Senior Manager, Programme - Congo Basin & Francophone Nature Markets

Role Overview

FSD Africa is seeking a senior leader to shape and deliver its Congo Basin and Francophone Nature Finance portfolio. You will turn regional market opportunities into well-managed programmes, partnerships and investment-focused initiatives, while working with public and private stakeholders to help channel more finance towards nature-positive outcomes. The role also strengthens FSD Africa’s relationships, market understanding and internal expertise across Francophone Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Set the portfolio’s direction and lead its design and delivery, translating agreed priorities into workplans, budgets, milestones, indicators and accountable programmes.
• Track progress against programme goals, donor and contractual commitments, and delivery schedules; address risks and dependencies, and prepare clear reports and decision materials.
• Build effective working relationships with governments, regulators, financial institutions, investors, donors and delivery partners, adapting engagement to local contexts.
• Represent FSD Africa in senior meetings, technical discussions and sector forums, and develop partnerships that support programme results and nature-finance market development.
• Assess regional market needs and develop a pipeline of viable initiatives, including contributing to funding proposals, concept notes and donor discussions.
• Map stakeholders and identify opportunities for policy engagement, market collaboration and investment mechanisms that can increase finance for sustainable nature outcomes.
• Select and support implementing partners, agree performance expectations, and help them develop monitoring approaches, share expertise and apply relevant nature-finance practices.
• Oversee programme resources, consultants and service providers; monitor expenditure and forecasts, and contribute to planning, budgeting and workforce requirements.
• Work with Nature Finance, Strategic Communications and other FSD Africa teams to align activity, support effective influencing, share regional learning and build institutional capability.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree with at least 9 years of relevant experience, or a bachelor’s degree with at least 11 years of relevant experience.
• Substantial experience in nature finance, sustainable nature investment, climate finance, Francophone Africa, or the design and delivery of related programmes.
• At least 5 years leading technical advisory or market-development work in nature finance.
• Excellent spoken and written French and English.
• Practical experience developing impact measurement systems, including relevant processes and frameworks.
• Experience engaging governments, financial regulators and policymakers on nature-finance policy or regulatory change.
• Ability to build and influence relationships with investors, project developers, financial intermediaries and other institutional stakeholders.
• Strong programme management skills, including coordinating colleagues, leading teams, and overseeing external suppliers and partners.
• Confident public speaking, presentation and influencing skills, including the ability to engage senior leaders and guide diverse stakeholders through collaboration.
• Knowledge of Africa’s nature-finance landscape, including relevant organisations, policy frameworks and emerging market developments.
• Experience with international or multi-country nature-finance initiatives in Africa is an advantage, as is familiarity with donor requirements, impact investment and FCDO-funded programmes.

What We Offer / Why Join

This is a 12-month fixed-term role with the opportunity to help develop a regional nature-finance portfolio and contribute to stronger financial-market responses to nature-related challenges across the Congo Basin and Francophone Africa.