About the Role
The Northern Rangeland Trust (NRT) is searching for a seasoned and visionary leader to fill the role of Carbon Program Director, responsible for providing strategic direction and comprehensive oversight for the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project (NKRCP)—a significant, community-driven soil carbon initiative spanning 22 community conservancies across northern Kenya.
This initiative advances rangeland restoration, biodiversity conservation, sustainable grazing practices, climate resilience, and the long-term economic well-being of local communities by leveraging carbon finance and landscape stewardship strategies.
The Carbon Program Director will be responsible for providing strategic, technical, operational, and stakeholder leadership to the Northern Kenya Rangeland Carbon Project (NKRCP).
This position will manage the execution of projects, coordinate governance efforts, ensure adherence to carbon standards and national regulations, facilitate community engagement processes, develop benefit-sharing frameworks, oversee stakeholder relations, and deliver conservation and livelihood outcomes across participating conservancies.
The ideal candidate will collaborate extensively with NRT senior leadership, community governance bodies, governmental entities, technical collaborators, and other key stakeholders to uphold the project’s technical integrity, social acceptance, fiscal accountability, and alignment with enduring rangeland conservation and community development goals.
Oversee and execute a comprehensive range of duties, including but not limited to strategic planning, team leadership, and operational management to ensure organizational efficiency and goal attainment. Serve as the primary liaison between departments, facilitating seamless communication and collaboration to align objectives with company-wide initiatives. Monitor performance metrics, identify areas for improvement, and implement data-driven solutions to enhance productivity and service delivery. Maintain compliance with industry regulations and internal policies while fostering a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous professional development among staff.
The position will entail overseeing the following key responsibilities:
Delivering high-level strategic direction and comprehensive oversight, this role involves managing and guiding the execution of projects across collaborating conservancies.
Coordinating adherence to carbon standards, MRV systems, safeguards, verification protocols, and Kenya’s carbon market regulations ensures comprehensive compliance and operational integrity.
Supporting governance frameworks, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC) protocols, benefit-sharing mechanisms, and institutional transition strategies forms a core component of this role.
Demonstrating exceptional leadership, this role entails cultivating and managing robust relationships with communities, governmental entities, donors, technical collaborators, and conservation stakeholders to advance shared objectives and strategic goals.
The role entails managing financial operations, overseeing risk mitigation strategies, administering grievance resolution procedures, and ensuring the integrity of project accountability frameworks.
Facilitating coordination among carbon finance initiatives, rangeland restoration efforts, biodiversity conservation programs, and community livelihood objectives.
Seeking candidates with a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Business Administration, Finance, or Accounting, along with a minimum of three years of professional experience in a comparable role. Proficiency in financial software, advanced Excel skills, and strong analytical abilities are required. Excellent communication and organizational skills are essential, as the position involves collaborating with cross-functional teams and managing multiple priorities. Prior experience in budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting is highly desirable. The ideal candidate will demonstrate a commitment to continuous learning and adaptability in a fast-paced environment.
Candidates must demonstrate proficiency in [specific skills or fields]. A minimum of [X years] of relevant work experience is required, along with a strong educational background in [specific field or degree]. Excellent communication and problem-solving abilities are essential for success in this role. Familiarity with [specific tools, software, or methodologies] is highly beneficial. Applicants must also exhibit a commitment to professional development and the ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
A master’s degree or higher in environmental management, climate change, natural resource management, governance, law, economics, business administration, sustainable development, social sciences, or a comparable discipline is required.
With a minimum of ten years of progressively responsible senior leadership experience, candidates should have a strong background in conservation, climate finance, community development, natural resource management, or large-scale program management.
Accomplished professionals should possess proven expertise in overseeing intricate multi-stakeholder initiatives, coordinating engagement with diverse groups including local communities, governmental bodies, funding organizations, technical collaborators, and private sector representatives.
Candidates with prior involvement in carbon projects, Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV), verification processes, Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC), safeguards, benefit sharing, or climate finance will receive preferential consideration.
Have you demonstrated success collaborating with community institutions, conservancy governance frameworks, customary leadership bodies, and county or national government entities in northern Kenya?
Key Competencies
The successful applicant must exhibit strong skills in the following areas:
Accomplished strategic leadership with a proven ability to engage and align stakeholders effectively.
Proficiency in carbon markets, rangeland governance, and community-based conservation strategies is essential.
Proficient in communication, negotiation, and problem-solving, with demonstrated expertise in these areas.
Financial oversight and risk management are critical responsibilities requiring robust analytical skills to ensure fiscal accountability and strategic decision-making. Candidates must possess the ability to assess financial data, identify potential risks, and implement mitigation strategies to safeguard organizational assets and maintain compliance with regulatory standards. Strong attention to detail, proficiency in financial software, and experience in auditing or financial reporting are essential. Additionally, the role demands effective communication to convey complex financial insights to stakeholders and leadership.
Proven capability to thrive in intricate, high-pressure operational settings where close oversight and scrutiny are prevalent.
Interested and eligible candidates must submit a comprehensive application comprising a cover letter, an updated Curriculum Vitae showcasing pertinent experience, academic and professional certificates, a national ID, testimonials, a daytime contact number, an email address, and the names of three professional referees. All application materials should be sent before the deadline at 5:00 PM on Monday, June 8, 2026, to: Email: recruit@nrt-kenya.org
Qualifications
MBA/MSc/MA
Experience Required
10 years
