REDD+ Policy Manager

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 REDD+ Policy Manager supports the policy function in Kenya by providing technical, project, and administrative guidance to support the Kenya REDD+ nesting work in Kenya, including in relation to coordinating colleagues on the policy components of our REDD+ projects in Kenya, engagements with government, and other logistical and administrative aspects required to establish a nesting framework in Kenya. The REDD+ Policy Manager is a member of the Global Policy and Government Affairs programme and his or her primary duty will be to provide policy support to the Policy Director and to coordinate REDD+ nesting initiatives in Kenya. The REDD+ Policy Manager will have the opportunity to engage in a range of policy issues and work within a highly collaborative programme across the region and the globe.

This position does not manage staff. Duties are performed under general supervision.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborate closely with the government to develop a comprehensive REDD+ Nesting framework that aligns with the requirements for carbon trading under the Paris Agreement.
• Provide extensive support to the government in engaging with various stakeholders in shaping the policy and legal framework related to REDD+.
• Support Conservation International to identify and establish relationships with potential buyer countries interested in purchasing carbon credits under the new framework, particularly during the initial implementation phase of the nesting policy and law.
• Lead and manage the implementation of the complementary elements of the REDD+ nesting policy work in Kenya, including overseeing and advancing the policy development process and serving as the key GPGA staff member leading this.
• Work towards supporting and piloting Article 6 carbon credit trades in Kenya under its upcoming REDD+ and carbon markets policies.
• Support liaison efforts between Conservation International and the government, ensuring effective communication and collaboration throughout the development and implementation of the REDD+ nesting framework.
• Contribute to the creation and dissemination of reports, documents, and presentations that communicate progress and findings related to REDD+ policy development, in line with Conservation International’s communication and reporting standards.
• Continuously monitor and stay up to date with developments in international carbon trading regulations and the evolving landscape of REDD+ policies to ensure alignment with global standards and best practices.
• Facilitate workshops, meetings, and stakeholder consultations as necessary to gather input and foster collaboration in the REDD+ policy development process, as part of Conservation International’s engagement efforts.
• Collaborate with the Africa Field Division, Kenya Country Programme, and Global Policy and Government Affairs team members to ensure that the objectives of the REDD+ nesting work are met and to support the broader mission of Conservation International in conserving nature and securing a sustainable future.
• Work closely with the Kenya Program REDD+ Manager and ensure that policy efforts on nesting in the country align with other elements of REDD+ work in Kenya in a collaborative and supportive manner.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Work is performed in a typical office environment with work from home expected.
• No international travel is expected and frequent national travel is likely 25%.
• May be asked to work outside of conventional office hours (8 am – 5 pm).
• This position follows a hybrid work structure, working some days from the office and some remotely. Guidance will be shared during the interview process.
• This is a fixed-term assignment, expected to be a 2-years.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, environmental policy, natural resource management, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 4 to 6 years of direct experience in REDD+ engagements, implementation, or a closely related field in the private, public, or non-profit sector.
• Proven track record of contributing to the development and execution of environmental policies, with a focus on climate change, forestry, or similar areas.
• A strong background and demonstrated interest in REDD+ initiatives, climate change, and environmental policy, as well as experience working with the government.
• Strong administrative skills with examples of successful logistical and planning efforts in complex settings related to REDD+ and environmental policy projects.
• Courteous, tactful, and a proven ability to work effectively with a wide range of stakeholders, including government officials, conservation organizations, and local communities.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks related to REDD+ policy development and implementation, ensuring that work is completed in a timely and organized manner.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential matters related to policy with a high level of integrity.
• Proficiency in database operations, Microsoft Office applications, and relevant software tools used in policy analysis and reporting.
• Strong attention to detail, including the ability to thoroughly review and analyze policy documents and reports for accuracy and compliance with global standards.
• Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team framework, especially in the context of policy development, while building effective working relationships with colleagues and external partners.
• Fluency in English and Swahili would be an added advantage.

Preferred

• Master’s degree.

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

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is an equal opportunity, affirmative action, and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Accessibility-committed employer. We are proud to have a diverse, global workforce where employment decisions are based on qualifications, experience, position requirements, business needs, market conditions, merit, and other legitimate nondiscriminatory factors.

As a science-based organization, CI follows CDC recommendations for COVID-19 and other vaccines. Accordingly, for the health and safety of our employees, their families, and our community, subject to applicable local law, all Conservation International staff are expected to be vaccinated against COVID-19. However, vaccination is no longer a mandate or condition of employment and employees are not required to provide proof of vaccination. This means we will not require an individual to be vaccinated to enter a CI office, attend CI events or travel on CI-related trips. This applies for our community partners as well. This vaccine expectation applies to all team members working remotely, in a hybrid work arrangement, and on-site. Job applicants are NOT required to state their COVID-19 vaccine status in their application.