Chief Conservation Officer at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC)

Role Summary 

The Chief Conservation Officer (CCO) will be responsible for leading Ol Pejeta Conservancy’s conservation strategy and ensuring the effective implementation of programs to conserve biodiversity, manage habitats, and integrate wildlife conservation with community development. The CCO will also oversee strategies to promote wildlife health, minimise human-wildlife conflicts and drive anti-poaching efforts by managing the conservancy’s security operations. Additionally, the CCO will adopt innovative technologies and research-driven approaches to advance OPC’s conservation mission. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and Implement Conservation Strategies: Design and execute comprehensive conservation strategies aimed at preserving biodiversity, restoring habitats, and building climate resilience. In collaboration with the Head of Research and Species Management, ensure all plans align with OPC’s mission, OPC’s 2030 strategy, OPC’s 2050 strategy, global best practices, and international conservation standards. Regularly review and adapt strategies to changing environmental conditions. 
• Oversee Wildlife Health and Endangered Species Programs: Lead initiatives to monitor and address wildlife health, protect and grow populations of endangered species such as black rhinos and ensure lifelong care of the chimpanzees. Oversee breeding, reintroductions and translocations, habitat restoration and environment enrichment projects.  
• Collaborate with international organisations to exchange best practices and secure support for species conservation, while overseeing operations of the Research Centre. 
• Enhance Research and Technology Integration: Oversee Research and Species  Management initiatives and coordination of external research institutions to leverage application of appropriate conservation technologies to enhance ecosystem monitoring and develop data-driven approaches to enhance conservation decision-making and operational efficiency.
• Develop and Implement Community Strategies: Lead the formulation of comprehensive community engagement and development strategies aligned to the organization’s mission and strategic objectives, monitor, evaluate, and report on the effectiveness of community strategies, ensuring continuous improvement and alignment with best practices and regulatory requirements. 
• Foster Community Collaboration: Promote, build and maintain strong relationships with local communities. Lead initiatives to integrate conservation efforts with social and economic development, advance human-wildlife coexistence through fencing, education programs, and alternative livelihoods, and enhance community participation in conservation. 
• Manage Conservation and Community Development Projects: Oversee the Director Community Development Programs to ensure the planning, execution, and evaluation of community projects. Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and achieve their desired objectives. Work collaboratively with other Divisions to align conservation projects with organisational goals. 
• Secure Funding for Conservation Initiatives: Collaborate with the fundraising team to develop and present compelling funding proposals to individual donors, foundations, and corporations.  Maintain transparent and long-term relationships with donors through regular reporting. Explore innovative funding mechanisms to sustain conservation programs. 
• Represent OPC in Conservation Forums: Represent OPC at national, regional and international conservation forums, conferences, and policy discussions. Advocate for policies that support biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, and sustainable land use. Build and sustain networks with government agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders. 
• Mitigate Risks in Conservation Operations: Identify and address threats such as poaching, habitat degradation, disease and climate change. Develop and implement risk mitigation strategies to safeguard wildlife and habitats. Regularly assess and enhance security measures. 
• Oversee Wildlife Monitoring & Security Operations: Take charge of Wildlife Operations and  Security including anti-poaching efforts and coordinate all security operations to protect wildlife assets. Ensure that anti-poaching units are well-trained, equipped, and motivated. Collaborate with law enforcement agencies and community stakeholders to strengthen security measures. 
• Build and Lead Conservation and Community Development Teams: Recruit, mentor, and manage cohesive multidisciplinary teams of conservation and community development professionals. Provide ongoing training and career development and progression opportunities to enhance expertise within the team. Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and accountability across the Division. 
• Monitor and Report Impact: Establish systems to monitor and evaluate the impact of conservation and community development programs against defined objectives and KPIs.  Prepare timely and detailed reports for stakeholders, donors, and partners, highlighting successes, challenges, and lessons learned. Use findings to refine and improve future initiatives. 
• Any additional duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills:

Qualification 

• Master’s degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field.
• PhD in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field will be an added advantage. 

 Experience  

• Minimum of twelve (12) years of experience in conservation management with at least five (5) years in a leadership role. 
• Proven experience in biodiversity protection, community-based conservation and anti-poaching strategies. 
• Specialised training in wildlife management or ecological research is highly desirable

Key Skills and Qualities; 

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. 
• Proficiency in conservation technologies and data analysis tools. 
• Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management abilities. 
• Passion for conservation and commitment to OPC’s mission.