Systemiq is sharing an opportunity for a Head of Forest Protection & Community Impact with a leading tropical forest restoration organisation operating in West Africa.

Head of Forest Protection & Community Impact

Ensuring long-term integrity of restored forest landscapes

Department: Permanence
Reports to: CEO
Location: Ghana (Accra or site-based: Bibiani / Dambai)
Direct Reports: 2 (Social Performance Lead, Livelihoods Lead)
Contract Type: Full-time, permanent
Functional Team: ~50+ (Protection, ESG)

About the Organisation

The organisation is a large-scale tropical forest restoration company operating in West Africa, focused on restoring degraded, biodiverse ecosystems through long-term, community-centred projects.

With operations across multiple countries, a workforce of 1,000+ employees, and thousands of hectares already restored, the organisation is scaling towards 100,000+ hectares under management.

Projects are long-term and aligned with leading international standards (e.g. VERRA VCS, CCB), delivering measurable climate, biodiversity, and socioeconomic outcomes in partnership with global organisations and local communities.

The Role

This is a senior leadership role reporting to the CEO, responsible for ensuring that restored and protected forest areas remain secure and viable over the long term.

Forest Protection is the core focus of this role, requiring the design and leadership of large-scale, field-based protection operations. Alongside this, the role integrates community engagement and livelihood programmes to ensure sustainable, long-term outcomes.

The successful candidate will bring a strong background in land or asset protection and have evolved into a broader operator, capable of working across protection, community engagement, and programme delivery.

You will lead three integrated functions:

• Forest Protection
• Livelihood Restoration
• Social Performance

Key Responsibilities

Forest Protection 

• Design and scale protection systems across all project sites
• Develop SOPs, patrol strategies, zoning, and incident response frameworks
• Lead and grow field protection teams (~50+, expanding significantly)
• Integrate GIS, satellite, and drone data into operational decision-making
• Ensure all protection activities align with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights (VPSHR)
• Build strong working relationships with local authorities and community leaders
• Establish data-driven monitoring systems to track incidents and performance
• Continuously optimise cost-efficiency as protected areas scale

Livelihood Restoration

• Lead programmes that reduce pressure on forest ecosystems
• Oversee agricultural intensification and related initiatives
• Design locally relevant livelihood interventions
• Align programmes with benefit-sharing frameworks
• Track and report socioeconomic impact

Social Performance

• Oversee community engagement, safeguards, and benefit-sharing
• Ensure compliance with IFC Performance Standards
• Lead land access processes, including FPIC
• Manage social impact measurement and reporting
• Maintain strong relationships with community stakeholders

Security & Human Rights (VPSHR)

• Embed VPSHR principles across all protection operations
• Conduct risk assessments and define rules of engagement
• Oversee training, grievance mechanisms, and incident management
• Ensure transparent reporting to leadership and stakeholders

ESG Oversight

• Provide oversight of ESG reporting via the Social Performance function
• Ensure alignment with investor and certification requirements

What Success Looks Like (12–18 Months)

• A scalable, clearly defined forest protection system operating across all sites
• Strong SOPs, patrol models, and incident response frameworks in place
• A high-performing, disciplined protection team with clear leadership structure
• Measurable reduction in encroachment and illegal activity
• Strong, trust-based relationships with local communities and authorities
• Livelihood programmes demonstrably reducing pressure on forest areas

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• 5+ years leading land or asset protection at scale (1,000+ hectares), ideally in sub-Saharan Africa
• Significant field-based operational experience
• Proven ability to lead and scale teams of 50+ personnel
• Experience implementing VPSHR-aligned protection approaches
• Working knowledge of IFC Performance Standards
• Ability to use spatial tools (GIS, satellite, drones) for operational decision-making
• Strong experience engaging with rural communities and local stakeholders
• Background in conservation, land use, or natural resource management

Ideal Background

• Landscape-scale conservation (e.g. African Parks, WCS, park authorities)
• Large-scale agriculture, forestry, or plantation operations
• Extractive industries with strong ESG and community frameworks

Education

• Degree in relevant field (e.g. conservation, environmental science, security, social sciences); advanced degree preferred

Languages

• English required; French or West African languages advantageous

Personal Qualities

• Strong operator with a bias for execution
• Comfortable working in remote, challenging environments
• Able to build systems and teams from the ground up
• Credible across field teams, communities, and senior stakeholders
• High integrity and commitment to human rights
• Motivated by long-term environmental impact

Location

Based in Ghana (Accra or project sites).
Frequent travel to remote field locations required.

