Director, Ecosystem Protection, Rehabilitation, and Conservation at Kenya Water Towers Agency

Job Purpose 

To provide strategic direction and Leadership in Ecosystem Protection, Rehabilitation,  conservation and Sustainable Management of Water Towers in consultation with the  relevant stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities/ Duties / Tasks 

 Managerial / Supervisory Responsibilities 

• Coordinate and oversee formulation and implementation of policies,  legislation, strategies relating to Water Towers Protection, Rehabilitation and Conservation;
• Develop policy and legislation in regard to collaboration, conservation and  management
• Coordinate and oversee the recovery and restoration of forest lands, wetlands  and biodiversity hot spots;
• Oversee conservation and protection of riparian zones;
• Oversee identification of water towers and watershed for protection in  consultation with relevant stakeholders;
• Oversee gazettement of water towers in consultation with relevant  stakeholders;
• Ensure compliance with conservation laws and legislation on local, national  international treaties and policies; 
• Advice the management on all matters relating to Protection, Rehabilitation and Conservation of Water Towers; 
• Involved in development and review of the Institution’s strategic plan;
• Mobilize resources from the government; development partners and other  stakeholders
• Guide on training needs for the Directorate’s staff;
• Ensure stakeholders participation in Water towers climate resilience forums
• Guide on requirements for manpower development and capacity building;
• Establish and manage administrative mechanisms to ensure appropriate management of protection, rehabilitation and conservation of water towers.

Operational Responsibilities / Tasks 

• Guide implementation of programs, work plans and activities relating to the  Directorate;
• Maintain linkages with stakeholders on ecosystem protection, rehabilitation and conservation; 
• Review and present technical papers regarding Water Towers Protection, Rehabilitation and Conservation to the Technical Committee of the Board;
• Oversee preparation and submission of all quarterly and annual reports and  work plans for the Directorate;
• Oversee the execution of the approved Directorate’s work plans and budgets; 
• Oversee establishment and management of administrative mechanisms to  ensure appropriate protection, rehabilitation and conservation of Water  Towers
• Facilitate the preparation, implementation and management of performance  contracting for the Directorate
• Coordinate identification of procurement needs of the Directorate.
• Coordinate and oversee the operation of Joint Enforcement units for Water Towers Protection
• Participate in relevant committees in the Agency;
• Mentor and coach Directorate’s staff.

Job Dimensions: 

Financial Responsibility 

• Oversee development and implementation of the work plan and budget for the  Directorate
• Holds Authority to incur expenditure (AIE), an estimate of KES. 200Million
• Oversee preparation of the Procurement Plan for the Directorate
• Resource mobilization.

 Responsibility for Physical Assets 

• Responsible for the assigned assets such as assorted office equipment and motor  vehicles.

Decision Making / Job Influence 

• Makes strategic decision
• Makes managerial decisions. 
• Makes operational decisions.

Working Conditions 

• Office setting and frequent field visits which exposing the office holder to bad  weather and poor terrain.
• The position is demanding, strenuous and involves long working hours resulting  in fatigue.
• Exposure to political risk.

Job Competencies (Knowledge, Experience and Attributes / Skills). 
Academic qualifications 

• Masters degree in any of the following fields; Natural Resource Management,  Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Environmental  planning, Forestry Meteorology, Cartography, Hydrology, Botany, Ecology,  or any other relevant field from a recognized institution
• Bachelors degree in any of the following fields; Natural Resource  Management, Environmental Science, Environmental Studies, Forestry, Environmental planning, Forestry Meteorology, Cartography, Hydrology, Botany, Ecology, or any other relevant field from a recognized institution
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of local, national and international  conventions and treaties governing water towers management;
• Demonstrate a clear understanding of the Kenya Water Towers Strategic  Management Issues, Kenya Vision 2030 and related National development  goals;
• Meet requirements of Chapter six (6) of the Constitution of Kenya on  leadership and integrity.

Professional Qualifications / Membership to professional bodies 

• Professional qualification and membership to a professional body where  applicable
• Leadership course lasting not less than four (4) weeks from a recognized  institution;
• Proficiency in computer applications.

Previous relevant work experience required. 

• At least twelve (12) years relevant work experience with at least 5 in senior  management

Functional Skills, Behavioural Competencies/Attributes: 

Functional Skills

• Managerial and Leadership skills
• Interpersonal Skills
• Communication skills
• Problem solving Skills
• Analytical skills
• Professionalism

Behavioral Competencies 

• Ability to articulate, interpret and implement National and International  policies and development goals
• Results orientated & self-driven
• Attention to detail
• Passion for continuous professional development
• Ethical & Integrity
• Proficiency in Computer Applications and usage of technology in the Work  Environment
• Self-confidence & Time Management
• Initiative to achieve expected result