Project Manager

About the role

The Project Manager role is based in Kenya, working for our Earthtree entity, supporting our large-scale reforestation project. The role will be advancing our strategy by developing and helping to execute landscape reforestation plans in partnership with local communities; federal, state and local governments, nongovernmental organisations and local teams with an emphasis on building a diverse and inclusive coalition vision.

The role will be responsible for providing technical guidance and support to the field team in planning, design, installation, and maintenance of agro-forestry planting, soil and water conservation practices and mitigation plans for fires.

The role will also oversee risk management, quality assurance, quality management and safety of the project by hiring required personnel and overseeing the development and implementation of new processes, digital Workflows, safety, training and capacity building.

The ideal candidate will either have a civil engineering background with experience in revegetation, agroforestry, or forest project management, large-scale infrastructure development projects or extensive experience in large-scale community-based project development.. The project manager  must possess excellent people skills and be inspired by the idea of working in a small, ambitious team, in a fast-paced environment. The job involves implementing strategies from a 'square one' basis and liaising with a wide variety of stakeholders, including local authorities, local communities and NGOs. Additionally, a strong background in organisational management and virtual team leadership is required. Experience with one of the following project management or program management software tools is required or there must be a commitment to learn one of these software packages: MS Project, JIRA, Confluence, Trello, HIVE, ClickUp.

What you'll do

• Supervise work in field according to approved plan , design and construction of engineering practices related to planting agro-forestry, water and land management, grazing management, erosion control, flood control, land restoration, and other conservation practices needing engineering guidance and supervise the work in field.
• Working in collaboration with the project team and local communities to develop and scale a new tree planting project in Eldoret, Kenya including contract management, technical implementation, risk management, and communications. 
• Interpret plans and specifications for contractors, solving problems at local level as to proper interpretation of specifications.
• Serve as the contact point for the administration of construction contracts.
• Make site investigations and feasibility studies; field checks designs as needed.
• Support in the implementation of  works with, communication and reporting across the different stakeholders.   
• Evaluate risk, including climate risk and impact on project operations. Utilise best practice approaches to assess and mitigate risks and include in project implementation, monitoring, and evaluation workflows. 
• Perform supervisory responsibilities by providing technical and administrative direction to project staff and contractors.
• Develop and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including local communities, farmers, NGOs, and government agencies.
• Ensure that project documentation is up to date, accurate, and compliant with internal policies and regulatory requirements.
• Manage and oversee project activities, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Monitor project progress and identify areas for improvement, making recommendations for adjustments as needed. It includes field visits to investigate existing conditions.
• Onboard yourself into Earthtree Workplace, JIRA, Confluence and Earthbanc MRV App – and check the posts each day and reply conscientiously with Earthtree colleagues to ensure you keep moving priorities and project deliverables forward.

About you

• Diploma, Bachelor or Masters Degree in Agriculture, Horticulture, Forestry, Land Management and Conservation, Environmental Management, Natural Resources Management, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Environmental Engineering or related practical field.
• A minimum of 8 years for Diploma, 5 years for Bachelor degree holders and 3 years for Masters degree  of progressive experience in large infrastructure project/ reforestation projects, related fields or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Expert in Excel / Google Sheets.
• Experience with one of the following project management or program management software tools is required or there must be a commitment to learn one of these software packages: MS Project, JIRA, Confluence, Trello, HIVE, ClickUp.
• Practical experience in building templates, developing workflows, and creating systems from scratch.
• Ability to work in an interdisciplinary team, as well as independently, with colleagues based in different locations and time zones around the globe.
• Ensuring health and safety requirements of the workforce during the operations on the ground.
• Own a valid driver's licence and is capable of driving. 
• Excellent project and time management skills that utilise digital management tools.
• Excellent problem solving and critical thinking skills.
• Result-oriented work approach with the ability to work quickly from concept creation to the implementation of project programs.
• Ability to guide fabrication of designs to meet landscape specific needs as desired.
• In-depth knowledge of Environmental Regulations/Guidelines. 
• Working knowledge of Environmental, Health and Social Impact Assessment.
• Working knowledge of attaining clearances as needed according to state and central regulations.  
• Demonstrated experience in, and commitment to, diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, and an ability to represent these values and practices to staff, stakeholders, and the public.

Desirable

• Experience working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders, carbon registries, governments and NGOs.
• Understanding and knowledge of Afforestation, Reforestation and Agroforestry projects is a plus.
• Experience of working internationally in varied cultures and countries.
• Experience of communicating to a diverse range of audiences.  
• Experience designing and presenting strategies, plans, processes, metrics, and information in a clear and comprehensible manner.
• Ability to remain calm and focused in stressful or complex situations.
• Good knowledge of data analysis and key performance indicators.
• Experience working with virtual teams in fast growing companies.