Conservation Monitoring Officer at Space for Giants

Position Summary

The Conservation Monitoring Officer will provide direct technical and operational support to the Conservation Monitoring Coordinator in managing conservation monitoring systems, data workflows, and GIS visualization across Space for Giants' programmes. The role emphasizes hands-on data management, spatial analysis using ArcGIS, and support for conservation technology platforms such as EarthRanger and SMART. The Monitoring Officer will ensure data integrity, contribute to M&E and reporting processes, and help build the capacity of field teams and partners.

Key Responsibilities and Deliverables

Data Management & Quality Assurance

• Support the collection, cleaning, storage, and verification of ecological, spatial, and social data from multiple project streams.
• Ensure data integrity and consistency before submission to programme teams.
• Maintain organized cloud-based data repositories.

GIS, Visualization & Spatial Communication

• Develop, update, and maintain interactive web maps, ArcGIS Dashboards, and ArcGIS Story Maps to visualize conservation impact, wildlife activity, and programme progress for internal and external audiences.
• Conduct spatial data processing, mapping, and basic analysis using ArcGIS Online / ArcGIS Pro.
• Support the production of map-based products for donor reports, presentations, and stakeholder engagement.

Conservation Technology Support

• Provide operational support for ArcGIS Online, EarthRanger, and SMART systems, including data entry, user administration, basic troubleshooting, and routine system checks.
• Assist in deploying mobile data collection tools such as Survey123, EarthRanger Mobile, and other field apps, and support field teams with app configuration and sync issues.
• Assist in deploying, troubleshooting, and managing LoRa IOT sensors and systems, and Gateways.

Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E)

• Assist in tracking programme indicators and implementing M&E frameworks across the conservation portfolio.
• Compile weekly, monthly, and quarterly progress updates, documenting data findings, challenges, and deviations for review by the Conservation Monitoring Coordinator.
• Support the analysis of field data and contribute to programme impact assessments.

Reporting & Knowledge Management

• Draft and contribute to internal reports, donor reports, case studies, success stories, and knowledge products.
• Prepare clear, accurate data summaries and visualizations for both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Maintain accurate records of monitoring activities, training sessions, and technology deployments.

Capacity Building & Field Support

• Assist in training and mentoring field teams (rangers, researchers, partners) on monitoring protocols, data collection tools, and quality standards.
• Support the development of training materials, user guides, and standard operating procedures for conservation technology.
• Undertake field missions to conduct data collection, technology needs assessments, and on-site support.

Stakeholder & Partner Coordination

• Liaise with other Space for Giants programme staff to ensure aligned data collection and reporting.
• Support coordination with external stakeholders, including Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), conservancies, and NGOs.
• Participate in landscape-level working groups, multi-stakeholder platforms, and partner meetings as delegated.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science, Geography, GIS, IT, Community Development, or a related field.
• At least 1–2 years of relevant experience in conservation data management, GIS, M&E, or field-based conservation support.
• Experience with ArcGIS (ArcGIS Online tools/ Pro)
• Working knowledge of EarthRanger conservation monitoring platforms.
• Experience with mobile data collection tools (e.g., Survey123).
• Experience with Power BI.
• Competency in data cleaning, basic analysis, and visualization (Excel, Google Sheets, or similar).
• Ability to draft both technical and non-technical reports with close attention to detail.
• Ability to be based full-time in Nanyuki and work occasional weekends/evenings as required.
• Experience in conservation research.

Personal Attributes

• Strong team player who collaborates effectively across organizational levels and external partners.
• Highly organized, with the ability to multitask and deliver to tight deadlines.
• Proactive problem-solver with critical thinking skills applied to conservation and technology challenges.
• Meticulous commitment to data integrity, ethical data handling, and quality assurance.
• Flexible, resilient, and willing to go the extra mile to support programme goals.