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 South Africa, Kenya, or Botswana
Amid growing consensus that the protection, restoration, and improved management of ecosystems can provide at least 30% of the climate mitigation needed to limit warming to 1.5°C, Conservation International (CI) has set ambitious targets to realize the potential of Natural Climate Solutions (NCS) worldwide. CI’s Carbon Finance (CF) unit within the Nature Finance Group (NFG) invests in NCS projects that help combat climate change by reducing deforestation and conserving and restoring critical ecosystems. These NCS solutions include the protection, enhanced management, and restoration of forests, rangelands, wetlands, and other natural systems.
The Carbon Finance team works across CI field programs and partner organizations to source and finance a strong pipeline of high-quality NCS carbon projects coupled with innovative financing designed to ensure long-term sustainability and private sector participation. The team taps the deep knowledge and technical expertise within CI to catalyze and improve the quality of gigatons of emission reductions and removals in the voluntary and compliance carbon markets. The CF team prioritizes impact through community engagement and benefit-sharing, biodiversity and environmental benefits, and the application of safeguards.
The Senior Manager, Carbon Projects Delivery will be responsible for the development and delivery of a portfolio of NCS carbon projects across Africa, ensuring that on-the-ground implementation is executed within agreed timelines and aligned with approved workplans, certification standards, and CI principles of high quality. The role will also be an integral part of the Keystone Protected Area Financing (KPAF) team working in close collaboration with the Rob Walton Foundation to catalyze investment into protected areas. The role will manage relationships with project partners and work closely with cross-functional teams to drive progress on key milestones, including the development and submission of Project Description (PD) and Monitoring Reports (MRs), and supporting projects through validation and verification processes. Strong coordination across internal project teams and country offices is required to ensure alignment, accountability, and timely execution, including conducting regular field visits at different stages of project development to monitor implementation, assess risks, and provide direct support to teams.
The Senior Manager will play a key role in the delivery of Keystone Protected Area Financing, in collaboration with the Rob Walton Foundation. This includes supporting early-stage pipeline development, conducting project scoping and due diligence, providing Technical Assistance, including delivery of feasibility assessments, performing field visits, and supporting project partners to move priority opportunities to full-scale development. The individual will communicate project progress to internal stakeholders through appropriate reporting channels, ensuring visibility of key milestones, risks, and achievements across the portfolio.
The Senior Manager will support the review of financial and grant reports from project partners to ensure funds are utilized in accordance with approved budgets and with strong financial discipline. The role will support the preparation of progress reports to the Rob Walton Foundation and other funders and ensure reporting requirements are met accurately and on time. In addition, the position will help ensure that appropriate systems, governance structures, and operational processes are in place to safeguard project integrity and effective delivery.
This position does not directly supervise staff.