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

Site/Facilities Manager for the Centre for Nature Economy

CONTRACT: Full-time, with an initial one-year contract (renewable) based on performance and funding availability.

REPORTS TO: Head of the Centre for the Nature Economy

DIRECT REPORTS: Research Centre Officer and CNE Facility Support Staff (Chefs, Cleaners, and Security Guards)

LOCATION: The post will be based at NATURAL STATE's Centre for the Nature Economy in Nanyuki. Residence on-site may be required.

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. For more information, visit www.naturalstate.org.

ROLE SUMMARY

The Site/Facilities Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional day-to-day operation of the Centre for the Nature Economy. The role ensures that trainees, researchers, partners, donors, staff, and visitors experience a well-maintained, functional, and welcoming environment. Reporting to the Head of the Centre for the Nature Economy, the postholder will oversee all facilities, infrastructure, accommodation, hospitality services, grounds, vehicles, and site-based staff. The role combines facilities management, hospitality services, operational coordination, staff supervision, and practical maintenance responsibilities, ensuring that the Centre operates effectively as a learning, training, innovation, and demonstration facility. The Site/Facilities Manager serves as the operational focal point for the Centre, maintaining critical infrastructure, coordinating service providers, supporting programme delivery, and ensuring high standards of safety, presentation, hospitality, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities:

1. Facilities & Infrastructure Management (with Hands-On Technical Focus)

Basic Technical Repairs

Electrical Systems: Troubleshoot and resolve basic electrical issues (e.g., tripped breakers, faulty outlets, lighting problems). Identify issues requiring a licensed electrician and escalate appropriately.
Plumbing & Water Systems: Diagnose and repair pipe breakages, leaky taps, blocked drains, and toilet malfunctions. Maintain water pumps, tanks, and rainwater harvesting systems.
General Handyman Duties: Perform minor carpentry, painting, and structural repairs as needed to maintain buildings and guest facilities.

Critical Systems Oversight:

Ensure reliable operation of solar power systems, monitoring performance and performing basic maintenance (e.g., cleaning panels, checking batteries).
Maintain internet and IT infrastructure in coordination with the IT Support Officer, troubleshooting basic connectivity issues.
Establish and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all systems and equipment.

Vehicle Fleet Management:

Oversee NATURAL STATE vehicles based at the Centre, ensuring regular cleaning, logbook maintenance, and prompt reporting of issues.
Coordinate with central Operations on major maintenance, insurance renewals, and annual services.

Grounds & Building Maintenance:

Oversee all maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment. Ensure the site is safe, functional, clean, and professionally presented at all times.
Supervise the gardener and cleaners to maintain high standards of presentation.

2. Guest & Hospitality Management

Seamless Guest Experience: Oversee all aspects of the guest experience for trainees, researchers, donors, and visitors, ensuring their needs are met with professionalism, warmth, and cultural sensitivity.
Hospitality Operations: Manage hospitality-related stock (food, supplies, linens), implement stock-keeping systems, and oversee dietary requirements, sleeping arrangements, and laundry services.
Guest Calendar & Coordination: Maintain a guest calendar and coordinate closely with Centre staff and program teams to ensure smooth scheduling and delivery of courses and events.
Financial Administration: Facilitate the issuance of invoices to paying guests and collect payments as needed, following established procedures.

3. Team Leadership & Management

Site Team Management: Directly manage and mentor the site team, fostering an inclusive, caring, and high-performance work environment. Positions include:
- Research Centre Officer
- Cook and Assistant Cook
- IT Support Officer
- Cleaners
- Gardener
- Night Guard
- Site Maintenance Fixer
Scheduling & Coverage: Ensure appropriate staffing coverage at all times, including coverage for leave and illness.
Performance & Development: Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and identify training needs for site staff.

4. Policy Implementation & Compliance

Operational Policies: Implement and uphold the Centre's maintenance, guest management, and operational policies and processes.
Health & Safety: Ensure all health, safety, and security protocols are followed, conducting regular checks and staff briefings.
Insurance & Compliance: Maintain required insurance policies for the Centre and ensure all activities comply with relevant regulations and NATURAL STATE policies.

Minimum requirements

Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or higher, preferably in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field.
Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of proven experience in lodge management, field site management, or similar hospitality/facilities roles in Kenya, ideally within a conservation, educational, or eco-tourism setting.
Technical Skills:
- Basic electrical knowledge: Ability to safely troubleshoot and resolve common issues (tripped breakers, faulty switches, lighting).
- Plumbing skills: Ability to repair pipe breakages, unblock drains, fix leaks, and maintain water systems.
- General handyman abilities: Competence with basic tools for carpentry, painting, and minor structural repairs.
- Solar system familiarity: Understanding of basic solar power components and ability to monitor performance and perform routine maintenance.
Location & Lifestyle: Willingness and ability to live on-site in a remote conservation area.
Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of facilities maintenance, hospitality operations, and infrastructure systems (solar, water, plumbing, internet).
Team Leadership: Proven experience managing and motivating teams, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
Guest Service: Genuine commitment to delivering exceptional quality and care in all guest interactions.
Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, capable of engaging respectfully with diverse partners, including local communities, trainees, donors, and team members.
Organisation: Extremely organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Desired Requirements

