The Carbon Finance team collaborates with CI field programs and partner organizations to develop and secure funding for a robust pipeline of high-quality Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon projects. These projects are paired with innovative financing strategies to guarantee long-term sustainability and engagement from the private sector. Leveraging the extensive expertise and technical proficiency within CI, the team enhances the quality and scale of gigatons of emission reductions and removals across both voluntary and compliance carbon markets. Emphasizing meaningful impact, the CF team prioritizes community involvement, equitable benefit-sharing, biodiversity and environmental advantages, and the implementation of robust safeguards.
The Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Delivery will lead the design and execution of a portfolio of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon projects across Africa, ensuring field-level implementation adheres to established timelines and complies with certification standards and Conservation International’s quality benchmarks. 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, partner coordination, and cross-departmental collaboration to advance critical milestones, such as drafting Project Descriptions (PDs) and Monitoring Reports (MRs), and guiding projects through validation and verification stages. Effective alignment with internal teams and country offices will be essential to maintain accountability and efficiency, including conducting periodic field assessments at key project phases to track progress, mitigate risks, and provide hands-on support to field teams.
The Senior Manager will assume a pivotal role in executing the Keystone Protected Area Financing initiative, working in close partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. Responsibilities encompass fostering the growth of early-stage project pipelines, executing comprehensive project scoping and due diligence, and delivering Technical Assistance—such as conducting feasibility assessments, organizing field visits, and assisting project partners in advancing high-priority opportunities toward full-scale implementation. Additionally, the individual will ensure transparent communication of project developments to internal stakeholders via established reporting mechanisms, maintaining clear visibility of critical milestones, potential risks, and key achievements across the entire portfolio.
The Senior Manager will oversee the evaluation of financial and grant reports submitted by project partners to confirm that funds are allocated in strict alignment with approved budgets and maintained under rigorous financial oversight. The role will further assist in compiling progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other funding entities, ensuring all reporting obligations are fulfilled promptly and with precision. Moreover, the position will aid in establishing and maintaining robust systems, governance frameworks, and operational procedures to uphold the integrity and successful execution of projects.
This role does not involve direct oversight of personnel.
Oversee and execute a diverse range of tasks ensuring operational efficiency and adherence to established protocols. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to align objectives, streamline processes, and drive project milestones. Monitor progress through performance metrics, providing timely updates and strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while fostering a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Manage resources effectively to optimize productivity and meet organizational goals.
Experienced professionals are sought to oversee project execution and ensure seamless delivery of key initiatives. The role demands strong leadership to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage timelines, and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. Proficiency in agile methodologies, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation is essential. Additionally, the position requires meticulous planning, budget oversight, and adherence to quality standards to achieve project objectives efficiently.
Coordinate and oversee the execution of a diverse portfolio of nature-based carbon projects spanning the African continent, collaborating closely with Conservation International’s (CI) field programs, specialized project teams, external partners, and service providers to ensure strict alignment with approved work plans, allocated budgets, and established timelines.
In partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation, facilitate the implementation of the Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) initiative. This encompasses a range of duties, such as:
Professional identification and comprehensive scoping of project opportunities are essential responsibilities within this role. This position involves meticulously evaluating potential initiatives to determine their feasibility, strategic alignment, and overall value to the organization. Through thorough analysis and stakeholder engagement, the incumbent will define project parameters, assess resource requirements, and establish clear objectives to ensure successful execution.
The development and execution of Technical Assistance (TA) packages represent a core responsibility, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and stakeholder needs.
We assist in advancing initiatives to obtain project funding and secure necessary investments for successful execution.
Collaborating with Co-Management Partners and Protected Area Management teams to develop and enhance local carbon finance capabilities.
Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, create detailed, project-specific work plans and establish clear deliverables, while outlining essential roles and responsibilities to uphold accountability throughout each phase of the project lifecycle.
Monitor project progress vigilantly, proactively detect potential delivery obstacles, and enact targeted solutions to uphold stringent schedule and quality benchmarks.
Develop, implement, and oversee project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure consistent tracking of progress and outcomes. Regularly assess and refine these frameworks to align with organizational goals and enhance data-driven decision-making processes.
Collaborate effectively with the finance, grants, and contracts division to monitor project budgets, guaranteeing the consistent fulfillment of project deliverables throughout each phase of the project lifecycle.
Foster strategic partnerships with project collaborators, consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and external service providers to uphold accountability standards and ensure punctual project completion.
Perform periodic on-site evaluations to evaluate the advancement of implementation, the capabilities of partners, the effectiveness of safeguards, and the overall preparedness of the project.
Collaborate and maintain regular communication with institutional carbon-focused staff and teams across field and global programs to ensure alignment with Conservation International’s Nature, Climate, and Carbon (NCS) strategies and carbon crediting priorities.
Prepare progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other donors, meticulously ensuring all reporting requirements are fulfilled accurately and punctually.
We focus on advancing carbon project initiatives, driving the development of innovative solutions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and enhance environmental sustainability. Key responsibilities include identifying viable carbon reduction opportunities, structuring project financing, and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards. The role demands a strong background in environmental science, carbon accounting, or related fields, along with proficiency in carbon market mechanisms and project management. Additionally, candidates must possess excellent analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams.
