We are seeking a passionate and experienced leader to drive the design, delivery, and visibility of the Indigenous & Community Solutions Hub. The Lead will work directly with IPLC organisations across Laikipia, Kenya, and beyond to co-create knowledge, foster peer learning, support capacity development, and influence wider restoration policy and practice. This is a unique opportunity to support... nature’s community custodians in shaping the future of restoration on their own terms.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Programme Leadership


Develop and implement a bold, community-led vision for the Indigenous & Community Solutions Hub that supports long-term resilience, equity, and ecological impact and aligns to the overall ACNRR strategy.
Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with IPLC leaders, organisations, and networks across Laikipia, Kenya, and Africa, ensuring all work is community guided.
Follow Natural State’s programme management processes and systems to support timely delivery and communication of programmatic milestones.


Knowledge Sharing & Storytelling


Support IPLC organisations to document, synthesise, share, and promote their restoration approaches and innovations.
Co-develop and deliver platforms for peer learning, storytelling, and solutions and evidence sharing among IPLC organisations.
Enable community-led research partnerships on related topics.


Capacity Strengthening


Identify key capacity needs among community nature custodian organisations and coordinate, co-create, and co-deliver training, mentoring, and peer exchange opportunities.
Facilitate access to other ACNRR programmes (e.g., the Enterprise Accelerator or Lifelong Learning) to support organisational growth and sustainability.


Design & Management of the Restoration Innovation Incubator


Lead the full design, delivery, and evolution of the Restoration Innovation Incubator, including strategic direction, implementation systems, and impact measurement.
Develop inclusive, accessible application and selection processes that centre community values and priorities.
Provide tailored mentoring, technical support, and peer exchange opportunities for participating organisations.
Support documentation, learning, and storytelling from funded innovations to influence wider restoration practice and policy.
Manage the Incubator’s operational systems (e.g., budgeting, contracting, reporting) in coordination with the wider ACNRR team.


Fundraising & Donor Engagement


Collaborate with the ACNRR leadership team to develop a sustainable funding strategy for the Hub’s long-term growth.
Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and funding partners, ensuring alignment with the Hub’s strategy and values.
Lead or contribute to the development of compelling funding proposals, concept notes, and presentations for institutional donors, foundations, and other funders.
Ensure that community perspectives and priorities are reflected in fundraising narratives and proposals.
Oversee or contribute to the delivery of timely, accurate, and transparent grant reporting, including narrative and financial updates.


Partnerships & Influence


Represent the Hub in regional and global forums, advocating for IPLC-led restoration and funding equity.
Collaborate with donors, civil society, research institutions, and governments to amplify community voices and strengthen support systems for community-based restoration leadership.


 Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning


Lead participatory monitoring and learning approaches that track progress, capture learning, and improve Hub activities over time.
Produce and contribute to high-quality reports, briefs, and communications that showcase community impact and innovation and influence sector learning.


Essential Requirements


Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous People or Local Community.
Proven experience working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and/or Local Communities in Africa.
7-10 years’ work experience in the nature restoration, conservation, and or development sectors.
Fluency in relevant Kenyan languages and English.
Familiarity with African rangeland systems and restoration strategies.
Deep appreciation of Indigenous and local community knowledge systems, customary governance, and land stewardship approaches.
Strong programme design and delivery skills, with an emphasis on participatory and community-led approaches.
Experience building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors and geographies.
Excellent communication skills, including storytelling, facilitation, and cross-cultural engagement.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
Commitment to equity, inclusion, and local leadership in conservation and development.
Fluency with MS office applications including Word and Excel. more

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Quality Management


Manage daily operations of the lab, ensuring optimal workflow, safety, and compliance with quality standards (e.g., ISO/GLP where applicable).
Co-develop and implement a strategy for the lab
Oversee and implement analytical methodologies in spectroscopy, eDNA, invertebrate, and soil biodiversity analysis.
Ensure rigorous... quality control and assurance procedures across all lab activities.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lab protocols, and health & safety documentation.
Oversee data management standards and digital pipelines to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and integration with broader analytical frameworks
Lead the development of a comprehensive QA/QC framework covering sample handling, analysis, equipment calibration, and reporting.


