Senior Director, Africa Policy

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

Conservation International is seeking an accomplished and policy leader to serve as the Senior Director of Policy for Africa. This pivotal role will be instrumental in driving CI’s strategic policy initiatives across the continent, influencing critical decisions that impact conservation and the protection of nature for people. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in public policy and government affairs, with a proven track record of success in navigating complex policy landscapes, particularly in the African context. Based in Nairobi, Kenya, the Director of Policy will spearhead efforts to shape and implement policy strategies that advance CI’s mission to empower societies to care for nature responsibly and sustainably. This dynamic individual will collaborate closely with diverse stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and local communities, to drive meaningful change and secure a brighter future for Africa’s biodiversity and natural resources.

This position manages staff and reports to both the Senior Vice President, Global Policy and Government Affairs, with a dotted line to the Senior Vice President and Chief Field Officer, Africa Field Division. It is a local contract paid in local currency according to local pay scales and standards.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Policy Influence and Implementation

• Collaborate with CI country programs in the region to design and implement strategies to influence the design of national climate policies, including Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), REDD+ nesting policies, National Biodiversity Strategic Action Plans (NBSAPs), and both domestic and international carbon markets.
• Design and implement strategies to influence policy frameworks to facilitate demand for natural climate solutions (NCS).
• Lead efforts to influence domestic policies to incentivize and support restoration efforts in key countries, particularly where CI has rangelands/savannah and forest programmes.
• Influence governments’ positions on key elements of globally, regionally or nationally important policy formulation, including negotiations on international biodiversity and climate policies.

Policy Strategic Planning and Coordination

• Develop and implement a multi-year policy strategy for Africa, mapping potential areas of policy intervention and gaps within the Africa Field Division (AfFD) and aligning to the field division’s regional strategy and priorities.
• Lead the coordination of policy priorities, strategy, and activities on the continent, actively serving as a policy lead for designated projects and initiatives, representing the policy interests within the AfFD’s Executive Management Team.
• Provide meaningful policy support to thematic leads, country programme leads, and other relevant internal colleagues, ensuring alignment with CI’s policy priorities and strategy.
• Overseeing and supervising select GEF and GCF projects that consist of vital governmental relationships capable of influencing policy, including the Capacity-Building Initiative for Transparency and Earth Ranger, as well as the Guinean Forests Integrated Programme.

Stakeholder Engagement and Relationship Management

• Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including government agencies and NGO partners engaged in policy efforts in Africa.
• Collaborate with CI’s country programs and external partners to create shared policy inputs for national governments, advocating for CI’s policy priorities and objectives.
• Serve as a liaison between the Africa Field Division and the Global Policy and Government Affairs team, facilitating effective communication and collaboration between teams.

Team Management and Development

• Provide effective leadership and management to the Africa Policy and special projects team, ensuring alignment with CI’s mission and objectives.
• Support the professional development of team members through coaching, mentoring, and training opportunities.
• Foster a collaborative and inclusive team environment, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within the Africa Policy team.
• Manage team resources effectively, including budget allocation and performance evaluation, to achieve desired outcomes and objectives.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• This position is based in Nairobi, Kenya, at CI’s offices located in Merchant Square, Riverside Drive, Nairobi.
• Normal office environment with up to 50% local, regional, and international travel required for high-level meetings and field site visits.
• Availability to deal with pressing business, emergencies, and unanticipated crises or opportunities that may arise related to CI’s institutional needs or management, including outside of normal office hours.
• Ability to work extended hours to meet deadlines.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in public policy, international affairs, environmental science, or a related field.
• 10 or more years of experience in developing and managing non-profit public policy initiatives or working in Government in Africa.
• 5 year or more of supervisory experience.
• Solid understanding of government processes in Africa and the overall Africa policy engagement environment.
• Proven ability to navigate and negotiate complex policy landscapes, including engagement with government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to effectively communicate complex information to diverse audiences.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Fluency in English; fluency in French or Portuguese is a plus.
• Experience in policy development related to climate change, biodiversity conservation, and natural resource management.
• Demonstrated expertise in designing and implementing strategies to influence national and international policy frameworks.
• Familiarity with key policy instruments and mechanisms, such as Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), REDD+ nesting, or National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs) are an added advantage.
• Experience in managing and mentoring a diverse team of policy professionals.

Preferred

• Masters degree.