Reference number: 202606
Job status: In-progress
Job category: Local Position
Duty station: Nairobi, Kenya
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CIFOR-ICRAF
The Center for International Forestry Research (CIFOR) and World Agroforestry (ICRAF) envision a more equitable world where trees in all landscapes, from drylands to the humid tropics, enhance the environment and well-being for all. CIFOR and ICRAF are non-profit science institutions that build and apply evidence to today’s most pressing challenges, including energy insecurity and the climate and biodiversity crises. Over a combined total of 65 years, we have built vast knowledge on forests and trees outside of forests in agricultural landscapes (agroforestry). Using a multidisciplinary approach, we seek to improve lives and to protect and restore ecosystems. Our work focuses on innovative research, partnering for impact, and engaging with stakeholders on policies and practices to benefit people and the planet. Founded in 1993 and 1978, CIFOR and ICRAF are members of CGIAR, a global research partnership for a food secure future dedicated to reducing poverty, enhancing food and nutrition security, and improving natural resources. CIFOR-ICRAF is looking for a
Program & Engagement Officer
Overview To support the translation of national and global restoration frameworks into impactful, on-the-ground actions across key projects, Thrivelands, AIM4NaTuRe and related initiatives -- ensuring seamless integration of strategy, data-driven learning and community empowerment. The role contributes to the development and implementation of strategies in emergent lighthouse landscape such as Turkana County in Kenya, helps facilitate scaling grants for local actors, and strengthens government and community partnerships and monitoring efforts to accelerate landscape restoration efforts
Duties and responsibilities 1. Stakeholder Engagement & Movement Mobilization:
Lead youth engagement strategy and mobilization efforts for the Thrivelands project, including outreach, training sessions, and intergenerational dialogues with youth leaders and networks.
Co-develop and coordinate the Thrivelands scaling grant mechanism, working with local organizations, schools, and faith-based networks to support community-led restoration initiatives.
Support grassroots engagement and local consultations in Turkana County, ensuring community voices and priorities underpin overall strategy.
Assist in documenting community perspectives and practices that inform broader restoration strategies, communication and advocacy efforts.
Co-design and facilitate learning events, stakeholder workshops, and knowledge-sharing sessions.
Ensure events are inclusive, participatory, and responsive to the diverse needs of communities and partners.
Support preparation and coordination of government engagements, technical working groups, and policy dialogues.
2. Programme Coordination & Implementation
Support the development of annual workplans for Thrivelands and AIM4NaTuRe Kenya Pilot, support oversee implementation timelines, budget tracking and adaptive course-correction.
Support the implementation of the AIM4NaTuRe Kenya Pilot activities across national and county levels, including stakeholder engagement, technical-working-group facilitation, data coordination and pilot monitoring efforts.
Ensure alignment of AIM4NaTuRe Kenya Pilot with national restoration goals and reporting needs by contributing to the ecosystem restoration monitoring roadmap, data-sharing protocols and integration of restoration data into platforms like FMIS in support of Kenya’s 7th National Report to the CBD.
Support report writing for AIM4NaTuRe Kenya Pilot, drafting narrative sections and analytical inputs for donor and national reporting.
3. Partnerships & Business Development Support:
Draft Thrivelands’ stakeholder mapping and relationship management with government bodies, DFIs, donors, NGOs and private-sector allies to secure technical, in-kind and financial support and stewarding ongoing engagement.
Identify and track opportunities for alignment with donors, philanthropies, and private sector actors, particularly in support of community-led and youth-focused initiatives.
Support the OCEO and Business Development manager in preparing for high-level partner engagements, including cross-team coordination, meeting/event support, and maintenance of partnership trackers.
Contribute to the development of concept notes, pitch materials, and donor-facing presentations or updates.
Assist in designing and implementing follow-up mechanisms that promote sustained partner engagement, long-term ownership and collaboration.
4. Enterprise Development & Market Linkages
Support the identification of promising community-led enterprises and restoration value chains.
Contribute to investor engagement activities by helping prepare profiles, pitch decks, and community narratives.
Assist in the organization of investor clinics, matchmaking forums, and visibility efforts for restoration entrepreneurs.
5. Other Responsibilities
Identify and mitigate potential risks within your work area
Take reasonable care of own occupational health and safety and that of others as obliged by CIFOR-ICRAF’s Occupational Health and Safety Policy and cooperate with CIFOR-ICRAF in complying with requirements under any statutory health and safety provisions of relevant Country laws.
Requirements
Graduate-level training in a relevant field (e.g., environmental management, climate change, political science, development studies, international relations, or business).
A bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience, ideally within development, climate, or environmental projects.
Education, knowledge and experience • Graduate-level training in a relevant field (e.g., environmental management, climate change, political science, development studies, international relations, or business).
• A bachelor’s degree in relevant discipline and at least five years of progressively responsible professional experience, ideally within development, climate, or environmental projects.
Terms and conditions • This is a Locally Recruited Position (LRS). CIFOR-ICRAF offers competitive remuneration in local currency commensurate with skills and experience.
• The initial appointment will be for two (2) years, with a six-month probationary period, with the possibility of extension contingent upon performance, continued relevance of the position and available resources.
• The duty station will be in Nairobi, Kenya CIFOR-ICRAF Offices.
Application process The application deadline is 31 Jan 2026
We will acknowledge all applications, but will contact only short-listed candidates.
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