Head of Implementation (Program Design and Implementation) at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC)

Position Overview

• The Head of implementation delivers the successful scoping, design and implementation of initiatives that support the conservation strategy at Ol Pejeta. Through this role, the organization ensures that it is proactively identifying, scoping, designing programs and projects that meaningful contribute to the organizations mission and goals. In addition, this role supports the accountability to donors by ensuring efficient and effective management of donor funded projects and programs.

Key Responsibilities

Program development and planning:

• Supporting strategy development, monitoring and course correction (as required) - setting the strategy is a c-suite function but that process will need coordination which I think will require support.
• Support strategic projects that enhance the conservation and community efforts, and which support long-term sustainability and resilience.
• Supporting annual planning (work plans, budgets etc) across departments to ensure the organizations strategy is being effectively implemented and management can take timely management decisions around resource allocation (money, people etc.)
• Ensure annual plans are packaged as projects that can be translated to proposal and "sold" to donors as compelling projects with clear goals, timelines and funding requirements.
• Identify emerging issues, trends, and opportunities in the conservancy ecosystem to shape program strategies.
• Support teams to design and conceptualize innovative conservation programs, initiatives, and projects that address critical conservation challenges.
• Collaborate with fundraising teams to secure funding for program implementation through grants, donations, and partnerships.
• Contribute and coordinate the development of compelling grant proposals and donor engagement strategies by providing accurate and adequate data, program structure and resource requirements.

Project Management:

• Oversee the planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of conservation projects to ensure they meet established goals and deadlines.
• Ensure effective and efficient implementation of donor funded projects, meeting high quality standards and compliance.
• Provide a framework for effective project implementation including tool development and roll out, backstopping and coordination and technical support to M&E. and help build capacity of staff around Project Management.
• Allocate resources effectively and manage project budgets to achieve desired outcomes in time and in full.
• Evaluate program effectiveness and adjust as needed based on data insights.
• Adapt strategies to changing environmental conditions and emerging challenges while ensuring timely communication about these adaptations to the organization and her stakeholders.
• Establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess program progress and outcomes.
• Lead and coordinate report writing to deliver high quality donor reports, ensure communication of program achievements, challenges, and lessons learned.
• Develop and manage program budgets, ensuring responsible financial management and resource allocation.
• Uphold ethical conservation practices and ensure programs adhere to ethical standards and regulations.

Team Leadership and collaboration:

• Recruit, mentor, and manage a team of project management professionals, ensuring collaboration, clear roles, and a positive work environment.
• Build the capacity of staff and collaborators on grant, project and financial management, and other areas as needed for effectiveness.
• Provide guidance, support, and professional development opportunities for team members.
• Collaborate with internal departments, external partners, communities, and all impacted stakeholders and foster a collaborative approach to project execution.
• Develop communication strategies to effectively convey program successes, challenges, and impact to internal and external audiences.

Qualifications and skills:

• A Bachelor's degree in project management or a closely related field is necessary.
• A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in programme design, implementation, and administration.
• Demonstrable leadership abilities with experience managing and directing interprofessional teams and service providers.
• Expertise with project management methodologies, such as planning, execution, monitoring, and evaluation as well as knowledge of project management tools.
• Experience managing large and multiple projects' budgets, resources, timelines, and reporting.
• Strong collaboration skills with internal teams, partners, communities, government agencies, non-governmental organisations, and other stakeholders.
• Capability to create precise and persuasive reports, proposals, and communication materials.
• Expertise in data analysis and interpretation to inform decision-making based on evidence and programme evaluation.
• Innovative problem-solving abilities to address programme implementation obstacles.
• Strong cultural competence and ability to interact with diverse communities and cultures while respecting local customs and values.
• Dedication to ethical conservation practices, responsible resource management, and regulatory compliance.
• A genuine interest in conservation and a profound dedication to the organization's mission and the preservation of natural resources.

How to Apply:

Interested and qualifying candidates should complete the online application and submit their CV and Application letter only to jobs@olpejetaconservancy.org with the words “The Head of Implementation” on the email subject line so as to reach us not later than 15th September, 2023.