Head of Operations

Head of Operations, Global 

The Organisation 

NATURAL STATE is a not-for-profit organisation head-quartered in the savannas of Kenya with the
aim of catalysing nature restoration globally. We design and test new nature financing
mechanisms and the supporting impact monitoring systems, and train local leaders to access this
finance and deliver large-scale restoration projects. Our location on the doorstep of vast
ecosystems means that our team can be in the field every day, testing solutions in the places,
and with the people, facing the challenges.

Founded in 2021, we have built a team of 30+ team members individually selected to bring
together decades of experience and proven track records in the fields of landscape monitoring,
nature financing mechanism creation, the development of IT solutions, and the design and
implementation of leading conservation education training programmes. It is also important to
us to nurture a new generation of experts in the region, so we also recruit talented career
starters from the local communities who undergo rigorous on-the-job training under the wing of
our more experienced team members.

Our partnerships make us stronger, and we believe that by bringing together the best-in-class
partners, we will accelerate the creation of the transformative solutions needed to address the
greatest issues facing humanity.

We will scale our impact by making our solutions open science, packaging them up for use by the
broader sector and into training programs that we provide for local leaders to mobilise action
on the ground.

We have a supporting 501(c)(3) non-profit organisation in the US. For more information, visit
www.naturalstate.org. 

The Role 

Natural State is looking for a senior finance, HR and administration professional to fill the
full-time role of Head of Operations (Global), overseeing Operations across the Kenyan and US
teams. The Head of Operations (Global) is a leadership position responsible for the daily
operation and strengthening of a high-performing finance, HR, administrative and communications
function that fully and seamlessly supports our people and programmes. The successful candidate
will be experienced in leading finance, HR & administration departments in small and medium
non-profit organisations, working at the strategic and business planning level as well as being
a hands-on manager and doer. The role is open to both Kenyan and International applicants and
working location will be determined with the successful applicant.

The NATURAL STATE work environment is both challenging and exciting. To join our team, you will
share our team’s determination to make game-changing impact for nature, be exceptional at what
you do, be strategic, methodical, and have a positive attitude. 

Responsibilities 

Finance

This role will lead the financial planning for the organisation, working with the CEO, the
Financial Controller (Kenya), HR & Research Centre Manager (Kenya), Head of Operations
(US), Head of Fundraising, programmatic Directors, and other key roles to set financial goals
and budgets that align to the organisation’s missions and strategic objectives. This will
include planning for financial stability by establishing reserves and managing cash flow
effectively, and ensuring sufficient liquidity for operational needs and unforeseen
circumstances. This will also consider NATURAL STATE’s long-term financial sustainability,
developing strategies for long-term funding stability. The Head of Operations (Global) will
also oversee the Financial Controller and Head of Operations (US) in the implementation of
policies and procedures that ensure the sound financial management and control of the Kenyan
and US organisations’ finances, in line with country laws and regulations and which meet the
rigour of multi-lateral donor requirements. 

Human Resources

This role will lead on HR for the US office and will oversee the HR & Research Centre
Manager in the implementation and enforcement of all HR policies, procedures and tools,
ensuring legal and regulatory compliance for the Kenyan office. The Head of Operations (Global)
will also work with the HR & Research Centre Manager to develop / refine HR strategies
aligned to NATURAL STATE’s mission, objectives, and core values to support the development of a
sustainable organisation and great place to work. This includes the design, implementation and
monitoring of the NATURAL STATE HR/talent management strategy including workforce planning,
attracting and recruiting high quality staff, performance management, learning and development,
retention, and succession planning. As part of a recently formed organisation, the Head of
Operations (Global) will also work closely with the HR & Research Centre Manager to distil
and maintain the organisational culture of the team.

Procurement & Administration 

This role will oversee the Operations team in the implementation and monitoring of NATURAL
STATE procurement and administrative policies and procedures. They will oversee the partner MoU
and supplier contract development processes for NATURAL STATE as well as ensure that the
delivery of services against contracts is monitored.

NATURAL STATE Infrastructure management

This role will oversee the HR & Research Centre Manager whose role at the Centre includes:
maintenance and future development of the NATURAL STATE Research Centre site, guest management,
and equipment and stock management. In the near future, we will also build a training centre in
Kenya and this role will also oversee the site manager of that centre.

Minimum requirements 

• Minimum of a B.A., ideally with a CPA/HR or related degree.
• Minimum 10 years experience in finance and or HR roles, with minimum of 6 years of
  experience in combined financial and HR leadership role(s) in small/medium organisations.
• Experience in developing and running the operations departments for multi- and bi-lateral
  funding compliant organisations. 
• Experience in multi-lateral financial proposal development, grant financial monitoring, and
  reporting. 
• Literacy in accounting software, e.g. QuickBooks 2020 or newer.
• Computer literacy, including mastery of Microsoft Office Suite. 
• Excellent communication skills, a strong strategic mindset, organisational skills, and
  interpersonal skills.
• Great team player, friendly and enjoys working in and motivating teams. 

Desired requirements 

• Knowledge of US regulatory requirements and practices for NGO financial reporting and
  external audit procedures. 
• In depth understanding of accounting practices and principals.
• Knowledge of US HR labour law/regulations and practices. 
• Excellent at using project management tools and processes.
• Experience setting up the Finance and or HR function for one or more organisations. 

Please send a BRIEF 1-2 page cover letter detailing the following to [email protected], as well as a short CV.  

• How do you meet the above requirements? 
• What are your salary / package expectations? 
• When would you likely be available to begin work? 

Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview. The application deadline is 5pm
East Africa Time, 28 September 2023.