Commercialisation & Service Provision


Co-develop and implement the lab’s commercialisation strategy, establishing fee-for-service models for internal departments and external partners.
Define service pricing structures, forecast revenue, and manage lab P&L in alignment with organizational goals.
Build and manage relationships with external clients and partners, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate, and cost-effective analytical results.
Monitor and report on lab performance metrics (e.g., turnaround times, cost per sample, client satisfaction).
Explore and develop partnerships with other service providers to compliment the NS lab’s capabilities, leveraging advances in AI and machine learning to optimise analysis and outputs.


Capacity Building & Team Leadership


Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of lab technicians, analysts, students, and interns.
Identify skills gaps and provide professional development opportunities to build a high-performing lab team.
Develop and deliver regular training sessions on lab conduct and health and safety standards, ensuring a culture of scientific integrity within the lab.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes for lab personnel.


Research & Development Support


Collaborate with internal research teams and the Impact Monitoring department to design and support field sampling campaigns and analytical studies.
Contribute to the development and validation of new analytical techniques and tools.
Actively contribute to the development of the strategic framework for scaling lab operations.


Resource & Infrastructure Management


Manage lab inventory, procurement, and maintenance of analytical instruments (e.g., spectrometers, sequencing equipment, microscopes).
Oversee the calibration, troubleshooting, and upgrading of lab equipment.


Requirements:


MSc or PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in laboratory management or senior lab role, preferably in an environmental or ecological context.
Proven experience in at least one of the following: spectroscopy, molecular biology/genetics or soil biodiversity.
Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory budgets, resources, and teams.
Experience delivering scientific services on a commercial basis or within contract research environments.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and standards for lab accreditation.
Strong project management skills and client communication experience.
Experience mentoring junior staff and students more

The Executive Assistant (EA) will provide high-level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the President and Chair of the Board for NATURAL STATE as well as the Vice President. The ideal candidate will be exceptionally organized, discreet, proactive, and passionate about environmental conservation. The role requires someone who can navigate international schedules, manage sensitive... information, and act as a critical support hub in a dynamic, global non-profit environment.

Key Responsibilities

Executive Support


Manage the President’s calendar, appointments, meetings, and travel across multiple time zones.
Prepare briefing materials, reports, and agendas for meetings, conferences, and donor engagements.
Act as a liaison between the President and internal/external stakeholders, including board members, funders, and partners.
Support meeting coordination including scheduling, notetaking, follow-ups, and action tracking.
Draft and edit high-level correspondence, presentations, and organisational reports.


Organizational Coordination


Support the coordination of senior leadership team meetings and strategic planning sessions.
Assist in project tracking and organizational dashboards relevant to the Executive Office
Coordinate with Impact Monitoring, Nature Finance, Fundraising & Communications, Africa Centre for Nature Restoration and Resilience (ACNRR) and Operations/Program teams on Executive-level priorities.


Travel and Event Logistics


Arrange complex international travel, visas, accommodations, and itineraries.
Provide remote logistical support during field missions or special guest/donor visits.
Support in planning and coordinating special events, donor trips, and key organizational milestones.


Confidentiality & Governance


Maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
Support Board of Directors logistics, communications, and minute-taking when required.


Essential Requirements


Minimum of 5 years in a similar role, preferably in the non-profit, conservation, or international development sector.
Bachelor's degree in business administration, Environmental Studies, International Relations, or a related field/social sciences.
Experience in drafting agreements documents as well as contracts, especially in Kenyan and US contexts.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages a plus).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Zoom, and virtual collaboration tools (e.g., Slack, Asana, Trello).
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to prioritize and multitask under pressure.
Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information
Experience building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors and geographies.
Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a dynamic environment.
Experience working across cultures and time zones; adaptable and culturally sensitive. more

Senior Communications Officer to lead our communications strategy, focusing on scientific, climate, and nature restoration initiatives. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing our brand presence, driving engagement, and conveying the impact of our work on preserving and restoring natural ecosystems. This position requires a blend of communications expertise, strategic thinking,... and a deep understanding of climate, nature restoration, and scientific topics.


