assess progress and implement corrective actions as needed. Ensure adherence to company policies, industry regulations, and safety protocols while promoting a culture of accountability and excellence. Provide leadership and guidance to team members, fostering professional growth and development through coaching and mentorship.
Experienced professionals in project management and delivery are sought after to oversee and execute key initiatives from inception to completion. Candidates must demonstrate a proven track record in leading cross-functional teams, adhering to strict timelines, and ensuring deliverables meet quality standards. Responsibilities include defining project scopes, allocating resources efficiently, mitigating risks, and maintaining clear communication with stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle. Strong organizational, problem-solving, and leadership skills are essential, along with the ability to adapt to dynamic environments and drive results-driven outcomes.
Coordinate and oversee the execution 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. This role ensures that project implementation remains fully aligned with approved work plans, allocated budgets, and established timelines.
Support the facilitation of Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) initiatives in partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. Responsibilities encompass coordinating and implementing funding strategies to enhance conservation efforts within designated protected areas.
Responsible for identifying and defining the scope of potential project opportunities, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and strategic priorities.
The development and implementation of Technical Assistance (TA) packages, including their comprehensive scoping and delivery, are key responsibilities.
We contribute to initiatives aimed at obtaining project funding by assisting with necessary resources, documentation, and strategic planning. This role involves collaborating with stakeholders to identify investment opportunities, preparing financial proposals, and ensuring compliance with funding requirements. Additionally, we facilitate communication between project teams and investors to align objectives and secure necessary capital for project execution.
Collaborate with Co-Management Partners and Protected Area Management teams to enhance local carbon finance capabilities.
Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to create tailored project work plans and define specific deliverables, establishing clear roles and responsibilities to maintain accountability throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Monitor project progress, assess potential delivery risks, and initiate corrective measures to uphold schedule adherence and quality benchmarks.
Develop, implement, and oversee project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure accurate tracking of progress and outcomes. Maintain these frameworks to guarantee their continued effectiveness and alignment with organizational objectives.
Collaborate effectively with the finance, grants, and contracts unit to monitor project budgets and uphold project deliverables throughout every phase of the project lifecycle.
Foster strategic partnerships with project collaborators, consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and external service providers, ensuring accountability and adherence to scheduled deliverables.
Perform routine on-site evaluations to monitor implementation advancements, partner capabilities, safeguard adherence, and the overall preparedness of the project.
Collaborate and coordinate seamlessly with institutional carbon-focused staff and teams—including field and global program members—to ensure alignment with Conservation International’s Nature, Climate, and Carbon Strategy and carbon crediting priorities.
Oversee the compilation of progress updates for the Rob Walton Foundation and additional donors, meticulously ensuring all reporting obligations are fulfilled promptly and with precision.
Carbon project development involves identifying, structuring, and implementing initiatives that reduce greenhouse gas emissions or enhance carbon sequestration. This role requires expertise in methodologies for quantifying emission reductions, navigating regulatory frameworks, and engaging with stakeholders to secure funding and partnerships. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility studies, developing project documentation, and coordinating with technical experts to ensure compliance with international standards such as the Gold Standard or Verified Carbon Standard. Additionally, the position demands strong analytical skills to assess project viability, financial modeling capabilities to evaluate economic feasibility, and proficiency in carbon market dynamics to optimize revenue streams.
Serving as the Carbon Finance technical lead, you will oversee the preparation and submission of Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and associated documentation to facilitate successful project validation and verification, ensuring adherence to relevant carbon standards. Responsibilities include guiding project entities in work planning, offering technical expertise and reviews, implementing monitoring and evaluation frameworks, and managing consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and other service providers to ensure high-quality deliverables.
Provide tailored training in carbon project development to countries, projects, and partners within CI, aligned with their specific needs assessments.
Conduct thorough pipeline assessments and perform comprehensive due diligence to evaluate project viability, identify potential risks, and ensure compliance with regulatory and industry standards. This role involves analyzing technical specifications, financial projections, and operational feasibility to inform strategic decision-making. Key responsibilities include assessing asset integrity, scrutinizing contractual obligations, and validating environmental and safety protocols. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, expertise in risk mitigation, and familiarity with industry best practices to effectively support investment evaluations and transaction processes.
You will assist in the initial evaluation, feasibility studies, and thorough due diligence of emerging carbon project opportunities. This role involves conducting comprehensive desk-based reviews and technical assessments of project documentation, including design plans, as well as engaging directly with project stakeholders and, when necessary, performing on-site due diligence visits.
Assess anticipated emission reductions and removals, evaluate governance preparedness, review safeguards frameworks, and identify implementation risks to guide investment strategies.
