Careers at
NATURAL STATE
A career at NATURAL STATE means working hard to catalyse large-scale restoration globally by revolutionising impact monitoring, developing new financial mechanisms and supporting local leaders. Our team of diverse people, ideas and skills help us achieve our impact goals and values.
Who We Are
Our goal at the NATURAL STATE research centre is to develop technology and financial systems that will catalyse large-scale restoration globally as well as help train future leaders for this sector. In the short term we are revolutionising impact monitoring for carbon, biodiversity and human-wellbeing, so that the success or failure of restoration efforts can be clearly defined. We are using this technology to help test a broad range of innovative financing mechanisms that aim to support large-scale restoration, sequester carbon, and provide benefits to local communities.
About Our Team
NATURAL STATE's mission is brought to life every day by our talented team of individuals with unique perspectives and a deep passion for the natural world.
A career with us means working hard together to achieve our goals. From species diversity studies at the NATURAL STATE research centre, located at the base of Mt. Kenya, to analysing data to help trigger investment in the nature economy.
NATURAL STATES staff are lifelong learners, continually developing new approaches and new skills. We fail fast and learn fast with a “lean impact” approach. NATURAL STATE provides skill development opportunities through all career stages, and we do this in an inclusive and respectful environment. We pride ourselves at NATURAL STATE for our passion, dedication, and diverse backgrounds.
OPEN OPPORTUNITIES
CONNECTED TECHOLOGY FELLOW
Line manager: Connected Technology Lead
Location: This role is based the Natural State Research Centre in Meru County on the edge of Lewa
Conservancy.
Type: This is a full-time (40 hrs/week) role, however exceptional part-time (20-30 hrs/week) applicants
will be considered.
About Natural State
Natural State is a not-for-profit headquartered in the northern rangelands of Kenya. Our goal is to
develop technology and financial systems that will catalyse large-scale restoration globally and train
future leaders for this sector. In the short term, we are revolutionising impact monitoring for carbon,
biodiversity and human-wellbeing, so that the success or failure of restoration efforts can be clearly
defined. We are using this technology to help test a broad range of innovative financing mechanisms
that aim to support large-scale restoration, sequester carbon, and provide benefits to local
communities.
About The Wyss Academy – East Africa Hub
At the Hub East Africa, our objective is to promote the coexistence of people and nature by preserving
the connectivity, functionality, and health of ecosystems. Additionally, we aim to leverage the co-
benefits of biodiversity for the well-being of both humans and the ecosystem. Currently, our main
projects in the countries include: the dual-purpose corridor initiative; ecosystem inventory for arid and
semi-arid lands; Laikipia County Spatial Planning; youth-led conservation; and landscape restoration
using semi-circular bunds.
About the Role:
We are seeking a tech-savvy and adaptable individual for a Tech Fellowship that focuses on the
evaluation and implementation of proven and cutting-edge environmental and biodiversity monitoring
systems. This role is pivotal in supporting conservation and restoration efforts in rural Kenya through
the deployment and management of both experimental technologies and well-established to monitor
ecosystems and biodiversity.
The Kenyan landscapes, where the Wyss Academy for Nature collaborates with Natural State, serve as
a testing and implementation ground for novel environmental monitoring solutions. These include
advanced remote sensing technologies, such as high- resolution satellite imagery and LiDAR for habitat
mapping and land-use change detection, as well as drone-based systems for localized biodiversity
assessments.
Additionally, sensor networks deployed in situ (e.g., IoT-enabled climate and soil monitoring devices)
are integrated with AI-powered data analytics to enhance real-time environmental assessments. By2
combining these cutting-edge solutions, the initiative aims to create a comprehensive and scalable
"package" for effective and long-term environmental and biodiversity monitoring that can be adapted
to other landscapes globally.
As part of a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with research institutions, technology
providers, NGOs, and local stakeholders to gather critical data, inform ecological restoration practices,
and build capacity for long-term monitoring.
Key Responsibilities:
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Exploring and Implementation of novel approaches to Monitoring Systems:
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Explore and test experimental approaches for enhanced long-term monitoring (edge computing, acoustic and visual pattern recognition).
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Work together with the international team of the Wyss Academy and regional as well as international partners in developing and piloting new approaches.
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Assess and implement a combination of proven and state-of-the-art technologies for environmental monitoring, including biodiversity tracking and soil health assessment.
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Deploy, configure, and maintain tools such as acoustic sensors, camera traps, soil moisture sensors, and other monitoring devices.
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Synchronize local experience with the modern monitoring systems
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Synthesize data from various technologies to provide comprehensive insights into ecosystem dynamics and restoration progress.