Key Responsibilities: 


Strategic Communications Plan: Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports NATURAL STATE's mission and goals, focusing on climate action and nature restoration. 
Content Development: Create compelling content for various platforms, including press releases, articles, support for social media, educational materials, and other communication mediums, that effectively convey our initiatives, their scientific basis and how they relate to and align with the global approach on climate adaptation and mitigation. Contribute to overall fundraising collateral. 
Overall Brand Growth Strategy & Design Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute brand growth strategies that enhance visibility and engagement among key audiences, including donors, stakeholders, and scientific and local communities. Provide training and support for internal stakeholders on communication best practices, fostering a culture of effective storytelling. Spearhead brand development and design visually engaging, high-quality assets for NATURAL STATE, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms. Collaborating on the development of high level and quality marketing, communications, and fundraising materials. 
Media Relations: Establish and maintain relationships with media outlets and influencers in environmental science and conservation to promote NATURAL STATE’s programmes and successes. 
Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop metrics to assess the impact of communication initiatives and adjust strategies based on performance and feedback. 
Crisis Communication: Prepare and manage communication during crises or sensitive issues related to environmental concerns, ensuring the integrity and reputation of the organization is upheld.


Minimum Requirements:

Minimum requirements for the position:


Bachelor's degree in communications, Environmental Science, Public Relations, or a related field; master's preferred. 
Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in communications, with a strong focus on climate science, policy, and other scientific writing and environmental issues. 
Proven experience in developing and executing brand growth strategies within a conservation or other nonprofit organization. 
Strong understanding of climate change, ecological restoration, and environmental policies. 
Applicants should possess technical knowledge of environmental issues and experience with research methodologies, along with the ability to translate complex climate science concepts into clear, accessible language for nontechnical audiences, including potential donors and the public. 
Strong media relations skills with a track record of successful press outreach and engagement. 
Proficiency in digital communication tools, social media platforms, and content management systems. 
High level proficiency in the use of design software, including but not limited to –inDesign, Adobe, Lightroom, Acrobats etc
Ability to thrive collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and manage multiple projects simultaneously. 
A passion for nature, conservation and other environmental issues as well as a commitment to advancing the diversity and mission of NATURAL STATE. more

Job Description:


As the Head of East African Restoration Programs at Natural State, you will lead our ambitious ecosystem restoration and reforestation projects, with a focus on rewilding and reforestation strategies to enhance biodiversity and support climate resilience in Kenya. This role oversees relationships with external teams and partners to drive measurable impact. In this highly... cross-functional position, you will collaborate closely with teams across Natural State to ensure that projects are supported from design through implementation. 


Key Deliverables:

Lead and implement a strategy for scaling regional forestry and rewilding partner operations in East Africa. Oversee projects and establish consistency and best practices across projects to maximize ecological and community impacts.

Serve as a primary leadership liaison with reforestation partners, local communities, and government stakeholders.


Build and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, government officials, NGOs, and strategic stakeholders to ensure that projects align with local values and operational needs.
Facilitate accountability to agreements, ensuring transparency and mutual support with local partners to overcome challenges and drive success.
Act as an advocate for Natural State’s impact on ecosystem restoration, representing 


Coordinate with the Natural State Impact Monitoring team to deploy and iterate on carbon and biodiversity restoration capabilities on the ground 


Develop and iterate on monitoring and reporting processes in collaboration with our Impact Monitoring team to maintain accountability for milestones.
Coordinate internal and external reporting to meet rigorous standards for biodiversity and carbon verification, supporting long-term ecosystem and financial outcomes.
Iterate on monitoring technologies and processes with Impact Monitoring to develop science-based and field-informed processes for data generation.


Coordinate with Natural State Nature Finance team to identify potential buyers and gather feedback on project marketing. 

Required Qualifications:


Minimum master's degree in environmental science (or similar).
Proven expertise in ecosystem restoration and reforestation, with a strong understanding of nature-based carbon markets and biodiversity metrics preferred.
8+ years of experience leading teams and managing science-based projects across multiple geographic locations.
Experience managing diverse partnerships, including local communities, NGOs, and government stakeholders, with a focus on trust-building and collaboration.
Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate across cultural and organizational lines.
High emotional intelligence and respect for local cultures and ecological systems.
Ability to travel internationally, including remote locations (up to 25%). 
Excellent research and writing skills.


