Senior Manager, Nature Finance

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya

The position’s primary focus and responsibilities are related to the project management and delivery of the Towards Ending Drought Emergencies (TWENDE) project - Ecosystem Based Adaptation in Kenya’s Arid and Semi-Arid Rangelands.  

Conservation International is one of the three executing partners of TWENDE. The 5-year TWENDE project is funded by the Green Climate Fund (GCF), with IUCN as the accredited entity, and it aims at reducing the cost of climate change-induced drought on Kenya’s national economy by increasing the resilience of the livestock and other land use sectors in restored and effectively governed rangeland ecosystems. The project targets three landscapes of Sabarwawa, Mid-Tana, and Chyulu Hills and covers 11 counties. Implementation is under 3 components.

• Climate change-adapted planning and drought resilience led by the National Drought Management Authority
• Restoration of rangelands landscapes for ecosystem–based adaptation led by the State Department for Livestock  
• Climate change resilient ecosystem management for investment - CI is leading the implementation of component 3 of the TWENDE project. The component seeks to unlock investments in rangeland economies that enhance communities’ resilience to droughts. The component has four key activities, namely:
  • Activity 3.1. Prioritization and support of value chains with the highest drought resilience potential in the target landscapes
  • Activity 3.2. Support women-led grass seed and fodder enterprises
  • Activity 3.3. Design and implement a community-owned climate-smart lending platform
  • Activity 3.4. Disburse small grants and loans to community enterprises and SMEs

Activities 3.1 and 3.2 are nearing completion. (Additionally, CI is also a service provider for activity 2.2, which is implementing soil and water conservation activities. This activity is contracted to Just Diggit and is equally nearing completion). Thus, the next phase of the project (2025 and 2026) will mostly focus on the implementation of activities 3.3 and 3.4. However, the incumbent will have some general residual project management responsibilities for all the project activities.

RESPONSIBILITIES

The individual will deliver all functions and responsibilities pertaining to the GCF TWENDE project:

General project management functions

• Oversee service providers in the field implementation of their TWENDE project activities across 3 Landscapes (Chyulu hills, Mid-Tana, and Sabarwawa landscape). Monitor contracted service provider activities in the field to ensure quality, timeliness, and efficiency in delivery in line with contractual agreements.
• Assist the CI Technical Lead and CI Regional Director in engaging all field-based project stakeholders, including TWENDE project partners, government institutions, communities, the development sector, private sector, etc.
• Play a central role in compiling project reports and communication materials (component 3 and activity 2.2).
• Ensure continuous delivery risk assessment, and mitigation measures are put in place.
• Actively engage and work with relevant colleagues in developing new and complementary program opportunities in the TWENDE project landscapes.
• Offer support to the technical lead and the cross-cutting thematic functions as may be delegated from time to time.  
• Business development through contributing to funding proposals and donor engagements.

Community Resilience Facility - Activity 3.3 

• Design of the Community Resilience Facility (CRF), a climate-smart lending platform for community enterprises.
• Closely consult and collaborate with all TWENDE project partners to validate the design of the CRF. The partners are expected to include IUCN (Accredited Entity), other executing entities, Community Groups, TWENDE service providers, among others.
• Lead in the identification, contracting, and supervision of service providers delivering the CRF.
• Design a robust CRF monitoring framework with clear social, environmental, and economic KPIs. Collect data, analyze, and report on the performance of the CRF in consultation with the contracted service provider(s).
• Document lessons learnt and lead in the development of a replicable CRF model for use by CI across its other programs in Africa.

SME investments - Activity 3.4

• This function will be performed in close consultation with the CI Ventures Africa lead.
• Lead in the development of pipeline for investments in SMEs that are operating in key TWENDE landscapes in value chains that support community drought resilience. 
• Support the identified applicants through the CIV application process. This includes mapping out social, environmental, and economic KPIs as part of the application process and confirming their alignment with the expected TWENDE impact goals.
• Undertake due diligence, including financial, and related risk assessments.
• Deliver investment memos and financial models, including stress-test scenario modeling, and present the same to the investment committee in close cooperation with the CI Ventures Africa lead.  
• Work closely with CI’s legal team on term sheets and financing agreements negotiations with the SMEs.
• Provide post-investment oversight through close interactions with the investee and monitoring the achievements of the KPIs.
• Undertake pipeline development functions for CI Ventures investments through actively cultivating partnerships with other like-minded organizations, co-investors, and recruiting potential investees.
• Any other functions as may be assigned by the CI Ventures Africa lead.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Flexibility to work outside normal working hours to meet deadlines as needed.  
• This is a position eligible for persons who have the right to work in Kenya without CI sponsorship.
• The position is for a fixed-term contract of 18 months, renewable based on performance and available funding.  
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in project management, sustainable finance, rural enterprise development, or any other relevant field.  
• 5 to 7 years of experience in designing and delivering sustainable finance projects and/or products, with additional project management experience within rural development context.
• Hands-on experience undertaking due diligence, financial modelling, monitoring performance, and reporting for projects and investments with social and environmental impact.
• Good understanding of conservation and other contextual issues in the Kenyan rangelands, including trends and patterns in the rangelands' economies.
• Strong experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and public donors.
• Good report writing and presentation skills.
• A self-starter able to work remotely under minimal supervision.

Preferred

• A post-graduate degree and/or financial investment qualifications would be highly desired. 

To apply for this position please submit a resume and cover letter.

Application Deadline: May 16, 2025  (11:49 PM EST). Note: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and the position may be filled prior to the deadline. 

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

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