Open to opportunities

Brighton Chama

@brightonchama

Message

Experienced Nature-Based Solutions manager driving community-led restoration and carbon project delivery.

Zambia

Message

What I'm looking for

I seek a senior role leading NbS, carbon or conservation projects where I can drive community engagement, VCS/CCB-compliant implementation, capacity building, and measurable restoration outcomes within an impact-focused team.

I am an accomplished Nature-Based Solutions professional with deep experience in VCS and CCB verifications, REDD+ principles, and community-led restoration across Zambia. I combine technical rigour with practical field leadership to deliver measurable conservation outcomes.

I have led landmark projects including community forest establishment and multiple VCS/CCB verifications, guided Assisted Natural Regeneration (ANR) and Afforestation, Regeneration, and Restoration (ARR) site selection, and overseen tree density assessments and monitoring. I have also worked as an IUCN Green List assessor, adapting global standards to national contexts.

My strengths include project planning, budget management, SOP and report drafting, risk mitigation, and using tools such as ASANA for 100% activity tracking. I prioritize FPIC, stakeholder coordination, and capacity building of governance structures including Community Forest Management Groups and traditional leadership.

I bring a problem-solving mindset, training and mentoring experience, and fluency in English, Bemba, and Nyanja. I am motivated to lead impactful NbS and carbon projects that strengthen communities, restore ecosystems, and align with international carbon and conservation standards.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

GreenList Accessor

Current

IUCN

Jan 2021 - Present (4 years 7 months)

Assessed protected areas, including North Luangwa National Park, against adapted IUCN Green List standards and evaluated applicant evidence to support certification decisions. Delivered training and capacity building for protected area managers and tailored indicators to national contexts.

Protected Area Assessment IUCN Green List Indicator Adaptation Evidence Evaluation Capacity Building

Regional Nature Based Solutions Manager

Bridge Carbon

Oct 2024 - Aug 2025 (10 months)

Coordinated implementation of afforestation, regeneration, and restoration (ARR) projects across Southern Province and provided technical oversight to partners, achieving 100% activity tracking using project management tools. Led ANR site selection, capacity building of governance structures, and ensured FPIC and CCB compliance.

Afforestation Assisted Natural Regeneration Project Management CCB VCS Compliance Stakeholder Engagement Monitoring & Evaluation

Sector Manager

BioCarbon Partners

Oct 2022 - Oct 2024 (2 years)

Developed engagement strategies, optimized resource use through data-driven decisions, and mentored staff in VCS, CCB and REDD+ principles to improve project performance. Managed sector budget, led governance engagements, and contributed to MAIN and MADD development.

VC REDD Stakeholder Engagement Budget Management Mentoring Governance

Community Engagement Lead

BioCarbon Partners

Sep 2018 - Oct 2022 (4 years 1 month)

Spearheaded establishment of community forests and led community consultations that resulted in forest user and carbon rights and drove the Lower Zambezi REDD+ Project to four VCS verifications and LCFP to its first VCS and CCB verifications. Managed monitoring reporting and CFMG formation.

Community Engagement VCS Verification CCB Verification Forest Management Monitoring