The Carbon Finance team collaborates with CI field programs and partner organizations to develop and finance a robust pipeline of high-quality nature-based solutions (NCS) carbon projects, supported by innovative financing strategies that ensure long-term viability and engagement from the private sector. Leveraging CI’s extensive expertise and technical knowledge, the team drives the expansion and enhancement of gigatons of emission reductions and removals within both voluntary and compliance carbon markets. A core focus of the CF team is maximizing impact through meaningful community engagement and equitable benefit-sharing, biodiversity and environmental co-benefits, and the rigorous application of safeguards.
The Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Delivery will oversee the execution and completion of a diverse portfolio of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon projects across Africa. This role ensures that on-the-ground implementation adheres to established timelines while aligning with certified standards and Conservation International’s (CI) commitment to excellence. Integral to the Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) initiative, the position will collaborate closely with the Rob Walton Foundation to mobilize funding for protected areas. Managing partnerships with project stakeholders and coordinating with cross-functional teams will be essential to advancing key milestones, such as preparing and submitting Project Descriptions (PDs) and Monitoring Reports (MRs), as well as facilitating validation and verification procedures. The role demands robust interdepartmental and regional coordination to uphold alignment, accountability, and efficient delivery, including periodic field assessments at various project stages to evaluate progress, mitigate risks, and provide hands-on guidance to teams.
The Senior Manager will spearhead the execution of Keystone Protected Area Financing initiatives in partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. Responsibilities include fostering early-stage pipeline growth, evaluating project scope and conducting thorough due diligence, and delivering Technical Assistance—such as feasibility assessments—along with performing on-site evaluations. Additionally, the role involves collaborating closely with project partners to advance high-priority opportunities toward full-scale implementation. To ensure transparency, the individual will report project developments to internal stakeholders through established 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 in strict alignment with approved budgets and maintained under rigorous financial oversight. Additionally, the role will facilitate the compilation of progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other funding entities, guaranteeing that all reporting obligations are fulfilled with precision and punctuality. Furthermore, the position will assist in establishing and maintaining robust systems, governance frameworks, and operational procedures to uphold the integrity of projects and ensure their efficient execution.
This role does not include direct supervisory responsibilities over personnel.
Oversee a diverse range of duties encompassing strategic planning, team leadership, and operational execution to ensure organizational objectives are met efficiently. Facilitate cross-functional collaboration, fostering an environment of innovation and continuous improvement. Monitor key performance indicators to assess progress and identify areas for enhancement, implementing corrective measures as necessary. Develop and maintain robust policies, procedures, and systems to uphold compliance and operational excellence. Provide mentorship and professional development opportunities to cultivate a high-performing workforce, driving both individual and collective success.
We are seeking a seasoned professional to oversee project execution and ensure timely delivery of objectives. This role demands strong leadership to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage stakeholder expectations, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. Proficiency in project planning, resource allocation, and performance tracking is essential, along with the ability to adapt to evolving priorities and deliver results under tight deadlines. Ideal candidates will possess a track record of successful project completions, excellent communication skills, and a strategic mindset to drive efficiency and innovation.
Coordinate and oversee the execution of a diverse portfolio of nature-based carbon initiatives throughout Africa, collaborating closely with Conservation International (CI) field programs, specialized CI project teams, external partners, and service providers to ensure seamless alignment with approved operational plans, allocated budgets, and established timelines.
Support the facilitation of Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) initiatives in partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. Key responsibilities involve assisting with the implementation and coordination of KPF programs, ensuring alignment with the foundation’s strategic goals and objectives.
Proactively identifying and defining potential project opportunities are essential responsibilities within this role, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and organizational priorities.
The development and execution of Technical Assistance (TA) packages are integral to this role, encompassing both the strategic planning and implementation phases. This responsibility involves identifying precise needs, designing tailored solutions, and ensuring the seamless delivery of support to achieve desired outcomes.