Deliver well-defined recommendations regarding the feasibility and preparedness of projects for development.
Technical Innovation is responsible for driving advancements in engineering and technology by identifying emerging trends, evaluating novel solutions, and implementing cutting-edge methodologies to enhance product development and operational efficiency. The role requires deep expertise in technical domains, strong problem-solving abilities, and a proactive approach to researching and integrating innovative tools, systems, and processes. Key responsibilities include collaborating with cross-functional teams to assess feasibility, prototype new technologies, and scale solutions to meet business objectives. Additionally, the position involves staying abreast of industry developments, fostering a culture of experimentation, and ensuring alignment with organizational strategic goals.
Assist in creating and refining carbon-related tools, frameworks, and templates to enhance the efficiency of data collection, analysis, and storytelling within feasibility assessments, due diligence reports, PDs, and MRs—encompassing, but not limited to, emissions reduction or removal models, biodiversity and community monitoring, stakeholder engagement initiatives, work plans, and theory of change frameworks.
Conduct technical evaluations and provide input on reviews of carbon market standards and methodologies spearheaded by the Carbon Finance team.
Safeguards the integrity of projects and ensures stringent adherence to compliance standards and risk management protocols throughout all stages of execution.
Establish and maintain robust safeguards, adherence to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC), fulfillment of benefit-sharing commitments, and rigorous carbon integrity standards by deploying qualified professionals, robust systems, and effective governance frameworks.
Seeking a candidate with a Bachelor’s degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience. Proficiency in at least one programming language such as Python, Java, or C++ is required. Experience with software development methodologies, version control systems, and debugging tools is essential. The ideal applicant should have a strong understanding of data structures and algorithms. Knowledge of cloud platforms like AWS, Azure, or Google Cloud is a plus. Excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work collaboratively in a team environment are necessary. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are also required.
Required
A Bachelor’s degree in fields such as forestry, rangeland management, ecology, natural resource management, climate science, environmental science, or related disciplines is required.
With a minimum of five to seven years of hands-on involvement in the design, evaluation, or implementation of Nature-based Solutions (Nb’s) initiatives, you will bring proven expertise to our team.
Professionals applying for this role must possess a proven track record in validating and verifying NCS crediting projects, such as those under the VCS, Gold Standard, or CCBS frameworks. This expertise includes drafting Project Descriptions (PDs), preparing Monitoring Reports (MRs), and conducting audits through Validation and Verification Bodies (VVBs).
Analytical proficiency is essential, enabling the development and evaluation of carbon models in accordance with established carbon standards.
Demonstrated success in leading project initiatives, with a proven track record of effectively managing cross-functional teams and ensuring accountability among team members and stakeholders for on-time, high-quality deliverables.
Skilled in collaborating with local partners, with a keen awareness of the practical realities and complexities encountered in project development and implementation.
Proven experience collaborating effectively with individuals, teams, clients, stakeholders, and partners from varied economic, cultural, religious, gender, and professional backgrounds across multiple countries and geographic settings.
Proficient in both written and spoken English communication.
Demonstrates strong resilience in high-pressure environments, excels in managing multiple tasks simultaneously, effectively establishes and adheres to priorities, and consistently delivers high-quality outcomes.
Proven capability in resolving complex issues and leveraging established expertise to pioneer innovative solutions.
Preferred
A master’s degree in an appropriate discipline is required.
Proficiency in either French or Swahili is required.
Proven expertise spans a diverse array of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) pathways and project categories, encompassing forest conservation efforts such as RED+, the restoration of native ecosystems through Afforestation/Reforestation/Revegetation (ARR), improved forest management initiatives (IFM), sustainable rangeland and grassland management practices, and blue carbon projects.
Demonstrated expertise in overseeing diverse, multi-country carbon project portfolios within Africa or other emerging market environments is required.
Proven track record in conducting carbon accounting for soils, including but not limited to peatlands, wetlands, and rangeland.
Proficiency in the financial structuring of carbon initiatives is essential, encompassing activities such as revenue forecasting, mechanisms for benefit-sharing, and the development of financial models specific to carbon projects.
Proficiency in instructing field teams on the creation and execution of monitoring strategies for forest ecosystems, carbon assessment, and biodiversity preservation is required.
Professional experience in the private sector involving climate initiatives and Nature-based Solutions (NBS) or Negative Emissions technologies (Nets) is essential.
Proficiency in collaborating with Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, coupled with a deep understanding of safeguards frameworks, Free Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC), grievance mechanisms, and benefit-sharing systems in the context of carbon projects.
Professional experience includes collaboration with governmental stakeholders and contributing to policy development initiatives across multiple African nations.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