Compensation:

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience, qualifications and location. more

Job description:


The Contractor will be instrumental in advancing NATURAL STATE’s (NS) goal to scale our impact monitoring systems to the marine realm. By researching and advising on state-of-the-art impact monitoring and best practices for the regenerative Blue Economy, the consultant will provide expertise and recommendations on current carbon and biodiversity methodological gaps that... limit the scalability and growth of blue nature-based solutions (NbS). 
Working with the Head of Marine Strategy, this role will focus on supporting the delivery of an impact monitoring framework for two Blue Economy projects (mangrove, seagrass plus algae focus) in Kenya, as well as the Natural State’s strategy to fill current impact monitoring gaps and create methodologies that are cost-effective, robust, and scalable for the Blue Economy markets. 


Key Deliverables:

Blue Economy Pilot Projects:


Support the Head of Marine Strategy in conducting a monitoring needs assessment (gap analysis) for two Blue Economy projects on the Kenyan coast.
Provide technical support and recommendations on how to fill gaps and improve impact monitoring for the two Kenyan pilot projects. 
Support the Head of Marine Strategy in producing key documentations (gap analysis report, standardized impact monitoring framework, final report). 


NS Marine Strategy:


Research and provide advice on state-of-the-art impact monitoring and best practices in interventions for blue Nature Based Solutions (NbS) projects globally (focus on mangroves, seagrass and seaweed). 
Identify, and participate in meetings with, marine impact monitoring experts with the aim of broadening the NS knowledge base of existing methodologies, key global players, and potential partners. 
Provide technical recommendations for NS Marine Strategy on how to adapt our impact monitoring solutions to the marine biome by improving on existing methodologies, filling global gaps, and integrating new technologies into the NS Impact Monitoring Portal.


Required Qualifications:


Minimum master's degree in marine ecology, environmental science/ conservation (or similar).
Technical expertise in mangroves and/or seagrass restoration and impact monitoring methodologies.
More than 5 years' work experience in the field of marine conservation/marine habitat restoration.
Understanding of cutting-edge impact monitoring technologies. 
Excellent research skills. 


Compensation:

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. more

Job description:

The Contractor will be instrumental in advancing NATURAL STATE’s (NS) goal to scale our impact monitoring systems to the marine realm. By researching and advising on state-of-the-art impact monitoring and best practices for the regenerative Blue Economy, the consultant will provide expertise and recommendations on current carbon and biodiversity methodological gaps that limit... the scalability and growth of blue nature-based solutions (NbS).

Working with the Head of Marine Strategy, this role will focus on supporting the delivery of an impact monitoring framework for two Blue Economy projects (mangrove, seagrass plus algae focus) in Kenya, as well as the Natural State’s strategy to fill current impact monitoring gaps and create methodologies that are cost-effective, robust, and scalable for the Blue Economy markets.

Key Deliverables:

Blue Economy Pilot Projects:


Support the Head of Marine Strategy in conducting a monitoring needs assessment (gap analysis) for two Blue Economy projects on the Kenyan coast.
Provide technical support and recommendations on how to fill gaps and improve impact monitoring for the two Kenyan pilot projects.
Support the Head of Marine Strategy in producing key documentations (gap analysis report, standardized impact monitoring framework, final report).


NS Marine Strategy:


Research and provide advice on state-of-the-art impact monitoring and best practices in interventions for blue Nature Based Solutions (NbS) projects globally (focus on mangroves, seagrass and seaweed).
Identify, and participate in meetings with, marine impact monitoring experts with the aim of broadening the NS knowledge base of existing methodologies, key global players, and potential partners.
Provide technical recommendations for NS Marine Strategy on how to adapt our impact monitoring solutions to the marine biome by improving on existing methodologies, filling global gaps, and integrating new technologies into the NS Impact Monitoring Portal.


Required Qualifications:


Minimum master's degree in marine ecology, environmental science/ conservation (or similar).
Technical expertise in mangroves and/or seagrass restoration and impact monitoring methodologies.
More than 5 years' work experience in the field of marine conservation/marine habitat restoration.
Understanding of cutting-edge impact monitoring technologies.
Excellent research skills. more

Job Description:

The consultant will be instrumental in advancing NATURAL STATE’s (NS) goal to scale our impact monitoring systems to the marine realm, focusing on social impacts of blue nature-based solution (NbS) projects. This role will focus on five Kenyan marine projects funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), conducting a gap analysis for socio-economic, governance, and gender monitoring... for the three projects and researching best practice for social indicators and monitoring globally. Working together with the NS Social Impact Monitoring team and Head of Marine Strategy, the successful candidate will support the delivery of a standardized social indicator framework to be used across NS marine projects.

