Programs Manager – The Green Belt Movement – Nairobi, Kenya – Apply by 19th April 2025

Programs Manager – The Green Belt Movement – Nairobi, Kenya – Apply by 19th April 2025

ESSENTIAL JOB DETAILS

• Position Title: Programs Manager

• Organization: The Green Belt Movement (GBM)

• Location: Nairobi, Kenya

• Job Type: Full-Time

• Application Deadline: Friday, 19th April 2025

• Contract Type: Renewable based on performance and availability of funding

• Reports To: Executive Director

• Start Date: To be communicated to successful candidate

• Work Station: Nairobi with occasional travel within Kenya and regionally

• Official Website: www.greenbeltmovement.org

INTRODUCTION

Are you a dynamic, result-oriented, and environmentally conscious professional with a passion for sustainable development, women’s empowerment, and climate resilience?

The Green Belt Movement (GBM) is seeking to recruit a Programs Manager to oversee and coordinate the implementation of our development and conservation programs across Kenya and beyond. This exciting opportunity is for individuals committed to creating long-term environmental and social impact through community-based initiatives.

As Programs Manager, you will provide technical, strategic, and managerial leadership to GBM’s programs team and partners. You will oversee program planning, budgeting, execution, quality assurance, reporting, and team supervision—all while ensuring that the organization’s vision and mission are integrated throughout programming activities.

ABOUT THE GREEN BELT MOVEMENT

Founded in 1977 by the late Professor Wangari Maathai, Nobel Peace Laureate, the Green Belt Movement (GBM) is a Kenya-based environmental organization that empowers communities—especially women—to conserve the environment and improve livelihoods.

GBM’s mission focuses on:

• Tree planting and biodiversity conservation

• Climate change mitigation and adaptation

• Community empowerment and gender equity

• Policy advocacy on environmental and sustainable development issues

With decades of award-winning grassroots experience, GBM continues to champion social and environmental transformation by addressing the root causes of poverty, deforestation, and climate injustice.

To learn more about GBM’s work, visit www.greenbeltmovement.org.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Programs Manager will be responsible for overseeing the effective implementation, growth, and quality assurance of GBM’s programs. This role demands a strategic thinker who can coordinate diverse teams and stakeholders across local, national, and international levels.

The successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and Heads of Departments to align project goals with GBM’s mission and strategic plan.

The role is based in Nairobi, with regular travel to field sites across Kenya and occasional regional/international engagements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Planning and Strategy

• Lead the design, development, and implementation of GBM’s program strategies in collaboration with senior leadership and field teams

• Provide guidance in aligning program goals with organizational strategy, donor priorities, and community needs

• Lead in the development of concept notes, proposals, and log-frames for donor submissions

• Translate strategic plans into work plans, measurable outcomes, and clear performance indicators for implementation

2. Program Implementation and Quality Assurance

• Oversee the timely and effective execution of program activities across thematic areas

• Ensure programs are implemented in accordance with donor requirements, national policies, and internal standards

• Support field teams and partners in implementing community-based interventions

• Lead and coordinate project review meetings, technical workshops, and mid-term evaluations

• Monitor project milestones and ensure that GBM maintains a high level of programmatic excellence

3. Budget Oversight and Financial Compliance

• Collaborate with the finance team to develop, monitor, and manage program budgets

• Track program expenditures, ensuring cost efficiency and compliance with financial regulations

• Participate in budget forecasting, financial reporting, and variance analysis

• Support the fundraising team in preparing financial sections of grant proposals and donor reports

4. Monitoring, Evaluation, Learning (MEL), and Reporting

• Provide leadership in designing MEL frameworks and tools for tracking progress

• Lead in the compilation of high-quality, evidence-based progress reports, ensuring timely submissions to donors and stakeholders

• Facilitate data analysis, program reviews, and dissemination of results across teams and partners

• Foster a culture of continuous learning, documentation of best practices, and adaptive programming

5. Stakeholder Engagement and Representation

• Represent GBM in donor meetings, policy forums, government consultations, and multi-stakeholder dialogues

• Build and maintain relationships with strategic partners, including NGOs, development agencies, academia, and community leaders

• Serve as the main liaison between GBM’s program team and donor agencies, government institutions, and international partners

• Promote GBM’s work through presentations, publications, and participation in national and global climate resilience networks

6. Team Supervision and Capacity Building

• Supervise, mentor, and provide performance evaluations for the Programs Department staff

• Coordinate capacity building initiatives to strengthen technical and management competencies across program teams

• Promote a healthy team culture by encouraging collaboration, professional growth, and accountability

• Coordinate the recruitment of program staff, consultants, and volunteers in line with HR policy

7. Risk Management and Compliance

• Monitor external developments (policy, political, financial) that may affect GBM’s program performance

• Ensure that all program operations adhere to relevant legal, donor, and organizational compliance requirements

• Lead in the development and periodic review of risk mitigation frameworks and environmental safeguards

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Development Studies, Project Management, or a related field

• A Master’s degree in a relevant discipline is highly desirable

Required Experience

• Minimum of 7 years’ progressive experience in program management within a development or conservation organization

• At least 3 years of experience in a senior supervisory role managing multi-disciplinary teams

• Proven success in leading donor-funded programs, especially in areas such as climate change, natural resource management, or women’s empowerment

• Experience in grant writing, proposal development, and engagement with international funding agencies

• Proficiency in project cycle management, budgeting, and financial analysis

Technical and Professional Skills

• Strong knowledge of climate change mitigation/adaptation, environmental governance, and community-based conservation

• Excellent skills in strategic planning, data-driven decision making, and project design

• Demonstrated ability to lead results-based monitoring and impact assessments

• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced, multi-project environment

• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with experience preparing donor reports, publications, and technical documents

• Fluency in English; knowledge of Kiswahili and/or other local languages is an added advantage

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, project management tools, and data visualization platforms (e.g., Power BI, Excel, etc.)

CULTURE AND VALUES AT GBM

The Green Belt Movement is built on the foundation of respect for nature, human dignity, and community leadership. As a Programs Manager, you will be expected to champion values such as:

• Sustainability and Environmental Stewardship

• Integrity, Transparency, and Accountability

• Gender Equity and Social Inclusion

• Community Empowerment and Grassroots Engagement

• Collaboration and Partnership Development

• Innovation and Adaptability in Conservation Programming

HOW TO APPLY

Interested and qualified candidates are invited to submit the following documents:

• A detailed CV (max 4 pages) outlining relevant experience and achievements

• A cover letter (max 1 page) expressing interest and suitability for the role

• Three (3) professional references with contact details

• Indicate “Programs Manager Application – April 2025” in the email subject line

Submit your complete application to:
jobs@greenbeltmovement.org

Deadline for submission:
Friday, 19th April 2025 at 5:00 PM EAT

Please note:

• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted

• Late or incomplete applications will not be considered

• GBM is an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion in the workplace

• Female candidates and those from marginalized communities are strongly encouraged to apply

ADDITIONAL ENGAGEMENT

Explore More Environmental Jobs in Kenya

• Browse All NGO, Climate & Conservation Jobs on The Kenyan Job Finder

Stay Updated with Our Daily Job Alerts

• Join Our Free WhatsApp Channel for NGO & Conservation Roles

• Get Early Access to Premium Jobs on WhatsApp (KES 99/month)

• Follow The Kenyan Job Finder on Telegram for Instant Updates

Discover All High-Impact Non-Profit Opportunities

• Search Verified NGO and Program Management Jobs Today