Vice President

Job Title:
Vice President

Location:
Nanyuki, Kenya (with periodic travels)

Type:
Full-time, onsite

Reports To:
President

Direct Reports:
Director of Fundraising, Communications & Partnerships, Financial Manager, HR Manager

About Natural State

Natural State
is a pioneering environmental non-profit organisation working to
catalyse large-scale nature restoration
and conservation by revolutionising impact monitoring, creating innovative financial mechanisms, and building capacity at the local level. With operations in Kenya, the United States, and South Africa, we bring together science, technology, and community partnerships to restore ecosystems and secure a more resilient and biodiverse future.

Position Summary

The
Vice President
(VP) is a key member of Natural State's Leadership Team, responsible for driving excellence and alignment across operations, compliance, impact, and culture. The VP will oversee multiple departments - legal, HR and finance - and ensure smooth execution of the organisation's strategy and obligations across jurisdictions. The role includes a strong advisory component, supporting the President on strategic matters related to
legal compliance
,
revenue generation
, and
organisational culture
. The VP will also serve as a key representative of Natural State, forging high-impact partnerships and amplifying the organisation's voice across sectors.

Responsibilities:

1. Strategic Advisory to the President

·      Serve as a
trusted advisor to the President
, providing high-level counsel on legal and statutory obligations, internal culture, and enterprise strategy.

·      Provide regular advice to support executive decision-making on organisational growth, risk, compliance, and resource mobilisation.

·      Work closely with the President and the
Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist
to ensure alignment across governance, strategic planning, and execution.

·      Manage communications with the board and prepare the documentation and agendas for bi-annual board meetings.

2. Legal and Regulatory Compliance

·      Ensure Natural State operates within an effective legal and regulatory framework across all jurisdictions, including overseeing the structuring, registration, and maintenance of its legal entities.

o  Secure and maintain all necessary government permissions, registrations, and renewals to comply with national laws and operate effectively.

o  Oversee legal compliance across the organisation's functions, including HR, finance, procurement, ensuring adherence to relevant regulations and internal policies.

o  Ensure appropriate systems are in place for data protection, insurance coverage, and legal safeguards that protect the organisation and its people.

o  Oversee governance, statutory filings, legal risk mitigation, and coordination with legal counsel across jurisdictions.

o  Monitor regulatory changes and advise leadership on implications and action steps.

3. Organisational Culture and Human Resources

·      Oversee the HR and Culture functions to build and sustain a high-performance, inclusive, and values-based organisational environment.

·      Oversee systems for recruitment, talent development and retention, legacy planning, performance management, and staff wellbeing.

·      Ensure compliance with employment laws and ethical standards across all countries of operation.

·      Strengthen culture through continuous engagement and alignment with Natural State's mission and core values.

4. Programmatic Delivery

·      Oversee the Operations, HR and Fundraising, Communications & Partnerships departments to ensure that initiatives are implemented effectively, on time, and aligned with strategic goals.

·      Support cross-departmental collaboration and accountability to drive high-quality results.

5. Policies and Donor Compliance

·      Ensure organisational policies and procedures meet
international donor standards
and statutory requirements.

·      Lead regular audits, internal reviews, and policy updates to maintain operational integrity and transparency.

6. Financial Oversight

·      Coordinate the development of long-term financial strategies to maintain organisational sustainability, including reserves, risk buffers, and funding diversification.

·      Oversee financial management systems and coordinate the budgeting, reporting, and forecasting processes.

·      Set up and ensure financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks meet both local legal requirements and international donor expectations.

·      Provide oversight and strategic direction for financial risk management, compliance, and internal controls. Ensure the Finance Manager is supported to maintain strong systems, meet external audit requirements, and uphold donor and regulatory obligations.

7. Revenue Generation and Enterprise Development

·      With the
Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist
, support the Departmental Directors in the establishment and operationalisation of
mission-aligned, revenue-generating entities
.

·      Ensure these ventures are financially sound, legally compliant, and strategically integrated.

·      Advise on the design and scaling of sustainable income streams to support organisational independence and growth.

·      Identify and pursue new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and visibility at national and international levels.

8. Organisational Systems and Impact

·      Partner with the
Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist
to develop and refine systems for operational alignment and performance measurement.

·      Promote the integration of impact monitoring tools and data systems that inform adaptive management and decision-making and facilitate programmatic performance and impact assessment.

·      Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and transparency across the organisation.

9. External Relations and Strategic Partnerships

·      Act as a
leading voice and ambassador for Natural State
, effectively communicating its mission, values, and achievements.

·      Build strategic relationships with government agencies, funders, private sector leaders, and academic partners.

Qualifications and Experience

Required

·
15+ years of experience in the social or environmental sectors, with at least
10 years at senior leadership level and demonstrable experience in operational management and both philanthropic fundraising and revenue generation through social enterprise business models.

·      Proven experience in cross-functional leadership, revenue strategy, and organisational development and compliance.

·      Demonstrated ability to work with executive leadership, funders, and high-level partners.

Desired

·      Good understanding of the nature conservation and restoration sector as well as nature-based markets and their evolution at the African and global level.

·      Strong knowledge of Kenyan legal and compliance frameworks, with working knowledge of US and South African regulatory environments.

·      Strong understanding of the cultural and social aspects of working in the Kenyan context and an ability to foster an inclusive and productive environment.

·      Familiarity with collaborative and project management software (Microsoft Office, Google Suite, etc)

Core Competencies and Values

·      Excellent communicator and relationship builder across cultures and sectors.

·      Deep commitment to environmental conservation, equity, and local empowerment.

·      High integrity, sound judgment, and the ability to navigate complexity.

·      Entrepreneurial, adaptive, and impact-oriented.

Additional information

Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The recruitment process will consist of several interview stages.

Compensation

A competitive salary will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. In addition, Natural State offers a total of 33 days holiday per year (including annual leave and public holidays) and additional office closure days in December, a pension scheme, and medical cover.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume and cover letter (pdf format only) describing your aptitude and interest in the position at this link. Applications will be accepted until August 20th at midnight EAT. We look forward to reviewing your application and learning about how you can contribute to our mission.

Natural State is an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or age.