POSITION OVERVIEW
The CEO will lead the development, implementation, and management of OMCP, as well as set the strategy for the organization and ensure its long-term financial health. This role requires a resultsdriven leader with a strong background in conservation, program management, organizational leadership, and stakeholder engagement. The CEO will be responsible for setting the organizational strategy, delivering project objectives, building the OMCP organization from the ground up, overseeing staff and financial operations, ensuring compliance with carbon standards, building strategic partnerships, and representing OMCP at local, national, and international levels. The role also includes building institutional systems, managing risk, engaging communities and other stakeholders, identifying opportunities to increase the impact of the project, and overseeing efficient and effective implementation of OMCP.
The key to success in this landscape-wide project relies on full engagement from each participating conservancy. The CEO will therefore ensure that the OMCP activities are fully understood, adapted to, and well-integrated within each conservancy's management plan and resulting field activities.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES
Project Oversight & Implementation
Oversee the development and execution of project implementation plans in alignment with project objectives and carbon standards
Supervise field teams and service providers to ensure timely, efficient, and high-quality delivery of all project activities
Oversee the successful implementation of project work plans, ensuring progress toward key milestones and donor deliverables
Ensuring active communication on project delivery and timely monitoring of project milestones
Leadership & Organizational Development
The CEO will serve as the principal leader and strategic driver of the organization, responsible for advancing its mission, deepening community impact, and ensuring organizational sustainability. This role combines visionary leadership, operational oversight, and grassroots relationship-building to mobilize resources and partnerships for long-term environmental and community resilience
Build and manage the core team; develop and implement a fit-for-purpose organizational structure
Establish and operationalize the OMCP project office, including infrastructure, logistics, and systems
Oversee and support the transition to the new OMCP entity, including legal registration, and act as an active board member
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Build and maintain strong relationships with all project partners, including local communities, conservancy leadership, and opinion leaders
Serve as the primary liaison between OMCP and stakeholders, including the county and national government
Communicate project goals and updates in a culturally sensitive and strategic manner.
Resolve conflicts between stakeholders constructively and foster collaboration.
Represent OMCP at local and national government platforms
Governance & Compliance
Support legal setup and governance structures for the OMCP entity.
Ensure compliance with national regulations and carbon standards
Maintain transparency with the Board, ensure effective decision-making, and provide regular updates.
Ultimately responsible for the successful validation and ongoing verification of the One Mara
Carbon Project and the issuance of carbon credits
Financial Management
Oversee financial planning, budgeting, and reporting, ensuring alignment with project goals.
Ensure fiscal responsibility, proper procurement practices, and compliance with internal controls.
Support financial audits and manage risk across all financial operations.
Support carbon credit sales and raise investment
Monitoring, Evaluation & Reporting
Ensure strong M&E systems are in place to track project progress, outcomes, and impacts in compliance with appropriate carbon standards, particularly Verra
Lead the preparation of high-quality reports and presentations for the board and partners
Use data and evidence to inform decision-making and improve project performance
QUALIFICATIONS
Required
Bachelor's degree in environmental science, natural resource management, sustainable development, project management, finance or business, or a related field.
At least 10 years of experience at a senior management level in the conservation, climate change, or agricultural fields.
Proven experience managing budgets of at least KES 130M (~$1M USD) annually.
Strong understanding of the Maasai Mara's sociopolitical landscape and community dynamics.
Demonstrated ability to engage communities, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
Excellent leadership, communication, conflict resolution, and organizational skills.
Fluency in English and Kiswahili
Preferred
Master's degree in a relevant field.
Prior leadership experience in the Maasai Mara or similar rangeland landscapes.
Familiarity with carbon project development and certification processes.
Proficiency in the Maa language
Experience in implementing and managing land use sector carbon projects