Head of Science & Data Management at Northern Rangelands Trust

Key roles/Responsibilities:

• Develop the annual research plan incl. landscape land use & zonation plans for ecosystems within NRT landscapes.
•  Oversee and coordinate the collection, analysis, and distribution of all scientific data (remote sensing, spatial data collection) across the 43 NRT member conservancies in both terrestrial and marine conservancies.
•  Review and improve quality of data collected, with a specific focus on the relevance of the data and the use of technology for further analysis
•  Guide in the development of Data Collection Tools and integration of the tools into Data Storage Platforms.
•  Develop data collection and sharing agreements with other research and government institutions.
•  Manage NRT Science Department incl. budget, staff and other assets.
•  Lead capacity building to NRT and conservancies staff in relation to spatial data collection access, quality, and analysis protocols.
• Develop and update protocols and guidelines for data sharing and coordinate data sharing with all relevant parties.
• Work closely with the NRT communications team to ensure seamless flow of information from the conservancies through to NRT and on to NRT’s donors.
• Work closely with the Earthranger team based at the NRT Joint Operations and Communications Center (JOCC) to ensure the processes of data entry and analysis are smooth and relevant.
• Work closely with NRT’s science-based partners; specifically KWS, WRTI and TNC, and build new partnerships where relevant.
• Cover the abundance, distribution, and trends of all key wildlife species within the conservancy, together with the patrol effort of conservancy rangers while collecting the data.
• Work with other relevant team to undertake an in-depth review of results from Wildlife-CoMMS, to determine what is working and not working, and strategies to improve Wildlife-CoMMS on a conservancy-by-conservancy basis.
• Cover details of selected fish species, coral distribution, sea grasses, and local catch.
• Collect data on perceptions and feedback from the Conservancy members on a broad aspect of Conservancy related work.
• Collect data on the status of vegetation and soil cover within community conservancies.
• Review the synergies between CoMMS and SMART and outline steps needed to allow integration of CoMMS to SMART.
• Provide technical input on species specific programmes including oversight and coordination of Hirola research & monitoring and Aerial surveys in Ishaqbini, Sera and other conservancies when required.
• Prepare NRT briefs/ reports capturing NRT’s approach, evolution of programmes, lessons learnt, evidence of success etc.

Knowledge, experience, and qualifications required

Academic & Professional Qualifications:

• A minimum of a master’s degree in Natural Science subject. A Ph.D. will be a significant advantage in the appointment of this position.

Experience required:

• At least 10 years’ experience in a similar position; conservation focussed data collection and analysis of field-based data to guide management decisions.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, with demonstrated experience of developing high quality scientific content for both Kenyan and international audiences.
• A strong technical background in areas related to communications-conservation, government, donors, NGOs and social media.
• Strong data analysis skills in the experience/qualifications including working knowledge of GIS programs and statistics.

Technical & Behavioral competences:

• Willingness to live relatively remotely and to be able to travel for extended periods within Kenya, including camping (where relevant) within NRT member conservancies.
•  A personal style that inspires trust, team work, professionalism and cooperation.
•  Strong organizational and presentation skills.
•  Cultivate innovation.
•  Drive results.
•  Technology savvy.