Securing project investment involves providing comprehensive support to ensure financial backing and successful execution. This role entails active participation in project development, meticulous assessment of funding requirements, and strategic alignment with stakeholders to obtain necessary resources. Responsibilities include preparing detailed investment proposals, conducting thorough financial analyses, and maintaining transparent communication with investors and financial institutions. Additionally, the position requires proactive risk management, adherence to compliance standards, and ongoing evaluation of project viability to maximize returns and secure sustainable funding.
Collaborate with Co-Management Partners and Protected Area Management to strengthen local carbon finance capabilities.
Under the guidance of relevant stakeholders, craft detailed project work plans and pinpoint critical deliverables, establishing clear roles and responsibilities to uphold accountability throughout the project duration.
Monitor project performance, assess potential delivery risks, and execute corrective measures to ensure adherence to schedule and quality benchmarks.
Develop, implement, and oversee project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure effective tracking and assessment of progress and outcomes.
Collaborate effectively with the finance, grants, and contracts division to monitor project budgets, guaranteeing the consistent fulfillment of project deliverables throughout the entire project lifecycle.
To cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with project collaborators, consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and external service providers, ensuring accountability and adherence to project timelines.
Regular field visits are conducted to evaluate the progress of implementation, assess partner capacity and safeguards performance, and determine overall project readiness.
Collaborate effectively with institutional carbon-focused staff and teams—both field-based and global program initiatives—to maintain consistency with Conservation International’s Nature Conservancy and carbon crediting strategies and priorities.
Prepare progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other donors, maintaining precision and punctuality in fulfilling all reporting obligations.
We are actively seeking a driven professional to spearhead the creation and execution of carbon offset projects, ensuring they meet rigorous environmental standards and deliver measurable climate benefits. This role requires expertise in greenhouse gas accounting, project design methodologies, and adherence to internationally recognized certification frameworks such as the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS) or Gold Standard. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in carbon project development software, and a deep understanding of regulatory and compliance requirements. Responsibilities include conducting feasibility studies, structuring project documentation, engaging with stakeholders, and coordinating with auditors to secure certification. Additionally, the position demands the ability to evaluate project risks, develop monitoring plans, and maintain transparent reporting practices to track progress and impact.
Serve as the technical lead in Carbon Finance to oversee the development and submission of Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and related documentation, ensuring successful project validation and verification in alignment with relevant carbon standards. Facilitate project entities by offering guidance on work planning, contributing expert input and review, conducting monitoring and evaluation, and supervising consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and other service providers.
Provide tailored training initiatives in carbon project development for countries, projects, and partners affiliated with CI, based on identified needs.
Conduct thorough evaluations of pipelines and perform comprehensive due diligence assessments to ensure operational integrity, regulatory compliance, and risk mitigation. Analyze technical specifications, operational data, and environmental factors to identify potential vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, or compliance gaps. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to gather insights, validate findings, and develop actionable recommendations for improvements or corrective measures. Prepare detailed reports summarizing assessments, highlighting key risks, and outlining proposed solutions to stakeholders for informed decision-making. Ensure all evaluations adhere to industry standards, regulatory requirements, and best practices to safeguard asset performance and longevity.
Conduct preliminary evaluations and feasibility studies for emerging carbon project opportunities, involving comprehensive desk-based reviews and technical assessments of project documentation, including design materials. Additionally, facilitate direct collaboration with project stakeholders and perform on-site due diligence visits as required.
Assess anticipated emission reductions and removals, evaluate governance preparedness, review safeguards frameworks, and analyze implementation risks to guide investment strategies.
Deliver insightful assessments regarding the feasibility and preparedness of projects for advancement.