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Ensure systems are operational, troubleshoot technical issues, and recommend both innovative and field-tested solutions to improve monitoring efficacy.
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Packaging remote sensing and in-situ monitoring approaches to gain Landscape monitoring insights.
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Configure and optimize IoT communication protocols such as LoRaWAN, MǪTT, CoAP, NB-IoT
• Collaboration with Research Teams and Stakeholders:
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Work with research teams to design monitoring protocols, integrating both established and experimental methods.
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Partner with local communities to co-develop monitoring approaches that incorporate traditional knowledge.
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Share findings and insights through collaborative research efforts, presentations, and publications.
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Document IoT architectures, workflows, and troubleshooting guides
• Capacity Building and Training:
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Support and train local teams in the implementation, use and maintenance of the proven experimental technologies.
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Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance local ownership of evaluated monitoring systems.
Experience and Qualifications:
We are looking for an individual who is technically skilled, open to innovation, and grounded in
practical application, with a passion for biodiversity conservation and ecosystem restoration.
Required Skills and Experience:
• Degree in Computer Science, Environmental Science, Ecology, Engineering or a related technical field.
• Experience or interest in deploying proven environmental monitoring tools (e.g., camera traps,soil sensors, acoustic devices),evaluating their performance in the field and analyzing data
Head of the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience
Application instructions: Please follow the full instructions at the end of this job advert.
Position Type: Full time
Contract: Full-time
Report to: Director of Catalyst
Location: In the interim, the post will be stationed at NATURAL STATE’s Nanyuki Office, Kenya. Once built, the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience just north of Nanyuki will be the main station of work. The post holder will also be required to attend meetings at the NATURAL STATE Research Centre near Lewa Conservancy and the Nanyuki office, and undertake field visits in Kenya and international trips where needed.
About NATURAL STATE
NATURAL STATE’s aim is to catalyse nature restoration across Africa and the globe to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises and support resilient communities. NATURAL STATE and partners are creating the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience - a pioneering hub for accelerating nature restoration efforts across Africa and beyond. The Centre is designed to foster leadership, share best practices, and provide specialised training to support nature restoration and regenerative agriculture projects. The Centre will accommodate trainees, researchers, and partners, with the ultimate goal of catalysing the transition to a sustainable nature-based economy. For more information, visit www.naturalstate.org.
Role summary
We are seeking a visionary and experienced leader and entrepreneur to serve as the Head of Centre for the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience. This pivotal role will guide the establishment and long-term growth of the Centre, overseeing strategic development, partnerships, operational management, and training programmes. This role offers a unique opportunity to lead a pioneering institution that will shape the future of nature restoration across Africa. The ideal candidate will drive the Centre's aim to become a leader and role model in equitable nature restoration training and leadership in Africa.
Key Responsibilities
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Centre Development & Operations: Oversee the Centre’s development, ensuring it is operational
by Q4 2025, including construction, governance and policies, team recruitment, IT setup, and day-
to-day management.
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Strategic Leadership & Income Generation: Develop and implement the Centre’s long-term
strategy and sustainable business model, securing diverse income streams including philanthropic funding for bursaries and scholarships.
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Team Leadership: Lead the Centre’s team, ensuring effective recruitment, performance management, and creating a motivated, high-performing team.
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Programme & Curriculum Development: Design and implement world-class training programmes in collaboration with internal and global partners, focusing on scalable, practical solutions for nature restoration.
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Participant Admissions and Management: Oversee design and operations of participant admissions process, including the bursary fund, ensuring diversity, inclusion, and positive participant experiences from recruitment to programme completion.
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Specialist hubs: Oversee the design and implementation of a Rangelands Restoration Hub and Community Hub on site and ensure close collaboration with surrounding communities for shared learning, knowledge exchange, and collaboration.
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Governance & Reporting: Ensure compliance with governance frameworks, report regularly to the Centre’s Senior Board, Subcommittee, and NATURAL STATE team, and manage workplans, M&E, and budgets effectively.
Required Qualifications & Experience
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Minimum Bachelor’s degree required.
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Proven experience in successfully setting up and operating new education institutions or other
capacity building-related non-profits or social enterprises.
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Minimum of 15 years of experience in education settings and / or long-term capacity building
programmes. Adult teaching experience is an advantage.
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Minimum of 10 years of leadership in education settings and / or long-term capacity building
programmes. Adult teaching experience is an advantage.
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Strong background in strategic planning, partnership development, and income generation.
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Strong entrepreneurial tendency with experience in business model/plan development.
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Demonstrated experience in engaging with diverse local, national, and international partners.
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A desire to see inclusive, diverse, and equitable education and capacity building results.
