Director, Nature Markets
Listed on 2026-01-20
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Non-Profit & Social Impact
About Conservation International
Conservation International, headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, is a non‑profit environmental organization that strives to protect and restore the natural ecosystems that are essential for climate and biodiversity through innovative partnerships, science, and policy initiatives. Founded in 1987, Conservation International operates in over 30 countries, working closely with communities, governments, and private sectors to pursue sustainable paths for development that ensure nature and people can thrive together.
The organization has been pivotal in conserving critical biodiversity hotspots while promoting economic models that benefit nature. With a mission centered around empowering societies to responsibly and sustainably care for nature, our global network engages in transformative initiatives that span ecological science, market‑based finance, and community‑led conservation efforts.
The Director, Nature Markets plays a crucial role in advancing Conservation International’s strategic focus on leveraging nature markets to foster conservation finance stability, particularly in Africa. This position is integral to executing our Keystone Protected Areas (KPA) initiative, which is designed to address funding gaps in biodiversity conservation across Africa. He/she will provide leadership in the development and facilitation of equitable and sustainable nature market opportunities, focusing on both policy and projects that promise financial flows into key protected areas.
The role requires a combination of strategic reach and hands‑on implementation, involving government partnerships, capacity building, and stakeholder engagement to realize tangible conservation outcomes.
- Support the assessment of nature market opportunities using agreed criteria and data sources.
- Provide advisory support in developing high‑integrity nature market project opportunities.
- Support the creation of government capacity‑building initiatives for nature market policies.
- Monitor, measure, and report on progress towards agreed project milestones.
- Identify innovative opportunities and align them with CI initiatives to amplify impact.
- Manage risks by closely collaborating with compliance and audit teams.
- Build and manage partnerships with governments, NGOs, and local communities.
- Promote knowledge sharing and capacity building through workshops and conferences.
- Collaborate with Finance to manage budgets and resource allocations.
- Perform other related duties as needed.
- Relevant Bachelor’s Degree.
- 7+ years of experience in biodiversity or nature markets.
- Strong strategic thinking and financial literacy.
- Experience with environmental markets and/or carbon credit methodologies.
- Proficient in project management and working in diverse, multicultural environments.
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven track record in stakeholder engagement and fundraising.
- Comfortable working in fast‑paced environments with minimal supervision.
- Fluency in English is required.
- Opportunity to make a substantial impact on global conservation efforts.
- Dynamic working environment with a diverse and inclusive team.
- Involvement in cutting‑edge conservation finance initiatives.
- Professional growth through participation in international projects and engagements.
- Flexible working arrangements guided during the interview process.
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