Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager at Mukutan Conservancy

Key Responsibilities:

Community Support and Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate dialogues between communities and stakeholders to promote joint management of shared natural resources, particularly grazing and water.
• Lead and coordinate the Community Committee (Mukutan Mshipi) alongside a team of five Community Liaison Officers, focusing on strategic planning, governance, and capacity building.
• Support social enterprises and other organisations in partnership with Mukutan Conservancy.
• Develop and implement tools to monitor and evaluate the impact of community engagement strategies.
• Collaborate with Senior Management to manage the community livestock program, which currently includes over 6,000 cattle, and maintain strong relationships with cattle owners.
• Organise community committee meetings, take minutes, and maintain records.
• Coordinate conflict resolution between communities or between the conservancy and local groups as necessary.
• Oversee Mukutan’s community health and education outreach programs.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Update Mukutan’s stakeholder mapping to identify and engage key government and NGO partners.
• Foster relationships with key government officials (county and national levels) to support Mukutan’s community initiatives.
• Develop working partnerships with priority strategic partners and NGOs.

Data Management

• Collect, document, and provide timely, accurate data on community engagement to the line manager.
• Develop tools to monitor, evaluate, and report the impact of community projects.

Community Strategy Formulation

• Participate in the formulation of Mukutan Conservancy’s community strategy using participatory approaches.
• Organise stakeholder meetings to support strategy development and review.

Capacity Building

• Conduct capacity assessments to identify training needs for community groups.
• Implement training programs on topics such as biodiversity conservation and nature-based livelihood development.

Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and submit regular reports on community engagement activities.
• Maintain a detailed database of all community-related activities.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Management, Natural Resources Management, or Community Development (highly desirable).
• Minimum of 10 years experience in community engagement, particularly in a conservation setting.
• Proven experience working with pastoral and farming communities, particularly in remote areas.
• Expertise in conducting social surveys and using data to inform engagement strategies.
• Experience engaging key partners, NGOs, and government stakeholders.
• Proven ability to manage conflicts between diverse stakeholders.
• 5+ years’ experience in conflict resolution (highly desirable).

Personal Skills and Attributes:

• Strong work ethic and organisational skills.
• Excellent communication skills in both English and Swahili.
• Strong analytical and report-writing skills.
• Proficient in IT and digital applications, including MS Office.
• Positive attitude toward community service, with a focus on conflict resolution.
• Familiarity with pastoralist communities and their lifestyle.
• Expertise in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation tools.
• Ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to take initiative and work independently.

Remuneration:

A starting gross salary of Ksh 150,000 - 300,000 per month will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Accommodation will be provided within the conservancy’s staff quarters.