Working knowledge of solar power systems, rainwater harvesting, and basic plumbing/electrical maintenance.
Familiarity with IT infrastructure needs of a training or educational facility.
Fluency in Swahili (spoken and written).
Wilderness First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
Experience living and working in northern Kenya / Laikipia region.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your interest in the position by clicking on Apply below. In your cover letter, please ensure you address your hands-on technical experience with electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance; your experience managing facilities in a remote or conservancy setting; your approach to guest services and hospitality; your willingness to live on-site in Laikipia; and your salary expectations and earliest potential start date. Applications that do not address these points may not be considered.

Applications will be accepted until 17th July 2026 at midnight EAT. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.

Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Apply

Head of People & Culture

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, onsite

REPORTS TO: Vice President

LOCATION: Nanyuki, Kenya,

ABOUT NATURAL STATE

POSITION SUMMARY

As the Head of People & Culture, you will be the architect of our global people strategy and the guardian of our organizational culture. You will be responsible for building and leading a world-class HR function that supports Natural State's ambitious mission across diverse international landscapes. This is a strategic, hands-on role requiring equal expertise in developing global frameworks and managing complex, localised HR operations from U.S. and African employment contracts to fostering leadership development in remote field locations. You will translate our conservation mission into people practices that attract, develop, and retain exceptional talent worldwide.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.Strategic HR Leadership & Global Framework:

Develop and execute a comprehensive global HR strategy aligned with Natural State's 3-year strategic plan and mission.
Design and implement standardized, yet locally adaptable, HR policies, processes, and systems (HRIS) across all entities (Kenya, U.S., South Africa, and future locations).
Establish and monitor key global HR metrics and analytics to drive data-informed decision-making on talent, engagement, and organizational health.
Lead global HR projects, including HRIS implementation, compensation benchmarking, and talent management framework development.

2.Talent Acquisition, Management & Development:

Design and oversee a global talent acquisition strategy to attract diverse, high-caliber professionals in conservation, technology, finance, and field operations.
Drive the development and implementation of a global performance management system, succession planning, and leadership development programs.
Create and manage career pathing and professional development initiatives that support staff growth across technical and managerial tracks.
Foster a strong talent pipeline and internal mobility to support organizational scaling.

3.Global Compliance, Contracts & Employee Relations:

Mandatory Expertise: Serve as the ultimate internal authority on employment law and contract management across key jurisdictions: United States (Federal & State), Kenya, and South Africa. This includes the independent review, drafting, and standardization of all employment, consulting, and service provider contracts.
Ensure 100% compliance with all local labor laws, regulations (including 501(c)(3) rules, data protection/GDPR), and best practices in every country of operation.
Develop and manage a robust global employee relations framework, providing direct guidance and support to management on complex issues, dispute resolution, and disciplinary processes.
Identify, assess, and mitigate HR-related risks across the global portfolio.

4.Mandatory Expertise: Compensation & Rewards; Culture & Engagement:

Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing global HR team, comprising country HR managers, generalists, and coordinators.
Serve as a trusted strategic advisor to the Vice President, Senior Management Team, and Board of Directors on all people-related matters.
Partner closely with global department heads (Finance, Programs, Technology) to understand their goals and provide integrated HR solutions.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Master's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Organizational Psychology, or a related field
Minimum 10–15 years of progressive HR leadership experience
At least 5 years in a direct global or regional HR leadership role overseeing multiple countries
Mandatory legal/contracts expertise: Proven, hands-on experience independently reviewing, drafting, and managing employment and consulting contracts under U.S. (Federal/State), Kenyan, and South African legal frameworks
Global compliance knowledge: In-depth, practical knowledge of employment laws, regulatory compliance, and labor practices in the U.S., East Africa, and Southern Africa
Strategic systems skills: Proven experience in selecting, implementing, and leveraging a global HRIS (Human Resources Information System) and HR analytics
Leadership & communication: Exceptional leadership, influence, and communication skills with ability to operate at board, executive, and field staff levels across cultures
Location: Based in Nanyuki, Kenya (full-time, onsite)
Experience designing and implementing succession planning and leadership development programs
Experience creating career pathing frameworks across technical and managerial tracks
Track record of establishing global HR metrics and analytics dashboards for data-informed decision-making
Experience managing HR for 501(c)(3) organizations including understanding of related compliance rules
Knowledge of data protection/GDPR requirements as they apply to global HR data
Non-profit or mission-driven organization experience (highly preferred in the advert)
Experience scaling HR functions in a high-growth international organization
International professional HR certification (e.g., SHRM-SCP, SPHR, GPHR)
Experience working in conservation, climate action, international development, or related fields
Proven experience managing employee relations including dispute resolution, disciplinary processes, and complex cross-cultural employee issues
Demonstrated success in global talent acquisition for diverse roles (conservation, technology, finance, and field operations)

HOW TO APPLY:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your interest in the position using the Apply button above

Applications will be accepted until 20th July 2026 at midnight EAT. We look forward to reviewing your

application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.

Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive

team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.

Apply

Director of Finance & Capital

POSITION TYPE: Full-time, onsite

REPORTS TO: Vice President

LOCATION: Nairobi, Kenya,

KEY TRAVEL: Regular travel to operational hubs in Nanyuki and Lewa Conservancy

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

The Director of Finance & Capital is a core member of Natural State’s Senior Leadership Team, serving as the organisational lead for both financial oversight and strategic capital initiatives. This role combines ensuring strong financial management across all affiliated nonprofit entities and operations with directly driving the development and financing of new conservation ventures, including the establishment and spin-out of a for-profit entity.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. A. Financial Leadership, Control & Strategy:

Provide direct leadership and mentorship to the finance team in Nanyuki, including creating professional development plans to build long-term capacity.
Assume ultimate responsibility for the accuracy, integrity, and timeliness of all financial management, reporting, and compliance for all affiliated nonprofit entities, including the US 501(c)(3), Kenyan entity, and any future entities established under the organisation's umbrella
Partner with the Director of Systems to ensure financial and operational systems are fully aligned with the needs of a growing organisation. Own the organisational budgeting and long-range planning process: develop templates, consolidate submissions, and hold authority to challenge/reject budgets. Develop and maintain a robust multi-year financial model.
Develop and manage detailed cash flow forecasts to ensure operational liquidity.
Enforce budgetary discipline through monthly Budget vs. Actual analysis and has the authority to implement spending controls to prevent overspending.
Develop, document, implement, and enforce robust internal controls, procurement policies, and financial risk management frameworks.• Ensure optimal stewardship of all funds, overseeing all financial reporting and compliance for donor grants.
Serve as the primary authority for all audit and tax compliance matters in both jurisdictions.
Act as a key financial representative to external partners, including auditors, banks, and major donors.
Provide strategic financial analysis to the VP, President, and program leads to guide strategy and identify efficiencies.
Oversee the financial aspects of legal and insurance matters (e.g., contract review, policy management), in close coordination with external counsel as needed.
Partner closely with the Head of Development & Global Partnerships to ensure accurate budgeting, grant financial reporting, and donor compliance across all funding streams.

2. External Capital & Venture Strategy:

Partner with the Director of Nature Finance to design, model, and develop bankable financial products, focusing on blended and outcomes-based finance (e.g., carbon, biodiversity credits).
Serve as the lead financial architect for the creation and spin-out of a for-profit entity, developing all associated financial models,
Serve as the lead financial architect for the creation and spin-out of a new, standalone for-profit entity, developing all associated financial models, capitalisation strategies, and investor materials.
Co-lead, with the Director of Nature Finance, the cultivation of relationships with capital providers and market participants (impact investors, carbon buyers, commercial lenders).
Translate market intelligence, regulatory shifts, and project methodologies (provided by the Nature Finance team) into financial strategy, risk analysis, and valuation models.
Conduct financial due diligence, risk assessment, and valuation for new ventures and pilot projects.
Develop and maintain a pipeline of financing opportunities and strategic partnerships.
Ensure financial models and ventures are built to track, report, and verify conservation impact alongside financial performance.
Structure, negotiate, and execute financial agreements, ensuring alignment with Natural State’s mission and financial guardrails.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

Sector-Spanning Expertise: 10+ years of financial leadership. Must demonstrate hands-on mastery of US 501(c)(3) financial management AND provable experience in structuring commercial financial deals (e.g., project finance, venture capital, impact investing).
Deal-Structuring Track Record: A documented history of structuring and executing blended finance mechanisms, project finance, or early-stage venture investments. Must be able to present examples of built financial models and term sheets.
Environmental Market Credibility: Direct experience with voluntary carbon market (VCM) economics and standards, and an understanding of emerging environmental asset classes.
Multi-Jurisdictional Operational Command: Demonstrated experience building and leading finance teams in East Africa, with specific, recent operational experience in Kenya, including managing compliance and controls across entities and a proven ability to identify and mitigate complex operational and financial risks.
Professional Credential: A CPA, CA, CFA, or equivalent advanced degree in Finance or Business is required.

CORE SKILLS & COMPENTENCY

Expert-level financial modeling, valuation, and strategic analysis.

Demonstrated experience advising senior leadership and governing bodies (e.g., Board of Directors), presenting complex financial strategies, and influencing high-stakes decisions.
Superior communication and diplomacy.
An entrepreneurial, builder's mindset with high tolerance for ambiguity.
Advanced proficiency in financial management software (MS Dynamics proficiency is a strong plus).

HOW TO APPLY

Interested candidates are invited to submit their CV and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your interest in the position using the Apply button below

Applications will be accepted until 24th July 2026 at midnight EAT. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.

Apply