Key Deliverables:


Conduct a monitoring needs assessment (gap analysis) for five blue economy projects in Kenya.
Provide technical support and recommendations on how to fill gaps and improve social impact monitoring across the five projects.
Research and provide advice on state-of-the-art social impact monitoring and best practices for marine Nature Based Solutions (NbS) projects.
Produce key documents (gap analysis report, standardised social impact monitoring framework), supported by the Head of Marine Strategy, for the five projects.
Provide technical recommendations on how to integrate the marine social indicator framework with the overarching NS Social Impact Monitoring system.


Required Qualifications:


Minimum bachelor’s degree in social and/or environmental science (or similar).
Experience working on social and gender-based marine projects.
Preference for marine projects coupled with nature restoration.
More than 5 years' work experience with social development projects, including skills training, economic empowerment of women-run enterprises, and governance.
Excellent understanding of global trends in social impact monitoring for donor reporting and nature-based markets.
Excellent research and writing skills.


Compensation:

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. more

Lead and implement a strategy for scaling regional forestry and rewilding partner operations in East Africa. Oversee projects and establish consistency and best practices across projects to maximize ecological and community impacts.
Serve as a primary leadership liaison with reforestation partners, local communities, and government stakeholders.
Build and maintain strong relationships with... community leaders, government officials,
NGOs, and strategic stakeholders to ensure that projects align with local values and operational needs.
Facilitate accountability to agreements, ensuring transparency and mutual support with local partners to overcome challenges and drive success.
Act as an advocate for Natural State’s impact on ecosystem restoration, representing
Coordinate with the Natural State Impact Monitoring team to deploy and iterate on carbon and biodiversity restoration capabilities on the ground
Develop and iterate on monitoring and reporting processes in collaboration with our
Impact Monitoring team to maintain accountability for milestones.
Coordinate internal and external reporting to meet rigorous standards for biodiversity and carbon verification, supporting long-term ecosystem and financial outcomes.
Iterate on monitoring technologies and processes with Impact Monitoring to develop science-based and field-informed processes for data generation.
Coordinate with Natural State Nature Finance team to identify potential buyers and gather feedback on project marketing.


Required Qualifications:


Minimum master's degree in environmental science (or similar).
Proven expertise in ecosystem restoration and reforestation, with a strong understanding of nature-based carbon markets and biodiversity metrics preferred.
8+ years of experience leading teams and managing science-based projects across multiple geographic locations.
Experience managing diverse partnerships, including local communities, NGOs, and government stakeholders, with a focus on trust-building and collaboration.
Strong communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to coordinate across cultural and organizational lines.
High emotional intelligence and respect for local cultures and ecological systems.
Ability to travel internationally, including remote locations (up to 25%). more

Role and responsibilities


The Remote Sensing Specialist will lead in the development of the technical capabilities for remote sensing within Natural State. The incumbent will work with the technical team and stakeholders to develop a set of remote-sensing based models to monitor changes in Carbon, Biodiversity and Social wellbeing and inform verification data requirements needed to under pin... financial mechanisms.
The Remote Sensing Specialist will spearhead Natura lState’s efforts to build strategic partnerships to leverage worldclass remote sensing expertise and state-of-the-art remote sensing data and products for integration with Natural State’s Impact Monitoring systems. The incumbent will work closely with the technical, biometrics, carbon and restoration programs teams to build Natural State’s internal remote sensing capabilities, to contract bespoke remote sensing product development to third-party entities, and to deliver usable outputs for restoration partners.
This is a senior technical role, for which the incumbent is expected to be technically proficient and have a track record of developing deployable remote sensing products. The incumbentis expected to be able to be self-motivated and work remotely, while ensuring their work quality maintains the highest standards. Attention to detail regarding data analysis and data management are crucial.


