The Carbon Finance team collaborates with CI field programs and partner organizations to develop and secure funding for a robust pipeline of high-quality nature-based climate solutions (NCS) carbon projects. These projects are paired with innovative financing strategies to ensure lasting sustainability and robust engagement from the private sector. Drawing on CI’s extensive expertise and technical capabilities, the team enhances the quality of gigatons of emission reductions and removals, positioning them within both voluntary and compliance carbon markets. A core focus of the CF team is delivering measurable impact through active community involvement, equitable benefit-sharing, biodiversity and environmental co-benefits, and the application of robust safeguards.
The Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Delivery will lead the execution and delivery of a diverse portfolio of Nature-based Climate Solutions (NCS) carbon projects throughout Africa, ensuring on-the-ground implementation adheres to established timelines and complies with approved work plans, certification standards, and CI’s commitment to excellence. Additionally, this position will serve as a key member of the Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPF) team, collaborating closely with the Rob Walton Foundation to mobilize financial resources for protected areas. The role will oversee partnerships with project collaborators and work in tandem with cross-functional teams to advance critical milestones, including the preparation and submission of Project Descriptions (PDs) and Monitoring Reports (MRs), as well as guiding projects through validation and verification phases. Effective coordination among internal project teams and country offices is essential to maintain alignment, accountability, and efficient execution, which includes conducting periodic field assessments at various stages of project development to oversee implementation, identify potential risks, and offer hands-on support to field teams.
The Senior Manager will lead the execution of Keystone Protected Area Financing initiatives in partnership with the Rob Walton Foundation. Responsibilities include advancing early-stage project pipelines, conducting scoping evaluations, performing due diligence, and delivering technical assistance—such as feasibility assessments and on-site field visits. Additionally, the role involves guiding project partners through critical phases to achieve full-scale development. The position requires regular reporting to internal stakeholders, ensuring transparency regarding key milestones, potential risks, and notable accomplishments across 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 uphold rigorous financial standards. Additionally, the role will facilitate the compilation of progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other stakeholders, 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 protect project integrity and optimize delivery.
This role does not involve direct oversight of team members.
Responsibilities
Experienced in overseeing project execution and ensuring timely delivery, with a focus on meeting client expectations and organizational objectives. Proficient in coordinating cross-functional teams, managing timelines, budgets, and resources to achieve project milestones. Strong problem-solving and communication skills are essential to drive efficiency and mitigate risks throughout the project lifecycle. Familiarity with project management methodologies and tools is required to maintain accountability and streamline workflows.
Coordinate and oversee the execution of multiple nature-based carbon initiatives across Africa, collaborating closely with Conservation International’s field programs, designated project teams, external partners, and service providers. Ensure all activities are executed in strict adherence to 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, encompassing the following responsibilities:
Conducting thorough identification and definition of project opportunities to assess feasibility, potential impact, and alignment with organizational objectives.
Responsible for developing and executing comprehensive Technical Assistance (TA) packages, ensuring timely and effective delivery to meet strategic objectives. This role involves meticulous planning, coordination, and implementation of TA initiatives to support organizational goals and enhance operational capabilities.
Facilitating initiatives to ensure the acquisition of project funding.
Collaborating with Co-Management Partners and Protected Area Management, you will contribute to the development of local carbon finance capabilities.
Craft project-specific work plans and establish deliverables in partnership with key stakeholders, clearly delineating roles and responsibilities to uphold accountability throughout every phase of the project lifecycle.
Monitor project progress, assess potential delivery risks, and take corrective measures to uphold schedule and quality benchmarks.
Develop, implement, and oversee project monitoring and evaluation frameworks to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and performance standards.
Collaborate effectively with the finance, grants, and contracts unit to monitor project budgets, ensuring project deliverables remain on track throughout the entire project lifecycle.
Oversee collaborations with project partners, consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and additional service providers to uphold accountability and ensure punctual delivery.
Regularly perform on-site evaluations to gauge the progress of implementation, assess partner capabilities, ensure adherence to safeguards, and determine overall project preparedness.
Collaborate effectively with institutional carbon-focused staff and teams across field and global programs to ensure cohesive alignment with Conservation International’s Nature, Climate, and Carbon (NCS) and carbon crediting strategies and priorities.
Prepare progress reports for the Rob Walton Foundation and other donors, ensuring all reporting obligations are fulfilled accurately and within specified deadlines.
We specialize in the strategic creation and advancement of carbon offset projects, driving impactful environmental solutions through innovative methodologies. This role demands expertise in identifying high-quality carbon credit opportunities, conducting rigorous feasibility analyses, and developing projects that meet rigorous certification standards. Key responsibilities include engaging with stakeholders to secure partnerships, navigating regulatory frameworks, and ensuring project scalability while maintaining integrity and transparency throughout the development lifecycle. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in carbon markets, project finance, environmental science, or related disciplines, coupled with exceptional analytical and communication skills to bridge technical and commercial gaps. Proficiency in carbon accounting principles and a commitment to sustainable development goals are essential for success in this dynamic field.
As the Carbon Finance technical lead, you will oversee the management and delivery of Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and other relevant documentation to facilitate project validation and verification processes while ensuring adherence to applicable carbon standards. Your responsibilities will encompass providing project entities with assistance in work planning, technical input and review, monitoring and evaluation, as well as supervising consultants, Validation & Verification Bodies (VVBs), and other external service providers.
Facilitate tailored carbon project development training for countries, projects, and partners in CI, based on identified needs assessments.
