Current Openings at Natural State

This role requires daily on-site presence with strong leadership and close collaboration with the other teams in the Impact Monitoring department as well as external stakeholders. The ideal candidate will be both technically proficient and a capable team builder, ready to grow lab capabilities, mentor and develop the lab team, ensure operational excellence, and deliver measurable value through scientific and commercial impact.

Responsibilities:

Laboratory Operations & Quality Management

• Manage daily operations of the lab, ensuring optimal workflow, safety, and compliance with quality standards (e.g., ISO/GLP where applicable).
• Co-develop and implement a strategy for the lab
• Oversee and implement analytical methodologies in spectroscopy, eDNA, invertebrate, and soil biodiversity analysis.
• Ensure rigorous quality control and assurance procedures across all lab activities.
• Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), lab protocols, and health & safety documentation.
• Oversee data management standards and digital pipelines to ensure traceability, reproducibility, and integration with broader analytical frameworks
• Lead the development of a comprehensive QA/QC framework covering sample handling, analysis, equipment calibration, and reporting.

Commercialisation & Service Provision

• Co-develop and implement the lab’s commercialisation strategy, establishing fee-for-service models for internal departments and external partners.
• Define service pricing structures, forecast revenue, and manage lab P&L in alignment with organizational goals.
• Build and manage relationships with external clients and partners, ensuring delivery of timely, accurate, and cost-effective analytical results.
• Monitor and report on lab performance metrics (e.g., turnaround times, cost per sample, client satisfaction).
• Explore and develop partnerships with other service providers to compliment the NS lab’s capabilities, leveraging advances in AI and machine learning to optimise analysis and outputs.

Capacity Building & Team Leadership

• Supervise and mentor a multidisciplinary team of lab technicians, analysts, students, and interns.
• Identify skills gaps and provide professional development opportunities to build a high-performing lab team.
• Develop and deliver regular training sessions on lab conduct and health and safety standards, ensuring a culture of scientific integrity within the lab.
• Lead recruitment, onboarding, and performance evaluation processes for lab personnel.

Research & Development Support

• Collaborate with internal research teams and the Impact Monitoring department to design and support field sampling campaigns and analytical studies.
• Contribute to the development and validation of new analytical techniques and tools.
• Actively contribute to the development of the strategic framework for scaling lab operations.

Resource & Infrastructure Management

• Manage lab inventory, procurement, and maintenance of analytical instruments (e.g., spectrometers, sequencing equipment, microscopes).
• Oversee the calibration, troubleshooting, and upgrading of lab equipment.

Requirements:

• MSc or PhD in Environmental Science, Ecology, Molecular Biology, Analytical Chemistry, Soil Science, or a related discipline.
• At least 5 years of experience in laboratory management or senior lab role, preferably in an environmental or ecological context.
• Proven experience in at least one of the following: spectroscopy, molecular biology/genetics or soil biodiversity.
• Demonstrated ability to manage laboratory budgets, resources, and teams.
• Experience delivering scientific services on a commercial basis or within contract research environments.
• Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and standards for lab accreditation.
• Strong project management skills and client communication experience.
• Experience mentoring junior staff and students

go to method of application »

The Vice President (VP) is a key member of Natural State’s Leadership Team, responsible for driving excellence and alignment across operations, compliance, impact, and culture. The VP will oversee multiple departments - legal, HR and finance - and ensure smooth execution of the organisation’s strategy and obligations across jurisdictions. The role includes a strong advisory component, supporting the President on strategic matters related tlegal compliance, revenue generation, and organisational culture. The VP will alsserve as a key representative of Natural State, forging high-impact partnerships and amplifying the organisation’s voice across sectors.

Responsibilities: 

• Strategic Advisory tthe President
• Serve as a trusted advisor tthe President, providing high-level counsel on legal and statutory obligations, internal culture, and enterprise strategy.
• Provide regular advice tsupport executive decision-making on organisational growth, risk, compliance, and resource mobilisation.
• Work closely with the President and the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist tensure alignment across governance, strategic planning, and execution.
• Manage communications with the board and prepare the documentation and agendas for bi-annual board meetings.
• Legal and Regulatory Compliance
• Ensure Natural State operates within an effective legal and regulatory framework across all jurisdictions, including overseeing the structuring, registration, and maintenance of its legal entities. 
• Secure and maintain all necessary government permissions, registrations, and renewals tcomply with national laws and operate effectively. 
• Oversee legal compliance across the organisation’s functions, including HR, finance, procurement, ensuring adherence trelevant regulations and internal policies. 
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place for data protection, insurance coverage, and legal safeguards that protect the organisation and its people. 
• Oversee governance, statutory filings, legal risk mitigation, and coordination with legal counsel across jurisdictions.
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise leadership on implications and action steps.
• Organisational Culture and Human Resources
• Oversee the HR and Culture functions tbuild and sustain a high-performance, inclusive, and values-based organisational environment.
• Oversee systems for recruitment, talent development and retention, legacy planning, performance management, and staff wellbeing.
• Ensure compliance with employment laws and ethical standards across all countries of operation.
• Strengthen culture through continuous engagement and alignment with Natural State’s mission and core values.
• Programmatic Delivery
• Oversee the Operations, HR and Fundraising, Communications & Partnerships departments tensure that initiatives are implemented effectively, on time, and aligned with strategic goals.
• Support cross-departmental collaboration and accountability tdrive high-quality results.
• Policies and Donor Compliance
• Ensure organisational policies and procedures meet international donor standards and statutory requirements.
• Lead regular audits, internal reviews, and policy updates tmaintain operational integrity and transparency.
• Financial Oversight
• Coordinate the development of long-term financial strategies tmaintain organisational sustainability, including reserves, risk buffers, and funding diversification. 
• Oversee financial management systems and coordinate the budgeting, reporting, and forecasting processes. 
• Set up and ensure financial policies, controls, and compliance frameworks meet both local legal requirements and international donor expectations. 
• Provide oversight and strategic direction for financial risk management, compliance, and internal controls. Ensure the Finance Manager is supported tmaintain strong systems, meet external audit requirements, and uphold donor and regulatory obligations. 
• Revenue Generation and Enterprise Development
• With the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist, support the Departmental Directors in the establishment and operationalisation of mission-aligned, revenue-generating entities.
• Ensure these ventures are financially sound, legally compliant, and strategically integrated.
• Advise on the design and scaling of sustainable income streams tsupport organisational independence and growth.
• Identify and pursue new opportunities for funding, partnerships, and visibility at national and international levels.
• Organisational Systems and Impact
• Partner with the Systems and Strategy Implementation Specialist tdevelop and refine systems for operational alignment and performance measurement.
• Promote the integration of impact monitoring tools and data systems that inform adaptive management and decision-making and facilitate programmatic performance and impact assessment.
• Foster a culture of learning, accountability, and transparency across the organisation.
• External Relations and Strategic Partnerships
• Act as a leading voice and ambassador for Natural State, effectively communicating its mission, values, and achievements.
• Build strategic relationships with government agencies, funders, private sector leaders, and academic partners.

Qualifications and Experience Required

• 15+ years of experience in the social or environmental sectors, with at least 10 years at senior leadership level and demonstrable experience in operational management and both philanthropic fundraising and revenue generation through social enterprise business models.
• Proven experience in cross-functional leadership, revenue strategy, and organisational development and compliance.
• Demonstrated ability twork with executive leadership, funders, and high-level partners.