Head of Forest Protection

Company Description Systemiq is a system change company and certified B Corp, driving the achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goals and the Paris Agreement on climate change. We work across five critical systems—energy, nature and food, materials and circular economy, sustainable finance, and urban transformation—to deliver real, lasting impact. We believe systems change starts with people change. That means curiosity, collaboration, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work.

Since our start in 2016, we have grown to more than 300+ people working across locations in Brazil, Germany, France, Indonesia, Netherlands, UK and the US. We are a pure-play sustainability-focused company, dedicated exclusively to sustainability projects.

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

Diversity & Inclusion At Systemiq, we believe that diversity and inclusion are crucial to system change and our mission. We are committed to:

• Embedding diverse and inclusive practices in all aspects of our work, including recruitment, performance management, and people processes and policies.
• Providing a supportive environment where everyone can be themselves and perform at their best, regardless of background, personality, gender, sexual orientation, race, mental health, religion, or other characteristics.
• Supporting our people through all life stages, accommodating personal priorities, and promoting a sustainable approach to work and life.

Reward and Recognition The remuneration and benefits package will reflect the successful candidate's experience and expertise.

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