Chief Field Officer | Nairobi, Kenya – ID: 2315 | Conservation International

Chief Field Officer, Africa

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya
• ID: 2315
• Employer: Conservation International

Position Description

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Job Title: Chief Field Officer, Africa – Nairobi, Kenya

Company Overview

Conservation International is dedicated to protecting nature for the benefit of humanity. By integrating science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, Conservation International works globally to spotlight and secure critical natural spaces vital for climate stability, biodiversity, and human well-being. With offices in over 30 countries and projects spanning more than 100 nations, Conservation International collaborates with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to foster thriving human and natural ecosystems.

Position Summary

This Chief Field Officer (CFO), Africa position, based in Nairobi, Kenya, is pivotal in leading and executing Conservation International’s strategies across the African continent. The CFO Africa is responsible for driving Conservation Outcomes, ensuring Operational Excellence, Reimagining Conservation, and spearheading Fundraising efforts across the region. The role oversees a team of 290+ professionals with an annual operating budget of $40 million.

The CFO Africa shapes and implements a Pan-African strategy that aligns with the organization’s mission, ensuring sustainable financing for key landscapes, enhancing nature-based livelihoods, and improving governance structures. The role requires collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including high-level government officials, donor agencies, private sector leaders, and Indigenous communities.

This position is part of Conservation International’s Leadership Team and reports directly to the Executive Vice President, Field Programs.

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Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and Implement African Strategy: Lead the development and execution of Conservation International’s strategy for Africa, focusing on sustainable financing, nature-based livelihoods, governance, and poverty alleviation through conservation.
• Operational Excellence: Oversee the Africa Field Division’s operations, ensuring alignment with the organization’s goals and identifying areas for efficiency improvement.
• Project Oversight: Ensure that all projects and programs, including those funded by public and private donors, align with the organizational vision and deliver high-impact conservation outcomes.
• Annual Planning and Budgeting: Collaborate with the Leadership Team to lead the annual planning and budgeting process for the Africa Field Division.

Team and Capacity Building

• Capacity Development: Create and implement a multi-year plan to build the capacity of staff to design and deliver high-quality conservation projects in compliance with CI and donor requirements.
• Leadership: Manage the Africa Field Division’s Executive Management Team, emphasizing accountability, delivery excellence, staff well-being, and a culture of equity, inclusion, and diversity.

Fundraising and Resource Mobilization

• Fundraising Strategy: Identify and pursue new funding sources for Conservation International’s African strategy, cultivating relationships with private donors, foundations, government agencies, and corporate partners.
• Donor Relations: Oversee public funding and corporate partnerships, ensuring alignment with CI’s goals and strategy.

Partnerships and Representation

• High-Level Representation: Represent Conservation International in Africa with senior government officials, private sector leaders, and other high-impact partners.
• Partnership Development: Cultivate and manage relationships with stakeholders, including the Africa Council, to drive Conservation International’s mission.

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Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Educational Background: A Master’s/Postgraduate degree in conservation, natural resource management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Over 15 years of leadership experience in conservation and/or natural resource management, with a minimum of 5 years in senior leadership roles.
• Team Management: At least 7 years of experience managing teams of professional employees.
• Conservation Impact: Demonstrated ability to lead high-impact conservation projects and translate research into practical tools for decision-making.
• Fundraising Expertise: Proven success in raising funds at the $1 million+ level, with a deep understanding of donor relations and strategy development.
• Cultural Competency: Ability to work effectively in diverse cultural and political environments across Africa.
• Language Proficiency: Professional fluency in English.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced Education: A doctoral degree in conservation, natural resource management, or development.
• Language Skills: Fluency in French and/or Portuguese.

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Working Conditions

• Travel Requirements: The role involves significant travel, with up to 50% of time spent traveling across Africa, Europe, and the USA for high-level meetings and fundraising activities. All travel is conducted in line with CI policies and country-specific mandates.
• Work Arrangement: Flexible work arrangements will be discussed during the interview process.

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Application Process

Interested candidates should submit their resumes and cover letters through the official Conservation International career portal. For more details on this and other career opportunities with Conservation International, visit the career section HERE.

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Equal Opportunity Employer

Conservation International is committed to diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and welcome candidates from all backgrounds. Employment decisions are made based on qualifications, experience, business needs, and other legitimate non-discriminatory factors.

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TELEGRAM CHANNEL

Apply Now to join Conservation International and lead impactful conservation efforts across Africa. Your expertise and leadership could make a significant difference in protecting the natural world for future generations.

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