The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR), a globally recognized research institution dedicated to advancing human well-being, environmental conservation, and equity, is currently seeking to recruit qualified professionals for multiple positions based in Nairobi, Kenya. CIFOR operates at the intersection of research, policy, and practice, delivering high-impact solutions to global challenges related to forests, climate change, biodiversity, and sustainable development.
As part of its ongoing expansion and strengthening of regional and global programs, CIFOR invites applications from highly motivated, experienced, and results-driven individuals to fill the following positions:
- Project Administrative Assistant
- IKI Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagements Coordinator
- GLF Africa Regional Manager
These roles present an opportunity to contribute to transformative environmental and development initiatives across Africa and globally, working within a multidisciplinary and international environment.
PROJECT ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT – NAIROBI, KENYA
Position Overview
The Project Administrative Assistant will play a central role in providing administrative and operational support to project teams within CIFOR. The role is designed to ensure smooth day-to-day functioning of project activities, coordination of logistics, and effective administrative execution aligned with organizational policies and donor requirements.
The position requires a high level of organization, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
Key Responsibilities
The Project Administrative Assistant will be responsible for supporting project implementation through a range of administrative, logistical, and coordination functions, including but not limited to:
Providing administrative support to project teams, including scheduling meetings, managing calendars, and coordinating internal and external communications to ensure seamless project operations.
Coordinating travel logistics for project staff, consultants, and stakeholders, including booking flights, accommodation, transport, and preparing travel documentation in accordance with CIFOR policies.
Supporting the organization of workshops, meetings, conferences, and stakeholder engagements by handling logistical arrangements, venue coordination, participant communication, and documentation.
Maintaining accurate and up-to-date project records, including filing systems, correspondence, reports, and other administrative documentation to ensure compliance and audit readiness.
Assisting in procurement processes by preparing requisitions, tracking orders, liaising with vendors, and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services required for project activities.
Providing financial administrative support, including processing invoices, tracking expenses, and assisting in budget monitoring in collaboration with finance teams.
Facilitating communication between project teams, partners, and stakeholders by ensuring timely dissemination of information and follow-up on action items.
Supporting reporting processes by compiling administrative data, formatting documents, and ensuring submission of reports within required timelines.
Ensuring adherence to CIFOR’s administrative procedures, donor requirements, and compliance frameworks in all project-related activities.
Assisting in onboarding consultants and short-term staff by coordinating documentation, contracts, and logistical arrangements.
Operational Scope and Impact
The role directly contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery by ensuring administrative systems are robust, responsive, and aligned with institutional standards. It supports the broader project lifecycle, from planning through implementation to reporting and closure.
IKI CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENTS COORDINATOR – NAIROBI, KENYA
Position Overview
The IKI Capacity Development and Stakeholder Engagements Coordinator will be responsible for designing, coordinating, and implementing capacity-building initiatives and stakeholder engagement strategies under the International Climate Initiative (IKI) program. The role focuses on strengthening institutional and community-level capacities while fostering collaboration among diverse stakeholders.
This position requires a strategic thinker with strong facilitation, coordination, and stakeholder management capabilities, as well as experience in environmental or climate-related programs.
Key Responsibilities
The Coordinator will undertake a comprehensive set of responsibilities aimed at enhancing program impact through effective capacity development and stakeholder engagement, including:
Designing and implementing capacity development strategies tailored to the needs of project partners, stakeholders, and target communities, ensuring alignment with program objectives and outcomes.
Coordinating training programs, workshops, and knowledge-sharing events to build technical, institutional, and operational capacities among stakeholders.
Developing training materials, toolkits, and knowledge products that support learning, innovation, and dissemination of best practices in climate and forestry-related interventions.
Mapping and engaging stakeholders across government, civil society, private sector, and community levels to foster collaboration, partnerships, and shared ownership of project outcomes.
Facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues, consultations, and engagement forums to ensure inclusive participation and integration of diverse perspectives in project implementation.
Supporting the development and execution of communication strategies to enhance stakeholder awareness, visibility, and engagement with project activities.
Monitoring and evaluating capacity development and engagement activities to assess effectiveness, identify gaps, and inform continuous improvement.
Coordinating with internal teams and external partners to ensure alignment of engagement efforts with broader program strategies and objectives.
Documenting lessons learned, success stories, and case studies to support knowledge management and reporting requirements.
Ensuring compliance with donor requirements, including reporting, documentation, and accountability frameworks related to capacity development and stakeholder engagement.
Operational Scope and Impact
This role plays a critical function in strengthening the human and institutional capacity required to achieve sustainable environmental outcomes. It enhances stakeholder ownership, improves program effectiveness, and contributes to long-term impact through inclusive and participatory approaches.
GLF AFRICA REGIONAL MANAGER – NAIROBI, KENYA
Position Overview
The GLF Africa Regional Manager will lead the strategic development and implementation of the Global Landscapes Forum (GLF) initiatives across the Africa region. The role is responsible for driving regional engagement, partnerships, program delivery, and growth of the GLF network.
The position requires a senior-level professional with strong leadership, program management, and stakeholder engagement experience, as well as a deep understanding of environmental, climate, and sustainable development issues in Africa.
Key Responsibilities
The GLF Africa Regional Manager will be responsible for overseeing and delivering high-impact regional programs through a broad range of strategic and operational responsibilities, including:
Leading the development and execution of GLF Africa’s regional strategy, ensuring alignment with global GLF objectives and priorities.
Managing regional programs, initiatives, and events, including planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation to ensure high-quality delivery and impact.
Building and maintaining strategic partnerships with key stakeholders, including governments, development partners, research institutions, civil society organizations, and the private sector.
Expanding and strengthening the GLF Africa network by engaging communities, youth groups, and local organizations to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange.
Overseeing the organization of regional events, conferences, and forums that promote dialogue, innovation, and action on landscapes, climate, and sustainability issues.
Driving resource mobilization efforts by identifying funding opportunities, developing proposals, and engaging donors to support program expansion.
Providing leadership and guidance to regional teams, ensuring effective coordination, performance management, and capacity development.
Representing GLF Africa in high-level meetings, conferences, and platforms to enhance visibility, influence, and partnerships.
Monitoring and evaluating program performance, ensuring accountability, learning, and continuous improvement.
Collaborating with global teams to integrate regional insights into global strategies and initiatives.
Ensuring compliance with organizational policies, donor requirements, and operational standards across all regional activities.
Operational Scope and Impact
The GLF Africa Regional Manager plays a pivotal role in shaping the regional agenda on landscapes and sustainability. The role contributes to policy influence, knowledge dissemination, and the scaling of impactful solutions across the continent.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Qualified and interested candidates are encouraged to submit their applications through the official CIFOR careers portal. Applicants should ensure that all required documents are submitted as per the application guidelines provided for each position.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
