Nature Based Solutions Manager - RAFT

C-Quest Capital LLC (CQC) is a social impact project developer & carbon finance business that works in the poorest communities around the world providing access to sustainable energy services and clean energy technologies that help reduce humanity’s carbon footprint, mitigate global climate change and improve the health of those in the greatest need. Our Transformation Carbon Projects (TCP), provide investors with verified carbon offset credits sourced from social welfare projects in developing countries under our three operational platforms: Cleaner Cooking, Efficient Lighting & Sustainable Energy. These projects are conducted at scale with our internationally based teams & on-the-ground implementation partners resulting in measurable impacts for the families and communities we serve worldwide.

CQC is headquartered in Washington DC, USA, with subsidiaries and operations across the globe.

Follow our journey at www.cquestcapital.com.

Background: CQC is rapidly expanding its portfolio of nature-based carbon removals projects in Malawi and across a range of countries in Southern Africa. Within the NbS portfolio, we have launched a series of pilots working closely with communities and smallholders on assisted natural regeneration, afforestation, agro-forestry and regenerative agriculture. CQC is looking for an experienced manager, with a background in agricultural/environmental sciences, agri-business, and project management to support the ongoing development and implementation of the Regenerative Agriculture & Forestry Technologies Project (RAFT) in Malawi.

Regenerative Agriculture & Forestry Technologies Project (RAFT): The RAFT project aims to reverse the trends of soil and land degradation by promoting project activities that build resilience to climate change while sequestering carbon in agricultural soils and biomass as well as forest carbon; reduce dependency on nitrogen fertilizers; increase soil organic matter, moisture retention and health; reduce erosion; and diversify crop production and agricultural income streams. Specifically, this project will support conservation agriculture (CA), intercropping of leguminous shrubs, alley cropping, farmer managed natural regeneration (FMNR) of trees on farmland across Malawi, tree planting on and off farm, as well as assisted natural regeneration (ANR) of degraded Miombo Woodlands. CQC’s field teams currently operate in Mzimba District, Kasungu District and Lilongwe District, and the project is expanding to Southern districts in the country through a local implementing partner.

The Role: CQC is hiring a Nature-based Solutions Manager in Malawi to manage and coordinate the RAFT Project, CQC’s flagship NbS project in Africa. We are seeking an experienced project manager to ensure the long-term planning, as well as daily management and coordination of head office, field teams and technical resources in Malawi for the implementation of field operations and carbon asset development processes across all RAFT activities. The NbS Manager will also provide support, coordination and oversight to partners involved in the implementation of the project and will coordinate with other project managers overseeing other projects in Malawi (e.g., The Bamboo Project; The Biochar Project). This includes detailed planning and execution of activities, problem-solving daily operational challenges, and leading strategic initiatives for project expansion.

Why Join Us? Joining CQC as an NbS Manager offers the unique opportunity to lead impactful projects that directly contribute to combating climate change and improving livelihoods in Malawi. You will be part of a global team of passionate professionals dedicated to making a tangible difference in the world.

Core Tasks: Ensure the day-to-day successful implementation of the RAFT programme, which includes:

• Management oversight and direction for the RAFT project: coordination with NbS field teams, MRV and technical teams to coordinate monitoring requirements, daily trouble shooting, raising up issues to NbS team.
• Planning of resourcing and oversight to ensure that all documentation for carbon project development is completed to a high standard, correctly documented and stored and reporting on as required.
• Planning and development of annual implementation plans, resourcing needs, scale-ups, and budgets.
• Ensure timely execution of administrative activities, e.g., external agreements, consultancy contracts, budgeting, finance, reporting.
• Develop and ensure the collection of KPIs for project success, such as number of farmers engaged, improvements in yields, soil health and carbon sequestration rates.
• Ensure coordination with other NbS projects and project managers, e.g,. biochar and bamboo, to ensure smooth coordination of joint activities across NbS projects.
• Ensure coordination with other CQC projects and teams, e.g,. cookstove operations such as identifying communities where additional cookstove distribution is required, additional consultation requirements for cookstove implementation with TAs and District Executive Committees, local coordination between NbS and operations).
• Local coordination of activities required for the development of new NbS trials and pilots, within Malawi or in neighboring countries.
• Provide timely coordination with NbS technical staff, the field team, and NbS Africa Programme Manager to support the ongoing development, monitoring and reporting for CQC’s carbon projects in Malawi.
• Engage in team development and professional growth activities, fostering a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
• Engage with other NbS stakeholders in Malawi to identify and develop new NbS opportunities in Malawi
• Stay ahead of emerging requirements and shifts in the policy landscape.

Skills, Qualifications & Experience:

• Advanced degree in the field of agriculture, forestry or ecology/environmental management.
• Minimum 7 years of work experience in project or programme management in sustainable development, agriculture projects, conservation, environmental management, or land management. Experience in agribusiness or the private sector is preferred.
• Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• Experience in preparing and managing budgets, contracts, and directing/overseeing other areas of project administration.
• Demonstrated competencies in strategic planning, negotiation, and problem-solving.
• Proven track record of leadership and successful project management in a dynamic and multicultural environment.
• Familiarity with the policy landscape and stakeholder engagement in Malawi or similar contexts.
• Excellent supervisory, leadership and interpersonal skills; excellent organizational skills and attention to detail; integrity and honesty are paramount to this role.
• Familiarity with the carbon markets is desirable, but not essential.
• Fluency in English, with excellent verbal and written communication skills. Proficiency in Chichewa is essential with knowledge of additional local languages such as Tumbuka or Yao being advantageous.

Composition and Location of Malawi RAFT Team: The Malawi Raft team consists of 3 administrative and project staff in the CQC Office in Central Lilongwe and CQC staff and contractors in the field sites.

Location & Travel: Lilongwe, Malawi; The job will require some travel to project sites in Malawi, but is primarily an office-based role.

Compensation**:** Competitive salary and benefits package commensurate with experience.

Engagement with the Community and Stakeholders: The NbS Manager will play a crucial role in engaging with local communities, government entities, and other stakeholders. This includes facilitating workshops, conducting regular field visits, and ensuring that project benefits are aligned with community needs and expectations.