Chief Executive Officer - Reteti Elephant Sanctuary at Northern Rangelands Trust

Namunyak Wildlife Conservation Trust is a non-profit community conservancy under the Northern Rangelands Trust - an umbrella organisation that supports 35 member Community Conservancies across northern and coastal Kenya.

Reteti Elephant Sanctuary (RES), is Kenya’s first community owned rescue, rehabilitation and release sanctuary for orphaned and abandoned young elephants. In its first year of operation, awareness of Reteti’s unique position has garnered phenomenal support and as it continues to grow, its profile will keep increasing.

We invite applications from passionate, self-motivated, and energetic candidates for the position of Chief Executive 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 conservancy.

Reporting to the NWCT Board the CEO of Reteti Elephant Sanctuary is responsible for overseeing the sanctuary’s consistent achievement of its vision, mission and core values. The CEO will be responsible for both strategic and operational support to the sanctuary. They will be responsible for managing the rescue program 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. This position involves a lot of overseas travelling.

KEY TASKS:

• Develop and maintain sound financial practices including the preparation of budgets, financial report etc.
• Develop, refine and implement the Sanctuary strategic plans
• Communicate and align the sanctuary and conservancies strategies, plans and developments.
• Identify partners and fund raise resources towards the sanctuary.
• Oversee effective implementation of care for the animals, protect and wildlife 
• Ensure compliance of all the Laws, regulations, polices and guidelines.
• Develop sustainable programs for the sanctuary.
• Create good working relationships with all the stakeholders (community, stakeholders, county government, KWS and the donor community.
• 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.
• Assist as necessary in managing donor budgets and expenditure.
• Perform any other duties delegated from time to time by the Board.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education/Knowledge/Technical Skills and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration or its equivalent.
• At least 5 years’ work experience in a management position.
• In-depth knowledge and demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and natural resource management.
• Demonstrate ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively.
• Must possess a strong drive for achieving results and demonstrate ability to work both independently and as a member of team; to work with a diverse range of stakeholders and communities; and to effectively coordinate, lead and motivate a multidisciplinary staff.
• Demonstrate ability to work effectively communities in remote areas, with diverse cultural and economic background.
• Excellent verbal and written communication (English and Kiswahili).
• Good presentation skills.
• Computer literacy especially in Microsoft, Word, Excel, Power Point and E-mail.