Invitation to Build & Lead
Okala is building the future of biodiversity intelligence in Africa - and looking for the right leader to help drive it!
This Country Director - Kenya role will shape how nature intelligence informs investment, infrastructure, and environmental decision-making in Kenya and across the region. This is an opportunity to build, lead, and influence in one of the most important sustainability frontiers of our time.
About Okala
Okala is a fast-growing biodiversity intelligence company helping organisations understand, measure, and responsibly manage their relationship with nature. By combining ecological science with advanced data and digital technologies, Okala supports credible decision-making in increasingly complex environmental and regulatory landscapes.
As part of its global growth, Okala is establishing operations in Kenya and is seeking a Country Director to lead this expansion from Nairobi.
The Opportunity
This is a senior leadership role at the intersection of science, technology, sustainability, and enterprise, offering the opportunity to build and shape Okala’s presence in one of Africa’s most important biodiversity markets. It is an opportunity to build and shape a high-integrity biodiversity intelligence platform that supports responsible investment, sustainable development, and environmental stewardship across Kenya and East Africa.
For the right leader, it offers the rare opportunity to align ambition with purpose and influence how organisations engage with nature across the region.
Ideal Profile
We are looking for an experienced leader with strong commercial judgement, credibility in environmental or sustainability-related work, and the ability to build and lead multidisciplinary teams in complex environments.
This role offers a visible leadership platform within a growing global organisation, competitive executive-level remuneration, and the opportunity to build something of lasting value.
Skills, Qualifications, and Experience
- 8+ years of leadership experience in complex, multidisciplinary environments.
- Experience managing large programmes, country operations, or multi-stakeholder portfolios.
- Strong knowledge of ESIA, biodiversity assessment, IFC Performance Standard 6, and sustainability frameworks.
- Proven business development and partnership-building experience.
- Strong networks within Kenya’s environmental, regulatory, or development ecosystem.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
- A relevant Bachelor’s degree is required. A related Master’s degree is an advantage.
Final Word
If you are looking for absolute certainty and predictability, then this role may not be the right fit.
But if you are ready to build, influence, and lead at one of the most important sustainability frontiers of our time, we strongly encourage you to apply.
Apply Now
All correspondence will be managed by AfriTrade Consulting Group / AfriTrade Recruit - Okala’s Recruitment Partner for this role.
Interested in this position? For more information, please visit https://afritraderecruit.com/ to download the Candidate Brief.
To apply, please send your cover letter and CV to recruit@afritradegroup.com, with the job title indicated on the subject line.
Your cover letter should be no more than two pages and should clearly outline your interest in the role, as well as how your skills, experience, and leadership approach align with the requirements of the position.