Are you ready to be at the forefront of transformative sustainability and inclusive development? Do you want to make a real impact on communities across the globe—empowering women, youth, and forest-dependent groups through green business development, financial inclusion, and environmental innovation? The Rainforest Alliance invites you to become a driving force behind one of its most ambitious initiatives: the LANDRISE project.
This full-time position, based in Nairobi, Kenya, offers a unique opportunity to lead a high-impact, multi-country project funded by The Coca-Cola Foundation, while working closely with a diverse network of global and local partners. If you are an experienced project manager with a passion for environmental resilience and community empowerment, this is your chance to take the lead in shaping a more sustainable, inclusive future.
About the LANDRISE Project
LANDRISE—short for Landscape-Driven Resilience and Income Strategies for Community Empowerment—is a bold, five-country initiative aimed at accelerating economic empowerment and climate resilience. Implemented in Kenya, Ghana, Indonesia, Mexico, and Peru, this project leverages innovations in the circular economy, AI-powered waste management, and inclusive green business development to drive real, measurable change.
Through LANDRISE, the Rainforest Alliance promotes:
- Inclusive access to capital and financial literacy.
- Sustainable income-generation opportunities for women and youth.
- Innovative waste management and ecosystem conservation.
- Strengthened governance and landscape-level collaboration.
The project is a key component of Rainforest Alliance’s Thriving Landscapes Strategy and will contribute directly to long-term community and environmental sustainability across all regions of operation.
Position Overview: Project Manager, LANDRISE
Job Category: Program & Project Management
Job Type: Full-Time
Location: Nairobi, Kenya
Posting Date: 26 May 2025
Application Deadline: 06 June 2025
Salary: Commensurate with experience
Level: 3
Requisition Number: PROJE001443
Work Authorization: Only candidates legally authorized to work in Kenya will be considered.
Job Description
As the Project Manager for LANDRISE, you will lead the strategic direction, daily execution, and successful delivery of all project objectives in Kenya and provide remote technical oversight in the other four participating countries. This role requires a results-driven leader with exceptional program management expertise and a deep commitment to sustainable development and social inclusion.
You will supervise cross-functional teams, engage with high-level stakeholders, and coordinate partnerships with diverse actors—from local organizations to international institutions. The role blends program leadership with operational, financial, and reporting responsibilities, all within a high-visibility donor framework.
Key Responsibilities
Program Management
- Lead and manage the implementation of the LANDRISE project across five countries, ensuring alignment with project goals, timelines, and budgets.
- Design and deliver strategies for green business incubation, revolving fund implementation, and incentivized waste innovations.
- Oversee development and deployment of AI-powered smart bins and digital training tools for community empowerment.
- Create and manage annual work plans, procurement schedules, and implementation timelines in accordance with Rainforest Alliance and donor policies.
- Ensure active participation by women, youth, and marginalized communities in all project phases.
- Collaborate with the Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning (MEL) team to track progress and measure impact.
- Produce high-quality reports, learning briefs, and technical documents for both internal and external stakeholders.
Partner Management & Stakeholder Engagement
- Execute and operationalize MoUs with key partners, defining roles, deliverables, and accountability frameworks.
- Co-create detailed budgets and work plans with implementing partners.
- Organize training sessions and provide technical support to partners, subgrantees, and consultants.
- Draft clear Terms of Reference (ToRs) for service providers and oversee transparent selection processes.
- Conduct performance reviews and technical assessments to ensure alignment with LANDRISE goals.
- Host joint planning sessions and landscape governance meetings to promote collaboration and inclusivity.
Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL) & Reporting
- Lead MEL system design and improvement to align with donor expectations and project goals.
- Coordinate baseline, midline, and endline assessments with internal and external evaluators.
- Monitor KPIs such as job creation, access to capital, and conservation metrics, applying insights to adaptive project management.
- Compile and submit comprehensive donor reports, success stories, and case studies.
- Facilitate knowledge sharing and MEL integration across project countries.
Operational & Financial Oversight
- Partner with finance staff to develop and monitor project budgets for efficiency and compliance.
- Oversee procurement processes, financial tracking, and disbursement documentation.
- Ensure full adherence to internal financial policies and audit-readiness standards.
- Generate expenditure forecasts and coordinate corrective action planning as necessary.
Team Supervision & Learning
- Manage and mentor Project Associates and field teams, setting clear goals and providing ongoing feedback.
- Build a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity within the multi-country team.
- Facilitate cross-country learning sessions, team exchanges, and knowledge-sharing platforms.
Ideal Candidate Profile
While specific qualifications are not required to be listed, the ideal candidate will bring:
- A robust background in international project management and stakeholder engagement.
- A deep understanding of financial inclusion, sustainable agriculture, circular economy innovations, or community-based conservation.
- Strong leadership and coordination capabilities across multicultural teams and complex geographies.
- Outstanding communication, negotiation, and facilitation skills, with fluency in English and a working knowledge of Kiswahili.
Why Join the Rainforest Alliance?
At the Rainforest Alliance, we are united by a common goal: to create a more sustainable world through social equity, environmental conservation, and economic opportunity. As an equal opportunity employer, we value diversity, equity, and inclusion and encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply. Our team members enjoy:
- A dynamic and mission-driven work environment
- Global collaboration opportunities
- Professional development and learning support
- A strong focus on work-life balance and employee well-being
How to Apply
Are you ready to bring your vision, skills, and leadership to a global initiative that’s redefining how communities and landscapes thrive together?
Apply Now via the Rainforest Alliance career portal. Applications close on 06 June 2025.
Please note that only candidates legally authorized to work in Kenya will be considered.
For questions related to this vacancy, please contact the HR team at: [email protected]
Join us and be part of a movement that empowers people, restores landscapes, and builds a resilient future for generations to come.
