We are seeking a passionate and experienced leader to drive the design, delivery, and visibility of the Indigenous & Community Solutions Hub. The Lead will work directly with IPLC organisations across Laikipia, Kenya, and beyond to co-create knowledge, foster peer learning, support capacity development, and influence wider restoration policy and practice. This is a unique opportunity to support nature’s community custodians in shaping the future of restoration on their own terms.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic & Programme Leadership

Develop and implement a bold, community-led vision for the Indigenous & Community Solutions Hub that supports long-term resilience, equity, and ecological impact and aligns to the overall ACNRR strategy.

Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with IPLC leaders, organisations, and networks across Laikipia, Kenya, and Africa, ensuring all work is community guided.

Follow Natural State’s programme management processes and systems to support timely delivery and communication of programmatic milestones.

Knowledge Sharing & Storytelling

Support IPLC organisations to document, synthesise, share, and promote their restoration approaches and innovations.

Co-develop and deliver platforms for peer learning, storytelling, and solutions and evidence sharing among IPLC organisations.

Enable community-led research partnerships on related topics.

Capacity Strengthening

Identify key capacity needs among community nature custodian organisations and coordinate, co-create, and co-deliver training, mentoring, and peer exchange opportunities.

Facilitate access to other ACNRR programmes (e.g., the Enterprise Accelerator or Lifelong Learning) to support organisational growth and sustainability.

Design & Management of the Restoration Innovation Incubator

Lead the full design, delivery, and evolution of the Restoration Innovation Incubator, including strategic direction, implementation systems, and impact measurement.

Develop inclusive, accessible application and selection processes that centre community values and priorities.

Provide tailored mentoring, technical support, and peer exchange opportunities for participating organisations.

Support documentation, learning, and storytelling from funded innovations to influence wider restoration practice and policy.

Manage the Incubator’s operational systems (e.g., budgeting, contracting, reporting) in coordination with the wider ACNRR team.

Fundraising & Donor Engagement

Collaborate with the ACNRR leadership team to develop a sustainable funding strategy for the Hub’s long-term growth.

Build and maintain strong relationships with donors and funding partners, ensuring alignment with the Hub’s strategy and values.

Lead or contribute to the development of compelling funding proposals, concept notes, and presentations for institutional donors, foundations, and other funders.

Ensure that community perspectives and priorities are reflected in fundraising narratives and proposals.

Oversee or contribute to the delivery of timely, accurate, and transparent grant reporting, including narrative and financial updates.

Partnerships & Influence

Represent the Hub in regional and global forums, advocating for IPLC-led restoration and funding equity.

Collaborate with donors, civil society, research institutions, and governments to amplify community voices and strengthen support systems for community-based restoration leadership.

 Monitoring, Evaluation & Learning

Lead participatory monitoring and learning approaches that track progress, capture learning, and improve Hub activities over time.

Produce and contribute to high-quality reports, briefs, and communications that showcase community impact and innovation and influence sector learning.

Essential Requirements

Lived experience as a member of an Indigenous People or Local Community.

Proven experience working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples and/or Local Communities in Africa.

7-10 years’ work experience in the nature restoration, conservation, and or development sectors.

Fluency in relevant Kenyan languages and English.

Familiarity with African rangeland systems and restoration strategies.

Deep appreciation of Indigenous and local community knowledge systems, customary governance, and land stewardship approaches.

Strong programme design and delivery skills, with an emphasis on participatory and community-led approaches.

Experience building trusted relationships with diverse stakeholders across sectors and geographies.

Excellent communication skills, including storytelling, facilitation, and cross-cultural engagement.

Ability to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and adapt in a dynamic environment.

Commitment to equity, inclusion, and local leadership in conservation and development.

Fluency with MS office applications including Word and Excel.