How to Apply

Please submit a CV and brief cover note outlining relevant experience and motivation

We're looking to engage a Marketing Analyst (Ghana) to build and execute localized marketing strategies that drive growth across the region. You'll work cross-functionally, analyze market trends, and leverage multiple channels to grow brand visibility and customer engagement.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Localized Marketing & CRM: Own the strategy and content for localized marketing and CRM campaigns, partnering with the global CRM team on execution and delivery.
• Brand Alignment: Work closely with the global marketing team to ensure regional efforts align with overall brand messaging.
• Social Media & Community: Manage local social channels (X, TikTok) and community platforms (Telegram) creating culturally relevant content.
• User Acquisition: Drive growth through partnerships, integrated campaigns, and community initiatives.
• Content Marketing: Lead local content efforts in collaboration with the global team.
• Integrate Campaign Management: Track campaign performance, analyze data, and optimize for ROI.
• Influencers & Partnerships: Engage key influencers, crypto communities, and strategic partners to amplify brand presence.
• Events & Activations: Plan and execute local events, AMAs, and promotional campaigns.
• Regulatory Compliance: Work with the Operations and Compliance Lead to ensure all marketing materials meet Nigerian regulatory requirements.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Bachelor's degree
• 3+ years in digital marketing, strategic communications, PR, or brand management - preferably in crypto, fintech, or tech
• Proven multi-channel campaign management experience (agency or client-side)
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a talent for compelling storytelling
• Experience across traditional and digital media, including social platforms
• Excellent organizational skills; comfortable in fast-paced environments

COMPENSATION & PERKS

• Competitive compensation with a performance-based bonus
• Opportunity to build and shape institutional client relationships in a high-growth business
• Unlimited vacation policy
• Apple equipment provided
• Hybrid working model
• Work-from-anywhere flexibility aligned with role responsibilities

We are looking for a highly motivated, adaptable, and collaborative professional who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys building. If you have a proven track record in a regulated digital asset space, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Oversee company operations under the Ghanaian VASP regulatory framework, ensuring compliance and supporting internal processes.
• Collaborate with the General Manager, Africa, and global stakeholders to develop customer engagement and acquisition strategies.
• Manage relationships with high-value customers to foster loyalty and engagement.
• Maintain business relationships with banks, payment partners, and other essential stakeholders for seamless operational flow.
• Create and implement innovative strategies to improve operational standards, shape the business framework, and drive execution.
• Evaluate customer insights to identify, develop, and execute initiatives to grow revenue and market share.
• Support Blockchain.com marketing, community outreach, and operational initiatives in Ghana.
• Participate in new product and service development, driving product-market fit.
• Maintain active dialogue with the digital asset industry and Ghanaian community to understand and meet market needs.
• Manage other responsibilities assigned by the General Manager, Africa.

WHAT YOU WILL NEED

• Bachelor's degree
• Interest in and familiarity with digital asset and regulated financial industries.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with excellent attention to detail and follow-through.
• Experience and proven track record in the Ghanaian market leading regulated operations, business development, and/or account management.
• Experience managing and scaling a team.
• Ability to work a flexible full-time schedule to coordinate with global stakeholders.
• Excellent organizational and workload management skills, including verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to creatively deconstruct complex problems and develop precise plans of action.

COMPENSATION & PERKS

• Bonus scheme based on both company and individual performance.
• Opportunity to be a key player and build your career at a rapidly expanding, global technology company in an exciting, emerging industry.
• Unlimited vacation policy; work hard and take time when you need it
• Apple equipment
• Hybrid role from our office in Ghana.
• Work from Anywhere Policies: You can work remotely from anywhere in the world for up to 20 days per year.

#LI-Hybrid