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Payments for Ecosytem Services (PES) are becoming popular as a more direct way to achieve conservation goals. PES responds to the nature of market mechanisms, and has been rallied as an effective way to channel resources to traditionally abandoned rurual populations. CU recognizes the utility of PES and the opportunity to implement PES at both the sub-national and national levels. The lessons leart from past PES projects, can inform future programme success. This is especially true in Africa, where PES has typically been limited to sub-national pilot programmes.
CI has extensive organizational experience in PES-related initiatives. In Kenya, CI is working on a stacked PES project (water, REDD+, solar) in the Chyulu Hills. CI specifically aims to advance a water PES project within the boundaries of the Chyulu Hills Conservation Trust – a multi-partner initiative that includes CI. The Trust has already developed a REDD+ Project (initiated in 2012) designed to promote climate change mitigation and adaptation, restore biodiversity, and create alternative livelihoods.
Conservation International is looking for Project Manager who can support the project implementation. Reporting to the Natural Capital Accounting Director, and serving as the lead for the project, the Project Manager will be expected to manage the implementation of a water PES project within the Chyulu Hills to supplement the Trust’s ongoing work in REDD+ initiatives. S/he will also be responsible for the development of the Chyulu Hills REDD+ and Solar PES programmes, which will align with geographically with the water PES, managed by the Chyulu Hills Conservation Trust. S/he may also assist in the implementation of additional PES projects within Africa, thereby helping to build CI into a PES leader on the continent.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Manage all aspects of the development and implementation of the water PES project in the Chyulu Hills. This will include providing technical expertise, stakeholder engagements, logistical planning, donor reporting and scientific outputs.
- Manage the implementation of the REDD+ and Solar PES projects
- Develop a knowledge platform for the water, REDD+ and Solar PES projects as needed to ensure success of the programme. This will include review of data availability, understanding of biophysical, social, political and economic characteristics of the region.
- Establish new partnerships with private and public organizations and agencies related to PES in Kenya
- Represent CI at external meetings with partners, donors, foundations, government officials as may be required
- Be fully accountable for management of external funds and ensuring compliance with donor requirements and CI policies
- Assist in fundraising efforts to support the implementation of CI’s PES initiatives which will include writing of grant proposals.
- Write reports and develop materials for internal decision makers and external parties, including papers for publication in peer reviewed journals
- Perform related duties as assigned.
REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D) in biological, environmental, social science, economics, international development, business or related field
- At least 5 years of PES Management experience or working with Conservation Agreements
- Demonstrated experience in leading PES programmes and projects from multiple funding sources and with details reporting requirements.
- Proven track record of securing grants to support conservation and/or sustainable development agendas
- Demonstrated ability to communicate technical and non-technical information to a variety of audiences e.g. scientific publications, donor reports, concept notes, and outputs aimed at the general public
- Demonstrated ability to work with a variety of stakeholders including local communities, private businesses, civil society and government
- Documented experience in communicating brand and strategy to external audiences
- Fluency in written and verbal English is required. Fluency in Swahili is an added advantage
We expect that all employees will embrace the values of our organization
- Passion: We are inspired by nature and cherish the diversity of life in all its forms
- Respect: We respect and trust each oterh, and we embrace our diversity of cultures, talents, and experiences
- Integrity: We act with integrity and accountable to others for our actions
- Optimism: We are optimistic about the future of life on Earth and are confident that, with our partners, we will achieve unprecedented conservation results
- Courage: We tirelessly pursue our vision, taking bold action and persevering through challenges
- Teamwork: We work together, recognizing that openness, collaboration and cooperation are fundamental to achieving a healthy and prosperous world for all.
WORKING CONDITIONS
- The position is based in Nairobi, Kenya in an office environment
- The position will require travel of not less than 20% to the project sites and ability to work non-traditional and extended hours to accommodate time differences between headquarters and the region.
TO APPLY
Please visit Conservation International’s Careers page and apply directly through our online job application form for this position. The deadline for receipt of application is December 31, 2015
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