Director of Research and Conservation at Mara Elephant Project (MEP)

​​​​Job Summary

• The Director of Research and Conservation at the Mara Elephant Project (MEP) will be pivotal in driving evidence-based applied research and enhancing innovative conservation strategies to address critical challenges facing elephants. This leadership position will advance MEP's understanding of the complex conservation and development issues within the Maasai Mara ecosystem, ensuring the implementation of effective, data-driven, community-led conservation strategies for the long-term protection of elephants and their habitats. In addition, the Director will provide strategic oversight, scientific expertise, and operational leadership, while fostering collaboration with the Research Advisory Council (RAC) to further MEP's mission of safeguarding elephants and preserving their habitats. This role will be central to strengthening MEP's position as a leader in wildlife conservation through impactful research and strategic conservation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and support for conservation planning work and establish overall applied research & conservation priorities for MEP.
• Oversee the collection, management, and analysis of critical datasets, including human footprint monitoring and wildlife behaviour studies.
• Act as the primary liaison for strategic partnerships to foster strong relationships to enhance collaboration and advance the organization's conservation goals.
• Promote Knowledge Sharing and Capacity Building and develop key partnerships to implement and measure organizational success effectively, driving continuous improvement in conservation efforts.
• Develop an overarching applied research strategy for the organization, identifying key research areas and partners aligned with our mission and goals.
• Leverage the diverse expertise of RAC members to enhance MEP's research initiatives and ensure alignment with MEP's strategic objectives and briefing the MEP Board Members
• Develop innovative scientific methods, analyses, tools, and frameworks to address the natural system needs that align with the Greater Mara Monitoring Framework (GMMF) •Capable of Integrating science with organizational priorities and field Programs, ensuring seamless integration to drive impactful and mission-focused outcomes.
• Lead and manage a team that supports and improves conservation efforts. Provide oversight implementation of EarthRanger software and roll out of the digital data collection for wildlife, vegetation, land use changes, and data monitoring and reporting
• Advance scientific contributions and evidence-based conservation research and represent the organization at conferences, contributing to the broader scientific community while driving evidence-based, community-led conservation initiatives. Oversee Financial Planning and Fundraising Support to ensure sustained funding for research and conservation programs.
• Lead team development and capacity building to foster career development and offer training opportunities to build a highly motivated and performing research team.

Qualification and Experience

• PhD. or extensive demonstrated experience in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Zoology, Biodiversity Conservation, Natural Resource Management, or Geospatial Science.
• Demonstrated 10 years' experience in managing research initiatives with strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis/statistical tools (e.g., Python, R).
• Proven expertise in managing complex, strategic Projects that includes managing budgets, supervising multidisciplinary teams, coordinating diverse stakeholders, and ensuring projects are delivered on time and meet organizational goals.
• Supervisory experience, including motivating, leading, setting objectives and managing performance.
• Extensive experience with the methodologies, standards, and implementation of biodiversity information systems and related initiatives, ensuring accurate data collection, analysis, and application in conservation efforts.
• Demonstrated success in working with diverse, multicultural, and interdisciplinary teams to tackle complex conservation and development challenges through inclusive and innovative approaches.
• Experience with data analysis, machine learning and data modelling systems
• Proven experience in multicultural and interdisciplinary collaboration to tackle complex conservation and development challenges through inclusive and innovative approaches especially when working with Mara landscape stakeholders

Desired Competencies

• Must have vast experience in multi-stakeholder management, and interpersonal capabilities.
• Must possess positive interpersonal, diplomatic, and negotiation skills that can be applied to internal and external relationships
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, and interpersonal skills.
• Must possess strong communication skills and creativity, be forward-thinking, and have high ethical standards.
• Passion for community engagement and wildlife conservation.
• Ability to establish and leverage strong relationships with diverse groups
• Knowledge of fundraising techniques and ability to identify, cultivate, and solicit major donors.
• Proficiency in familiarity with African field conditions will be an added advantage