Careers at
NATURAL STATE

A career at NATURAL STATE means working with dedicated teammates to catalyse large-scale restoration globally—preparing the next generation of restoration leaders, developing and scaling innovative finance mechanisms for nature, and building the proprietary technology and methods needed to measure impact. Our work spans field and lab research, data science and product development, training and partnership building, and the design of investable restoration mechanisms.

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.

Values

NATURAL STATE aims to remain a small, focused, high impact organisation with clearly articulated and regularly monitored deliverables.

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The Team

NATURAL STATE is a global team spread across many countries. Most of our staff are native to the countries in which they work.

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Annual Report

There has never been a greater opportunity or a more important time to restore the natural world. Check out our 2023 Annual Report.

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Research Center

The NATURAL STATE Research Centre is located at the base of Mt. Kenya within close proximity of open savannah, shrubland, dense forest, and wetlands.

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Open Opportunities

OPEN OPPORTUNITIES

Comms Assistant

Director of Development & Global Partnerships

Type: Full-time, onsite

Reports To: Vice President

Location: Nairobi, Kenya,

Key Travel: Flexible / Remote (with significant international travel estimated at 30-40%)

Target: Directly contribute to the organisation's $10M annual fundraising goal, with primary focus on securing $3M+ in new institutional grant revenue

About Natural State

Natural State is a pioneering environmental non-profit organisation working to catalyse large-scale nature restoration and conservation by revolutionising impact monitoring, creating innovative financial mechanisms, and building capacity at the local level. With operations in Kenya, the United States, and South Africa, we bring together science, technology, and community partnerships to restore ecosystems and secure a more resilient and biodiverse future.

Position Summary

To architect and execute a disciplined global fundraising strategy that proactively leverages the Global Ambassadors Circle (GAC) and cultivates a diversified pipeline of major funding from foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies, and philanthropic networks.

Key Responsibilities:

Develop, implement, and own Natural State’s global fundraising strategy, with a clear prioritization framework for opportunities across our pillars: Research & Monitoring, Nature Finance, and Leadership & Learning.
Proactively leverage the Global Ambassadors Circle (GAC) as a strategic asset, cultivating relationships with members to access networks and convert connections into a pipeline of qualified leads.
Identify, qualify, and cultivate a diversified pipeline of major funding, targeting both restricted grants for program pillars and unrestricted revenue for core operations.
Directly cultivate, solicit, and steward relationships with major institutional funders (foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies) and principal donors.
Oversee the end-to-end grant process for strategic opportunities, leading the development of compelling concept notes, proposals, and budgets, in close collaboration with program leads.
Monitor funding trends and donor priorities to inform strategy and identify new opportunities.
Collaborate with the Director of Communications & Partnerships to ensure powerful fundraising narratives and align on partnership-driven revenue.
Build and lead a high-performing development team, with the mandate to hire and manage supporting staff (e.g., Grant Manager) to scale fundraising capacity.
Monitor and report on fundraising performance against the $10M annual target, providing clear analysis and forecasts to leadership.
Establish and maintain robust systems to track the donor pipeline, manage deadlines, and ensure strategic stewardship.
Ensure all donors and supporters receive high-quality, timely reporting on the use and impact of their funds, in close coordination with program and finance teams.
Collaborate closely with the Director of Finance and Capital on all proposal budgets, grant financial reporting, and donor compliance to ensure alignment and accuracy.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential Experience (Non-Negotiable):

Proven Fundraising Results: 8+ years of progressive experience in global fundraising, with a demonstrated personal track record of securing and managing six- and seven-figure grants from institutions such as private foundations, bilateral/multilateral agencies, or international NGOs.
Strategic Pipeline Developer: Experience in designing and executing a prioritized fundraising strategy that successfully built a diversified pipeline and increased revenue.
High-Level Network Leverage: Proven ability to proactively leverage advisory boards, ambassador circles, or senior networks to identify and cultivate new funding opportunities.
Sector & Global Credibility: A strong understanding of the conservation, climate, or international development funding landscape across multiple regions (e.g., North America, Europe, Africa). Existing relationships with relevant institutional funders is a significant advantage. Experience working across cultures and adapting strategies to different donor markets is required.
Leadership Capacity: Demonstrated experience in or clear potential for building, mentoring, or managing a team.