Core functions include:


Initiate and coordinate myriad collaborations and consultancies to develop best-in-class methods for monitoring changes in biodiversity, soil, carbon and social well-being via satellite and aerial remote sensing.
The Remote Sensing Specialist will work with the wider IM team and external collaborators to identify potential partners for delivering best-in-class models of standing carbon, soil carbon, ecosystem intactness, vegetation structure, ecosystem services (e.g., energy provisioning) and social wellbeing. The Remote Sensing Specialist will then coordinate projects to deliver functional models that can be integrated into uKweli, Natural State’s data management platform.


Maintain a long-term remote sensing strategy


The Remote Sensing Specialist will continuously conduct horizon scans to identify emergent remote sensing products and technologies that can advance Natural State’s mission to revolutionise impact monitoring for restoration and nature-based solutions. The Remote Sensing Specialist will work closely with the Restoration Programs and Financial Mechanisms teams to identify how remote sensing capabilities best meet market demandsfor verifiable, scalable,cost-effective impact monitoring. The Remote Sensing Specialist will advise senior management on resource allocation based on short-, mid- and long-term developments in remote sensing capabilities.


Streamline and augment Natural State’s internalcapacity for managing and analysing remote sensing data.


The Remote Sensing Specialist will work with the wider IM team and external collaborators to automate the application of open access remote sensing products to predictive models of species richness, population abundance and biomassin the uKweli platform. This work will entail programming cloud-based applications to automatically acquire, standardise and extract remote sensing datasets both at specific field sampling locations and across broaderlandscapes, as well as identifying the best available remote sensing datasets and derived products to incorporate into predictive models. The Remote Sensing Specialist will further build capacity within Natural State by training the Spatial Data Officer, the Head of Project Implementation and the Natural State Field Researchers in remote sensing data management and processing.


In addition,the Remote SensingSpecialist will be expected to:


Ensure that NS remote sensinganalyses meet the strictest scientific standards of reproducibility and robustness.
Maintain meticulous documentation of all remote sensing datasetsand data streams.
Input into proposals, project design documentsand standard operating procedures.
Contribute to reports,publications and whitepapers.
Work with the Director of Impact Monitoring to design and implement the Natural State remote sensing strategy and resourcing plan.


Requirements

Minimum requirements for the position:


PhD in remote sensing or equivalent and at least 5 years of work experience, or a Master’s Degree in Geospatial Information Science and related fields. and at least 10 years of work experience.
Demonstrable experience developing remote sensing products.
Strong geospatial analysis and programming skills, including proficiency in Python and Earth Engine.
Up to date with currentremote sensing productsand trends in remote sensing.
Familiarity and experience with the use of machinelearning techniques in developing remote sensing products (e.g., Remote Sensing Foundation Models, Neural Networks, Vision Transformers, Random Forests, Support Vector Machines).
A good understanding of cloud-based infrastructure and deployment of spatial products into a production environment.
Strong publication record in peer reviewed journals
Strong academic networkand proven abilityto collaborate.
Fluency in spokenand written English.


Advantageous


Ecological background and experience in delivery of models estimating and monitoring ecosystem related variables such as biomass, ecosystem services, or spatially explicit population abundance.
Experience inmanaging a team of technical experts and stakeholders.
Experience in project management.


Data protection:


The Remote Sensing Specialist will ask the permission of the Director of Impact Monitoring before publishing any of the scientific outputs of this role.


Capability tests


All staff candidates will have their technical competencies tested and reviewed by the Natural State technical team


This is a one-year position with the potential for annual renewal. This is a remote position and the incumbent will be expected to spend time at Natural State’s research centrein Northern Kenya. The fellow will be compensated commensurate with experience plus benefits that include a pension scheme, medical cover, and a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December more

The Role

NATURAL STATE is looking for a seasoned Finance Manager to lead and oversee the operations of the Finance department in Kenya, as well as the operations of the US office Finance Function. The successful candidate will be responsible for the diverse finance functions that include financial management, internal controls development and compliance, Donor reporting, Budgeting, External... Audits management among others. 
NATURAL STATE’s work environment is both challenging and exciting. To join our team, you will share our team’s determination to make game-changing impact for nature, be exceptional at what you do, be strategic, methodical, and have a positive attitude. 

Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Financial Leadership: 

Lead the Finance team to support the organization’s strategic goals. Oversee the accounting functions for both Kenya and the US office. Keep management updated on the financial performance of the organization against the set goals, providing strategic insights and guidance. 

Budgeting and Reporting

Oversee the preparation of annual plans and budgets, working closely with the technical teams. Follow through the implementation of the budget plans. Prepare/oversee the preparation of periodic burn rate reports for management. Prepare Donor reports as may be required by various donors. Manage subgrantees and ensure timely subgrantee reporting.

Procurement

Oversee the procurement function. Work closely with the Director of Operations, Global, in streamlining the processes and procedures within the department.

Financial Systems

Work closely with the Director of Operations, Global, to implement robust financial reporting systems. Work to digitize accounting and operational processes.  

Risk, Compliance, and Controls:

Manage relationships with external auditors and ensure compliance with all relevant accounting standards; applicable International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). Contribute to the design and enforcement of internal control systems and ensure compliance with donor and Government regulatory requirements

Qualifications

The ideal candidate will have a distinguished career in finance, ideally within the not-for-profit sector, and a proven track record having held senior Finance roles in a multi-country context. 

Required qualifications include:

A relevant degree such as bachelor’s in commerce, Economics, Finance - from a recognized university.
Master’s degree an added advantage.
Certified Public Accountant in Kenya (CPAK)
10 years’ experience 5 of which must have been in senior Finance positions handling strategic financial planning, budgeting, and managing financial operations in an international not-for-profit organization. Expertise in donor and project funding accounting. 
Strong leadership and team management skills, with the ability to work with a geographically dispersed team.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders, including Donors, Partners and non-finance staff.
Tech Savvy to facilitate digitization and transition of manual Finance and operational processes

Compensation

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme and medical cover. more

Role summary

We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader and entrepreneur to serve as the Head of Centre for the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience. This pivotal role will guide the establishment and long-term growth of the Centre, overseeing strategic development, partnerships, operational management, and training programmes. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead... a pioneering institution that will shape the future of nature restoration across Africa. The ideal candidate will drive the Centre's aim to become a leader and role model in equitable nature restoration training and leadership in Africa.  

Key Responsibilities

Centre Development & Operations: Oversee the Centre’s development, ensuring it is operational by Q4 2025, including construction, governance and policies, team recruitment, IT setup, and day-to-day management.
Strategic Leadership & Income Generation: Develop and implement the Centre’s long-term strategy and sustainable business model, securing diverse income streams including philanthropic funding for bursaries and scholarships.
Team Leadership: Lead the Centre’s team, ensuring effective recruitment, performance management, and creating a motivated, high-performing team.
Programme & Curriculum Development: Design and implement world-class training programmes in collaboration with internal and global partners, focusing on scalable, practical solutions for nature restoration.
Participant Admissions and Management: Oversee design and operations of participant admissions process, including the bursary fund, ensuring diversity, inclusion, and positive participant experiences from recruitment to programme completion.
Specialist hubs: Oversee the design and implementation of a Rangelands Restoration Hub and Community Hub on site and ensure close collaboration with surrounding communities for shared learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
Governance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with governance frameworks, report regularly to the Centre’s Senior Board, Subcommittee, and NATURAL STATE team, and manage workplans, M&E, and budgets effectively.

Required Qualifications & Experience

Minimum Bachelor’s degree required. 
Proven experience in successfully setting up and operating new education institutions or other capacity building-related non-profits or social enterprises.
Minimum of 15 years of experience in education settings and / or long-term capacity building programmes. Adult teaching experience is an advantage. 
Minimum of 10 years of leadership in education settings and / or long-term capacity building programmes. Adult teaching experience is an advantage. 
Strong background in strategic planning, partnership development, and income generation.
Strong entrepreneurial tendency with experience in business model/plan development.
Demonstrated experience in engaging with diverse local, national, and international partners.
A desire to see inclusive, diverse, and equitable education and capacity building results. 
A passion for nature restoration/conservation and education/capacity building.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team and partner group.
Fluency in English both written and spoken required, and knowledge of local languages, cultures and ecosystems are a bonus.
Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
Valid driver’s license.

Compensation

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme and medical cover. more