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
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: Friday 7th March 2025.
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: Friday 7th March 2025.
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.