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A passion for nature restoration/conservation and education/capacity building.
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Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to inspire and guide a diverse team
and partner group.
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Fluency in English both written and spoken required, and knowledge of local languages, cultures
and ecosystems are a bonus.
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Strong skills in the use of Microsoft Apps (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
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Valid driver’s license.
Compensation:
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience, qualifications and location.
Application Process:
This is a one-year position with the potential for annual renewal. The senior communications officer will be compensated commensurate with experience plus benefits that include a pension scheme, medical cover, and a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December. To apply, upload a CV and Cover Letter (pdf format only) describing your interest in the position here.Deadline: Monday, March 14th.
NATURAL STATE is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
SENIOR COMMUNICATIONS OFFICER
Line manager: Director of Fundraising, Communications and Partners Location: Hybrid
Type: This is a full-time (40 hrs/week) role
About NATURAL STATE
NATURAL STATE’s aim is to catalyse nature restoration across Africa and the globe to tackle the biodiversity and climate crises and support resilient communities. NATURAL STATE and partners are creating the African Centre for Nature Restoration & Resilience - a pioneering hub for accelerating nature restoration efforts across Africa and beyond. The Centre is designed to foster leadership, share best practices, and provide specialised training to support nature restoration and regenerative agriculture projects. The Centre will accommodate trainees, researchers, and partners, with the ultimate goal of catalysing the transition to a sustainable nature-based economy. For more information, visit www.naturalstate.org.
Role and responsibilities
Senior Communications Officer to lead our communication strategy, focusing on scientific, climate, and nature restoration initiatives. The ideal candidate will play a pivotal role in enhancing our brand presence, driving engagement, and conveying the impact of our work on preserving and restoring natural ecosystems. This position requires a blend of communication expertise, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of climate, nature restoration and scientific topics.
Key Responsibilities:
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Strategic Communications Plan: Develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy that supports NATURAL STATE's mission and goals, focusing on climate action and nature restoration.
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Content Development: Create compelling content for various platforms, including press releases, articles, support for social media, educational materials, and other communication mediums, that effectively convey our initiatives, their scientific basis and how they relate to and align with the global approach on climate adaptation and mitigation. Contribute to overall fundraising collateral.
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Overall Brand Growth Strategy & Design Development: Collaborate with cross-functional teams to design and execute brand growth strategies that enhance visibility and engagement among key audiences, including donors, stakeholders, and scientific and local communities. Provide training and support for internal stakeholders on communication best practices, fostering a culture of effective storytelling. Spearhead brand development and design visually engaging, high-quality assets for NATURAL STATE, ensuring consistent messaging and visual identity across all platforms. Collaborating on the development of high level and quality marketing, communications, and fundraising materials.
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Media Relations: Establish and maintain relationships with media outlets and influencers in environmental science and conservation to promote NATURAL STATE’s programmes and successes.
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Monitoring and Evaluation: Develop metrics to assess the impact of communication initiatives and adjust strategies based on performance and feedback.
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Crisis Communication: Prepare and manage communication during crises or sensitive issues related to environmental concerns, ensuring the integrity and reputation of the organization is upheld.
Minimum Requirements:
Minimum requirements for the position:
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Bachelor's degree in communications, Environmental Science, Public Relations, or a related
field; master's preferred.
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Minimum of 8 years of professional experience in communications, with a strong focus on
climate science, policy, and other scientific writing and environmental issues.
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Proven experience in developing and executing brand growth strategies within a conservation
or other nonprofit organization.
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Strong understanding of climate change, ecological restoration, and environmental policies.
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Applicants should possess technical knowledge of environmental issues and experience with
research methodologies, along with the ability to translate complex climate science concepts into clear, accessible language for nontechnical audiences, including potential donors and the public.
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Strong media relations skills with a track record of successful press outreach and engagement.
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Proficiency in digital communication tools, social media platforms, and content management
systems.
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High level proficiency in the use of design software, including but not limited to –inDesign,
Adobe, Lightroom, Acrobats etc
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Ability to thrive collaboratively in a team-oriented environment and manage multiple projects
simultaneously.
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A passion for nature, conservation and other environmental issues as well as a commitment to
advancing the diversity and mission of NATURAL STATE.
Compensation:
A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience, qualifications and location.
Application Process:
This is a one-year position with the potential for annual renewal. The senior communications officer will be compensated commensurate with experience plus benefits that include a pension scheme, medical cover, and a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December. To apply, upload a CV and Cover Letter (pdf format only) describing your interest in the position here. Deadline: Monday, March 14th.
Join us at NATURAL STATE and contribute to impactful communications that help protect our planet's precious ecosystems!
NATURAL STATE is an equal-opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.