Core Skills & Competencies:

Exceptional strategic thinking and prioritisation abilities.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling funding cases.
High-level interpersonal and diplomatic skills, comfortable engaging with CEOs, board members, and major donors.
Collaborative mindset, able to work effectively with program, communications, and finance colleagues.

Strongly Preferred:

Experience living or working in multiple geographic regions, with direct fundraising experience in at least two major donor markets (e.g., US foundations and European multilateral agencies)
Existing network within conservation/climate philanthropy.
This document is now optimised to attract and filter for the strategic, proactive, and high-performing fundraiser you need. It is ready to be sent to recruiting firms.

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Head of Laboratory

Position: Head of Laboratory

Location: Natural State Research Centre (map)

Terms: Full-time onsite (40 hrs per week)

About Natural State

Position Summary

We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Head of Laboratory to lead and manage Natural State’s multidisciplinary environmental analysis laboratory. Our laboratory focuses on spectroscopy for carbon and vegetation analysis, invertebrate identification and collection, environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis, and soil biodiversity studies. A core responsibility of the Head of Laboratory will be to oversee the transition of the lab from research-focused operations to a commercial service provider, delivering high-quality, cost-effective, and timely analytical services to internal teams and external partners.

The lab plays a critical role in advancing Natural State’s mission to generate high-resolution ecosystem insights in support of global restoration.

This role requires daily on-site presence with strong leadership and close collaboration with the other teams in the Impact Monitoring department as well as external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be both technically proficient and a capable team builder, ready to grow lab capabilities, mentor and develop the lab team, ensure operational excellence, and deliver measurable value through scientific and commercial impact.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Quality Management

Manage daily operations of the lab, ensuring optimal workflow, safety, and compliance
with quality standards (e.g., ISO/GLP where applicable).
Co-develop and implement a strategy for the lab
Oversee and implement analytical methodologies in spectroscopy, eDNA, invertebrate, and
soil biodiversity analysis.
Ensure rigorous quality control and assurance procedures across all lab activities.
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lab protocols, and health & safety documentation.
Oversee data management standards and digital pipelines to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and integration with broader analytical frameworks• Lead the development of a comprehensive QA/QC framework covering sample handling, analysis, equipment calibration, and reporting.

Commercialisation & Service Provision

Co-develop and implement the lab’s commercialisation strategy, establishing fee-for- service models for internal departments and external partners.
Define service pricing structures, forecast revenue, and manage lab P&L in alignment with organizational goals.
Build and manage relationships with external clients and partners, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate, and cost-effective analytical results.
Monitor and report on lab performance metrics (e.g., turnaround times, cost per sample, client satisfaction).
Explore and develop partnerships with other service providers to compliment the NS lab’s capabilities, leveraging advances in AI and machine learning to optimise analysis and outputs.

Capacity Building & Team Leadership

Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of lab technicians, analysts, students, and interns.
Identify skills gaps and provide professional development opportunities to build a high-performing lab team.
Develop and deliver regular training sessions on lab conduct and health and safety standards, ensuring a culture of scientific integrity within the lab.
Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes for lab personnel.

Research & Development Support

Collaborate with internal research teams and the Impact Monitoring department to design and support field sampling campaigns and analytical studies.
Contribute to the development and validation of new analytical techniques and tools.
Actively contribute to the development of the strategic framework for scaling lab operations.

Resource & Infrastructure Management

Manage lab inventory, procurement, and maintenance of analytical instruments (e.g., spectrometers, sequencing equipment, microscopes).
Oversee the calibration, troubleshooting, and upgrading of lab equipment.

Requirements:

MSc or PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related discipline.
At least 5 years of experience in laboratory management or senior lab role, preferably in an environmental or ecological context.
Proven experience in at least one of the following: spectroscopy, molecular biology/genetics or soil biodiversity.
Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory budgets, resources, and teams.
Experience delivering scientific services on a commercial basis or within contract research environments.
Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and standards for lab accreditation.
Strong project management skills and client communication experience.
Experience mentoring junior staff and students

Desirable:

Experience working with conservation organisations, ecological monitoring programs, or environmental impact assessment.
Entrepreneurial mindset with ability to scale up operations sustainably.

Key Competencies

Strong leadership and team-building abilities.
High attention to detail with a commitment to scientific integrity and reproducibility.
Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and analytical thinking skills.
Clear and professional written and verbal communication.
Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative working style, with a willingness to engage openly across departments.
Adaptability and drive to build new systems and processes from the ground up.