Head of Climate (f/m/d)

Your mission

This is a leadership role in KAYA which heads the Climate Department consisting of seven specialised staff members. The responsible colleague will lead the conceptualisation and design of a portfolio of largescale nature conservation and landscape restoration projects in forest, grassland and arable ecosystems in tropical and sub-tropical climatic regions. They will be accountable for the climate integrity and process adherence in the development of the projects. They will report to the Chief Executive Officer and, together with the Head of Finance, Head of Legal, Head of HR and Head of Operations, be an active contributor to the development of the organisation and the business. Extensive travel will be an integral part of this role.

Your responsibilities

Strategic Responsibilities 

• Identify opportunities for largescale terrestrial conservation and restoration work in sub–Saharan Africa with support from the Country Heads 

• Realise strategic partnerships relevant to the development and implementation of the projects 

• Select suitable technology and technical services for project development together with the Climate Department Staff and Enterprise Technology Specialist 

• Build and execute a learning and development program for the Climate Department Staff keeping in view both the organisational and personal aspirations 

• Be the organisation’s scientific ambassador and spokesperson with due support from the Climate Department Staff 
  

Operational Responsibilities 

• Conceptualise implementable and viable conservation and restoration projects from the identified opportunities 

• Build the project financial plans together with the Head of Finance and the Project Development Specialist 

• Peer review of the work of the Climate Department Staff 

• Maintain project development course consistent with market and regulatory development 

• Ensure synchrony in the activities, delivery, and knowledge development between the Climate Department and the Country Offices 

• Lead the Climate Department Staff mindfully 

• Perform the management functions such as but not limited to department budget, staff selection, resource allocation, and performance appraisal

Your profile

• Deep understanding of forest, grassland and arable ecosystems in tropical and sub-tropical climatic regions 
• Over eight years of experience in designing, developing, and managing conservation or restoration projects with the potential to show samples of work done 
• Over five years of experience of leading a team of specialised staff 
• Experience of nature-based carbon project development is highly desirable 
• Willingness to live and work in Berlin 
• Willingness to commit to a full time (40-hours per week) role 
• Willingness to travel extensively and overseas for work, especially to sub–Saharan Africa 
• Possibility to contact former employers 
• In additional to English fluency, languages desired are Portuguese, French and/or Spanish 
• Education in environment, agriculture, forestry and/or landscape management is desirable 
• Knowledge of relevant scientific tools and methods is desirable 
• Deep knowledge of nature conservation and landscape restoration work in sub-Saharan African countries is a plus

What we offer

• We offer you a job with purpose through the opportunity to work for the planet and people.  
• You get global exposure everyday through international colleagues and intercontinental work.  
• You become part of an organisation in its early phase.  
• You get to experience life in Berlin