Senior Manager, Nature Markets Project Development

Conservation International seeks a Senior Manager for Nature Markets Project Development in Nairobi, Kenya. Responsibilities include developing and implementing nature market projects across Africa, managing project workplans and budgets, ensuring compliance with policies, and collaborating with various teams. The role requires frequent travel (~30%) within Africa and flexibility to accommodate global collaboration. A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required.
RESPONSIBILITIES



Nature Market Project Development




Support the development and implementation of a portfolio of nature market projects across Africa, ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with agreed workplans, budgets, timelines, and project objectives.
Lead the development of nature market projects, including project scoping, technical assessments, due diligence, and the selection and application of appropriate nature market mechanisms.
Lead the preparation and review of technical studies, project documentation, and other project deliverables required to support project development and implementation.
Support the application of safeguards, governance frameworks, benefit-sharing approaches, and other project integrity requirements throughout project development and implementation.
Develop and manage project workplans, schedules, budgets, risks, and reporting requirements to ensure projects progress effectively through the project development lifecycle.
Manage technical consultants and other service providers, including development of Terms of Reference, review of technical deliverables, and monitoring consultant performance.
Identify technical and implementation challenges and work with project teams, partners, and technical specialists to develop practical solutions.
Conduct field visits to monitor project progress, assess implementation challenges, support project partners, and provide technical input during project development.
Prepare project updates and progress reports for internal and external stakeholders, ensuring reporting requirements are met accurately and on time.
Promote knowledge sharing, lessons learned, and good practices across projects to improve quality and consistency of project development


Project Integrity and Governance




Collaborate with Finance, Grants and Contracts, Legal, and other support teams to ensure projects comply with CI policies, donor agreements, and applicable regulatory requirements.
Support the review of project financial and grant reports to ensure resources are managed in accordance with approved budgets and project agreements.
Contribute to the continuous improvement of project management systems, operational processes, and project development approaches across the Nature Markets portfolio.


People and Resource Management Responsibilities




Does not have direct supervisory authority.
Act as a technical or subject matter expert to peers and other staff.
Will be responsible for managing project-related budgets, consultants, and vendors but decisions that bind or commit CI are approved by the immediate supervisor.
May lead project teams.
Perform other related duties as assigned.


WORKING CONDITIONS




Normal office environment.
This is a full-time position.
Frequent travel ~30% within the Africa region will be required, often this will entail travel to remote locations with rustic conditions.
Flexibility in work schedule is required to accommodate collaboration across multiple time zones with global, regional, and country teams
Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process. 


QUALIFICATIONS



Required




Bachelor's degree in natural resource management, ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, forestry, rangeland management, or a related field.
Five or more years of relevant professional experience in biodiversity conservation, conservation finance, natural capital, payments for ecosystem services PES, biodiversity credits, or related fields, including experience developing or implementing nature market projects.
Demonstrated experience supporting the technical development and implementation of nature market, carbon or conservation finance projects, including project scoping, technical due diligence, project design, technical studies, and project implementation.
Strong understanding of the ecological, safeguards, social, governance, legal, and financial considerations required to develop high-integrity nature or carbon market projects.
Demonstrated project management experience, including developing workplans, coordinating multidisciplinary teams, managing consultants and technical service providers, and delivering projects against agreed objectives, timelines, and budgets.
Experience working with governments, NGOs, Indigenous Peoples and local communities, private sector organizations, donors, and other stakeholders to develop and implement conservation initiatives.
Demonstrated ability to evaluate complex technical information, identify project risks and implementation challenges, and provide practical recommendations to support project development.
Excellent analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
Proven ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and deliver high-quality outputs in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.


Preferred




Advanced degree in natural resource management, ecology, environmental science, conservation biology, forestry, rangeland management, or a related field.
Experience developing nature market projects from concept through implementation, including securing project approvals, coordinating technical studies, and managing project delivery.
Experience designing or implementing biodiversity monitoring, ecological assessments, or natural resource monitoring to support conservation or nature market projects.
Field experience in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem restoration, protected area management, or landscape conservation, including experience working across multiple African countries.
Experience working with protected area authorities, community conservancies, Indigenous Peoples and local communities.