Conservancy Manager - Letea at Northern Rangelands Trust

The Opportunity

• Letea Community Conservancy is seeking a Conservancy Manager to provide strategic leadership and oversee the day-to-day operations of the Conservancy.
• Reporting to the Conservancy Board, through the Board Chairman, and working closely with the NRT team, the Manager will lead the development and implementation of a sustainable, financially viable and community-centred conservancy model that balances wildlife and environmental conservation with sustainable tourism, livestock production and other income-generating enterprises.
• The Manager will be responsible for ensuring that Letea maintains its ecological integrity and conservation objectives while delivering meaningful and sustainable benefits to local communities. The role will also strengthen governance, stakeholder partnerships and institutional capacity, while contributing to improved community livelihoods and socio-economic resilience.

Key Responsibilities

• Overseeing all conservancy activities such as wildlife conservation, livestock programs, security operations and other community development programs.
• Managing community relations to ensure long-term self-sustainability, strong conservation and benefits to communities.
• Developing appropriate attitudes to working with all staff and stakeholders and building community ownership.
• Managing, training and mentoring conservancy staff and appraising their performance to ensure motivation and high productivity.
• Overseeing management of all conservancy budgets, expenses and revenue, ensure clear record keeping, accurate budgeting and compliance with NRT and donor financial procedures.
• Planning and implementing efficient operating procedures for the Conservancy.
• Ensuring effective and efficient utilization of financial and other resources of the organization.
• Preparing project proposals and reports for funding to donor individuals and organizations.
• Managing all conservancy logistics to ensure compliance with conservancy regulations and efficiencies.
• Maintaining conservancy assets at a serviceable level.
• Undertaking capacity building of the various conservancy Board committees.
• Supporting infrastructure development and ensuring community ownership.
• Enhancing conservancy visibility.
• Leading peace-building initiatives.
• Reinforcing the role of women and youth in bringing about peace and collaboration.
• Any other duties as may be assigned from time to time.

Qualifications and Experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, Rangelands Management, Community Development or a related field from a recognised university.
• A minimum of five (5) years’ relevant experience.
• Demonstrated ability to think creatively and solve problems effectively.
• A strong drive for results and the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Experience working with diverse stakeholders and communities and coordinating, leading and motivating multidisciplinary teams.
• In-depth knowledge of and demonstrated commitment to wildlife conservation and natural resource management.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in remote areas and cross-cultural settings involving people from diverse economic and professional backgrounds.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills in English and Kiswahili.
• Proficiency in computer applications and relevant software.
• A firm understanding of pastoralist customary livestock practices and community engagement processes.

Desired Technical and Behavioural Competencies

The successful candidate should demonstrate:

• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to establish and maintain effective partnerships and working relationships.
• Strong understanding of pastoralist customary practices and community engagement processes.
• Strong leadership capacity, particularly in facilitating dialogue among mixed groups.
• Good organisational and presentation skills.
• The ability to build and lead effective teams.