Serve as the lead for Carbon Finance, overseeing the preparation and delivery of Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and associated documentation to facilitate successful project validation and verification while ensuring adherence to relevant carbon standards. Facilitate collaboration with project teams by offering guidance on work planning, technical contributions, reviews, monitoring, and evaluation. Additionally, supervise consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and other service providers to guarantee the quality and compliance of deliverables.
Provide tailored training on carbon project development to countries, initiatives, and partners in CI, based on identified needs.
Conducting a thorough evaluation of pipelines and performing comprehensive due diligence processes.
Support the initial assessment and feasibility evaluation of emerging carbon project opportunities from an early stage. This role involves conducting comprehensive desktop reviews and technical analyses of pertinent project documentation, including design specifics, as well as facilitating direct interactions with project stakeholders. Field visits may also be required to perform thorough due diligence when necessary.
Assess anticipated reductions or removals in emissions, evaluate governance preparedness, review safeguards frameworks, and analyze implementation risks to guide investment choices.
Offer data-driven insights to assess the feasibility and preparedness of projects for advancement.
Technical Innovation spearheads the development and implementation of cutting-edge solutions to propel the organization forward. This role involves researching emerging technologies, evaluating their potential applications, and integrating them to enhance operational efficiency and product offerings. By collaborating with cross-functional teams, the position facilitates the translation of innovative ideas into tangible outcomes, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. Additionally, the role requires a thorough understanding of industry trends, a commitment to continuous improvement, and the ability to communicate complex concepts effectively to diverse stakeholders.
You will contribute to the creation and enhancement of carbon-related tools, frameworks, and templates designed to optimize data collection, analysis, and storytelling within feasibility assessments, due diligence reports, PDs, and MRs—spanning emissions reduction or removal models, biodiversity and community monitoring, stakeholder engagement strategies, work plans, and theory of change frameworks.
Conduct thorough technical evaluations and offer expert commentary on carbon market standards and methodology reviews spearheaded by the Carbon Finance team.
Ensures the protection of assets and the maintenance of project integrity through diligent oversight and adherence to established protocols.
To establish and maintain robust safeguards, Free, Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC), benefit-sharing commitments, and carbon integrity standards, qualified experts, systems, and governance frameworks must be implemented and actively managed.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required, along with a minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development, preferably in a leadership or mentorship role. Proficiency in programming languages such as Java, Python, or C++ is essential, and experience with cloud platforms like AWS or Azure is highly desirable. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to collaborate effectively in cross-functional teams are mandatory. Additionally, candidates should possess excellent communication skills to articulate technical concepts clearly and work well under pressure to meet project deadlines.
Required
A bachelor’s degree in forestry, rangeland management, ecology, natural resource management, climate science, environmental science, or a closely related field is required.
We seek candidates with five to seven years of experience in the development, due diligence, or execution of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) projects.
Experienced in validating and verifying NCS crediting projects, such as those under the VCS, Gold Standard, and CCBS frameworks, with proficiency in preparing Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and conducting audits for Validation and Verification Bodies (VVB).
Demonstrates strong analytical capabilities, with proficiency in designing and evaluating carbon models in adherence to relevant carbon standards.
Proven track record in managing projects, with expertise in leading cross-functional teams and ensuring accountability from both oneself and project partners for successful delivery.
With hands-on experience collaborating with local stakeholders, strong comprehension of the practical complexities and obstacles inherent in project development and execution is essential.
Proven experience collaborating effectively with individuals, clients, and stakeholders from diverse backgrounds—including varying economic, cultural, religious, gender, and professional perspectives—across multiple countries and geographic settings.
Proficient in conveying information clearly and effectively in both written and spoken English.
Demonstrates resilience in fast-paced environments, efficiently juggles multiple tasks, establishes clear priorities, and consistently produces high-quality outcomes.
Proven expertise in resolving complex issues and leveraging established knowledge to devise innovative solutions.
Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent discipline is required.
Proficiency in either French or Swahili is required.
Experienced across various Nature-based Solutions (NBS) pathways and project categories, with proven expertise in forest conservation (RED+), native ecosystem restoration (ARR), improved forest management (IFM), sustainable rangeland and grassland practices, and blue carbon initiatives.
Accomplished professionals with demonstrated expertise in overseeing diversified carbon project portfolios spanning multiple countries, specifically within Africa or other developing market environments.
Proven expertise in conducting carbon accounting specifically for soil ecosystems, including but not limited to peatlands, wetlands, and rangeland.
Proficient understanding of financial frameworks governing carbon initiatives is essential, encompassing revenue projection methodologies, mechanisms for distributing benefits, and the development of financial models specific to carbon projects.
Experience with training field teams on developing and implementing forest, carbon, and biodiversity monitoring plans.
Professionals with prior involvement in climate initiatives and Nature-based Solutions (NCS) within private sector organizations are encouraged to apply.
Seeking candidates with a proven track record in collaborating with Indigenous peoples and traditional communities, along with expertise in safeguard frameworks, Free Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC) processes, grievance mechanisms, and benefit-sharing frameworks tailored to carbon initiatives.
Seasoned professionals experienced in collaborating with governmental entities and contributing to the formulation of policy across diverse African nations.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
