About the Role
The Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) is in search of an exceptional and visionary leader to fill the role of Carbon Program Director. This position will involve providing comprehensive leadership and strategic direction for the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project (NKRCP), a groundbreaking, community-driven soil carbon initiative spanning 22 community conservancies in northern Kenya.
The initiative fosters rangeland restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable grazing practices, climate resilience, and enduring community livelihoods by leveraging carbon finance and landscape stewardship strategies.
The Carbon Program Director will spearhead strategic, technical, operational, and stakeholder leadership for the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project (NKRCP), ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and project milestones.
The position will manage the execution of projects, coordinate governance activities, ensure adherence to carbon standards and national regulations, facilitate community engagement initiatives, administer benefit-sharing frameworks, maintain stakeholder relations, and achieve conservation and livelihood outcomes within participating conservancies.
The ideal candidate will collaborate extensively with NRT senior leadership, community governance bodies, governmental entities, technical collaborators, and various stakeholders to uphold the project’s technical integrity, social acceptance, financial accountability, and alignment with enduring rangeland conservation and community development goals.
Oversee and execute a range of critical duties, including but not limited to strategic planning, team leadership, and process optimization, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and fostering a collaborative work environment. Develop and implement innovative solutions to address challenges, while consistently monitoring performance metrics to drive continuous improvement. Lead cross-functional initiatives, mentor junior staff, and maintain open communication channels with stakeholders to ensure transparency and accountability. Additionally, manage resource allocation efficiently, balance competing priorities, and uphold compliance with company policies and industry regulations.
The position will encompass the following duties and responsibilities:
Offering high-level strategic direction and comprehensive oversight to facilitate the successful execution of projects within partnering conservancies.
Coordinating compliance entails adherence to carbon standards, MRV systems, safeguards, verification processes, and the regulatory framework governing Kenya’s carbon market.
Supporting the establishment and maintenance of governance frameworks, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC) protocols, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and institutional transition strategies forms a key component of this role.
Duties involve cultivating and maintaining strategic relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including community representatives, governmental bodies, funding organizations, technical collaborators, and conservation-focused entities.
Responsibilities include ensuring robust financial oversight, managing risk mitigation strategies, administering grievance reparation systems, and maintaining rigorous project accountability frameworks.
Facilitating coordination among carbon finance initiatives, rangeland restoration efforts, biodiversity conservation, and community livelihood objectives.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record in [specific field or role] and a minimum of [X] years of relevant experience, preferably within [industry or type of organization]. Proficiency in [specific software, tools, or methodologies] is essential, along with strong analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. A degree in [relevant field] is required, and additional certifications such as [certification name] are highly desirable. Experience in [specific tasks or projects] is preferred, demonstrating the ability to [specific outcome or responsibility]. The ideal candidate will exhibit leadership qualities, adaptability to changing environments, and a commitment to continuous professional development.
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in the specified qualifications and requirements outlined below. Candidates are expected to meet the essential criteria, including relevant educational background, professional experience, and specialized skills pertinent to the role. Additionally, applicants should exhibit strong communication abilities, adaptability in dynamic work environments, and a commitment to upholding industry standards. Familiarity with relevant tools, technologies, or methodologies is also required. Furthermore, the ideal candidate will possess the capability to collaborate effectively within cross-functional teams, manage multiple priorities simultaneously, and contribute to achieving organizational objectives.
A postgraduate degree in environmental management, climate change, natural resource management, governance, law, economics, business administration, sustainable development, social sciences, or a closely related discipline is required.
With a minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience in conservation, climate finance, community development, natural resource management, or large-scale program management, the ideal candidate will bring a wealth of expertise to this role.
Experienced in overseeing intricate programs that engage a diverse range of stakeholders, including communities, government bodies, donors, technical collaborators, and private-sector partners.
Proficiency in carbon projects, Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), verification processes, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC), safeguards, benefit sharing mechanisms, or climate finance constitutes a valuable asset for this role.
Proficiency is required in collaborating with community institutions, conservancy governance frameworks, customary leadership structures, and governmental entities at both county and national levels within northern Kenya.
Demonstrated proficiency in strategic planning, analytical thinking, and problem-solving capabilities is essential for this role. Strong interpersonal and communication skills are required to effectively collaborate with cross-functional teams and stakeholders. The ideal candidate must exhibit adaptability to dynamic environments, a results-driven mindset, and a commitment to continuous learning and professional development. Proficiency in relevant software tools and technologies, as well as industry-specific knowledge, is mandatory. Additionally, the ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and maintain high standards of accuracy and attention to detail is critical. Leadership potential and the capacity to inspire and motivate teams toward achieving organizational objectives are highly valued.
The preferred candidate will exhibit a proven ability to showcase their proficiency in this role, with a strong emphasis on the following essential qualities and attributes.
Accomplished strategic leadership capabilities paired with adept stakeholder engagement expertise are essential for this role.
Proficiency in carbon markets, rangeland governance, and community-based conservation is required.
Effective communication, negotiation, and problem-solving skills are essential, enabling clear interaction, strategic bargaining, and efficient resolution of challenges.
Financial oversight and risk management capabilities are essential, encompassing the ability to monitor financial performance, identify potential risks, and implement strategies to mitigate them. This includes analyzing financial data, ensuring compliance with regulatory standards, and developing policies to safeguard assets. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in financial software are required to effectively oversee financial operations and proactively address vulnerabilities. The role demands a proactive approach to identifying trends, assessing risks, and maintaining robust internal controls to support organizational stability and long-term success.
Proven capability to excel in intricate, high-accountability operational settings, demonstrating adaptability and resilience under rigorous scrutiny.
Interested and eligible candidates must submit their applications, which should comprise a cover letter, a comprehensive Curriculum Vitae outlining pertinent experience, academic and professional certificates, a copy of their ID Card, testimonials, a daytime telephone number, an email address, and the names of three professional referees. All applications must be sent to recruit@nrt-kenya.org no later than 5:00 PM on Monday, 8th June 2026.
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