Technical Innovation is responsible for spearheading the development and implementation of groundbreaking solutions to advance the organization’s technological capabilities. This role involves identifying emerging technologies, evaluating their potential impact, and integrating them strategically to drive efficiency, performance, and competitive advantage. The position requires a deep understanding of current industry trends, strong analytical skills, and the ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams to translate innovative concepts into practical applications. Key responsibilities include researching cutting-edge advancements, assessing feasibility and risks, and leading initiatives to adopt or adapt technologies that align with business objectives. Candidates should possess a proven track record of technological leadership, problem-solving expertise, and a passion for driving transformative change.
Facilitate the creation and refinement of carbon-related tools, frameworks, and templates designed to optimize data collection, analysis, and narrative construction for feasibility assessments, due diligence reports, project descriptions (PDs), and monitoring reports (MRs). Duties include, but are not limited to, developing emissions reduction or removal models, biodiversity and community impact monitoring systems, stakeholder engagement strategies, work plans, and theory of change frameworks.
Conduct thorough technical evaluations and provide insightful commentary on revisions to carbon market standards and methodologies spearheaded by the Carbon Finance team.
Safeguards the integrity of projects and ensures robust security measures are in place to mitigate risks and uphold organizational standards.
Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks, qualified expertise, and operational systems to rigorously uphold safeguards, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC), benefit-sharing commitments, and carbon integrity standards.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required. A minimum of five years of experience in software development is necessary, with proficiency in languages such as Python, Java, or C++. Strong problem-solving abilities and excellent communication skills are essential. Experience with full-stack development, cloud services, and DevOps practices is highly desirable.
Required
A bachelor’s degree in forestry, rangeland management, ecology, natural resource management, climate science, environmental science, or a closely related discipline is required.
Requires 5 to 7 years of hands-on involvement in the design, evaluation, or execution of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) initiatives.
Proven expertise in validating and verifying NCS crediting initiatives, such as VCS, Gold Standard, and CCBS projects, encompassing the preparation of Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and conducting Validation and Verification Body (VVB) audits.
Strong analytical capabilities are required, with proficiency in developing and evaluating carbon models in accordance with relevant carbon standards.
Proven track record in project management, encompassing the coordination of cross-functional teams and ensuring accountability for deliverables among both the individual and project stakeholders.
Proficiency in collaborating with local stakeholders, coupled with a comprehensive grasp of the practical complexities and obstacles inherent in project development and execution.
Demonstrated proficiency in collaborating with individuals, organizations, and stakeholders from varied economic, cultural, religious, gender, and professional backgrounds across multiple countries and geographic settings.
Fluent and articulate English communication abilities, both in writing and speech, are essential.
Demonstrates strong resilience and composure in high-pressure environments while efficiently managing multiple tasks simultaneously, ensuring timely and high-quality deliverables through effective prioritization and execution.
Demonstrated problem-solving skills and ability to build on existing knowledge to develop new approaches.
Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Proficiency in either French or Swahili is required.
Accomplished expertise in implementing Nature-based Solutions (NBS) across various pathways and project categories, encompassing forest conservation initiatives (RED+), native ecosystem restoration (ARR), enhanced forest management practices (IFM), sustainable rangeland and grassland stewardship, as well as blue carbon projects.
Experienced in overseeing diversified carbon project portfolios spanning multiple countries, particularly within Africa or other emerging market settings.
Seasoned expertise in soil-focused carbon accounting, particularly concerning peatlands, wetlands, and rangeland, is essential.
Proficiency in the financial structuring of carbon projects is essential, encompassing revenue forecasting, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and the development of robust financial models for such initiatives.
Proven track record in coaching field teams on the design and execution of forest, carbon, and biodiversity monitoring strategies.
Experience working with or within the private sector on climate and NCS-related initiatives.
Applicants should demonstrate hands-on experience collaborating with Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, coupled with a deep understanding of safeguards frameworks, the principles of Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC), grievance resolution mechanisms, and benefit-sharing structures applicable to carbon initiatives.
Proficiency in collaborating with governmental entities and aiding in the formulation of policy across multiple African nations is essential.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