Pipeline Assessment & Due Diligence involves a thorough examination of existing infrastructure to identify potential risks, inefficiencies, or compliance gaps. This process includes analyzing operational performance, evaluating structural integrity, and assessing adherence to regulatory standards. Professionals in this role must possess strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and expertise in risk management. Responsibilities may encompass conducting field inspections, reviewing maintenance records, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to implement corrective measures. The position requires familiarity with industry best practices, technical documentation, and relevant regulatory frameworks to ensure informed decision-making and proactive mitigation of pipeline-related hazards.
Facilitate preliminary evaluations, feasibility studies, and thorough due diligence evaluations for emerging carbon project prospects. This involves conducting comprehensive desktop reviews and performing technical analyses of pertinent project documentation, including design plans, in addition to engaging directly with project stakeholders and undertaking on-site due diligence assessments when necessary.
Assess anticipated emission reductions and removals, evaluate governance preparedness, review safeguards frameworks, and identify potential implementation risks to guide investment choices.
Deliver well-organized guidance on the feasibility and preparedness of projects for advancement.
We are seeking a forward-thinking professional to drive and spearhead breakthroughs in technical innovation. This role requires a deep understanding of emerging technologies, alongside the ability to assess their practical applications across our operations. You will be responsible for identifying new opportunities, evaluating their feasibility, and integrating innovative solutions to enhance efficiency, performance, and scalability. Collaboration with cross-functional teams will be essential to foster a culture of continuous improvement and to align technological advancements with strategic business objectives. The ideal candidate will possess strong analytical skills, a passion for problem-solving, and a proven track record of translating complex technical concepts into actionable strategies.
We assist in creating carbon-related tools, frameworks, and templates aimed at optimizing data collection, analysis, and storytelling within feasibility assessments, due diligence reports, project descriptions (PDs), and monitoring reports (MRs). This includes, but is not limited to, emissions reduction or removal models, biodiversity and community monitoring frameworks, stakeholder engagement strategies, work plans, and theory of change models.
Deliver expert technical evaluations and feedback on revisions to carbon market standards and methodologies, which will be spearheaded by the Carbon Finance team.
Safeguards and ensures the integrity of projects, maintaining compliance with organizational policies, industry standards, and regulatory requirements. Monitors project activities to identify and mitigate risks, preventing potential violations or integrity breaches. Develops and implements robust controls and monitoring mechanisms to uphold ethical standards and accountability throughout project lifecycles. Collaborates with cross-functional teams to foster a culture of integrity, providing guidance and training where necessary. Reports on safeguarding efforts and integrity metrics, recommending corrective actions to address identified gaps.
Qualified professionals, robust systems, and effective governance frameworks must be established to uphold safeguards, ensure adherence to Free, Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC), fulfill benefit-sharing obligations, and maintain carbon integrity standards.
Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science, Engineering, or a related field is required, and candidates with a Master’s degree will be given preference. A minimum of 5 years of professional experience in software development, specializing in Java, Python, or C++, is essential. Proficiency in full-stack development, software architecture design, and cloud platforms is mandatory. Strong problem-solving skills, excellent communication abilities, and a collaborative mindset are also required. Candidates must possess a proven track record of delivering high-quality software solutions and demonstrated leadership in mentoring junior developers. Familiarity with Agile methodologies 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.
A minimum of five to seven years of hands-on experience in the development, due diligence, or execution of Nature-based Solutions (NBS) projects is required.
Proven expertise in validating and verifying NCS crediting projects—such as those under VCS, Gold Standard, and CCBS frameworks—along with proficiency in drafting Project Descriptions (PDs), Monitoring Reports (MRs), and conducting Validation and Verification Body (VVB) audits.
Proven expertise in analytical methodologies, enabling the creation and evaluation of carbon models in adherence to relevant carbon standards.
Proven track record in project management, with expertise in leading cross-functional teams and ensuring accountability for deliverables among all stakeholders.
Proficiency in collaborating with local stakeholders is essential, coupled with a keen awareness of the practical complexities and obstacles inherent in project execution and delivery.
Proven ability to collaborate effectively with individuals, groups, and organizations from varied economic, cultural, religious, gender, and professional backgrounds across multiple countries and geographic settings.
Proficient in both written and verbal English communication.
Demonstrates strong capability to thrive in fast-paced environments, manage multiple responsibilities simultaneously, prioritize tasks effectively, and consistently produce high-quality outcomes.
Proven track record in resolving complex issues and leveraging prior expertise to pioneer innovative solutions.
Preferred
A master’s degree in a pertinent field is required.
Proficiency in either French or Swahili is required.
Possesses extensive hands-on expertise spanning various Nature-based Solutions (NBS) pathways and project categories, such as forest conservation methodologies like RED+, native ecosystem restoration initiatives through ARR, improved forest management (IFM) techniques, sustainable rangeland and grasslands management practices, and blue carbon projects.
Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in overseeing diversified carbon project portfolios spanning multiple countries, particularly within Africa or other emerging market settings, are sought after.
Professional experience in soil carbon accounting, including expertise in peatlands, wetlands, and rangeland.
Proficiency in the financial structuring of carbon projects is essential, encompassing expertise in revenue forecasting, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and financial modeling specific to carbon initiatives.
Skilled in instructing field teams on the creation and execution of monitoring plans focused on forestry, carbon assessment, and biodiversity conservation.
Professionals experienced in executing or collaborating on climate-related initiatives within private sector organizations, particularly those focused on Natural Climate Solutions (NCS), are encouraged to apply.
Seeking professionals with direct engagement in indigenous and traditional community contexts, coupled with expertise in safeguard frameworks, Free Prior and Informed Consent (EPIC) protocols, grievance reparation systems, and benefit allocation mechanisms as part of carbon project implementation.
Proficiency in collaborating with governmental stakeholders and facilitating policy formulation across multiple African nations is essential.
Qualifications
BA/BSc/HND , MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
5 - 7 years
