Purpose of the Position:
Reporting to the Regional Director – NRT Coast and with a close working relationship with the NRT team, the Conservancy Development Officer will be responsible for both strategic and operational support to the conservancies. The Conservancy Development Officer will be responsible for managing the conservancy and developing it to a self-sustaining model that integrates wildlife conservation, environmental conservation, tourism and livestock; benefits the surrounding communities; protects the ecological integrity of the land and contributes to improvement of the community livelihoods. The aim of this position is to assist in developing, and supporting the NRT conservation objective which is helping conservancies to develop & empower women in the various groups and communities located in the Coastal region of Kenya.
We invite applications from passionate, self-motivated, and energetic candidates for the following position Conservancy Development Officer. This is an opportunity for a high-performing individual to join our team to harness good working environment and improve people’s way of life, while positively impacting the lives in communities throughout the coastal region in Kenya.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
Oversee effective implementation of agreed field activities together with community conservancies.
Attend and represent Northern Rangelands Trust at conservancy board meetings and subcommittee meetings, facilitating where necessary and appropriate.
Attend and facilitate, and if need be convene, community meetings over conservancy issues
Assist conservancy managers in developing and implementing strategic and operational work plans and reports.
Provide training to conservancy management staff and board/committee representatives on relevant aspects of management, administration and governance
Assist other NRT staff in the promotion and development of enterprises in the community conservancies (e.g. tourism, joint grazing/fishing schemes etc.)
Support the establishment of transparent distribution mechanisms for revenue from conservation and wildlife related business
Organize and co-ordinate community exposure tours, workshops and seminars
Attend Council of Elders’ meetings and assist them with any matters relating to the region
Support research and monitoring programs within conservancies
Help to improve awareness and understanding of wildlife values and conservation benefits within constituent communities
Facilitate communication and feedback between the conservancy and the broader community
Liaise with county and national authorities over conservancy developments as and when necessary (to improve understanding and awareness of conservancy objectives, activities and benefits)
Assist as necessary in managing donor budgets and expenditure
Compile and submit reports to Northern Rangelands Trust and donors as requested in a timely manner
Perform any other duties delegated from time to time by RD
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
Bachelor of Science Degree in Community Development / Social studies or related field
At least 3 years’ work experience with various communities
In-depth knowledge and demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and natural resource management
Demonstrated ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively
A strong drive for results with demonstrated ability to work both independently and as a member of team ; to work with a diversity of stakeholders and communities; and to effectively coordinate, lead and motivate a multidisciplinary staff.
Demonstrate ability to work effectively in remote areas, in cross-cultural situations, with diverse cultural and economic background
Excellent verbal and written communication (English and Kiswahili)
Computer literacy especially in Microsoft, Word, Excel, Power Point and E-mail
