Project Officer – Kenya Lion Programme at World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Kenya

Position Summary

Under the supervision of the Biodiversity, Research and Innovation Manager, the post holder will ensure the strategic development and implementation of Lion Conservation work in Kenya in line with the WWF Kenya Strategic Plan and National Recovery and Action Plan for Lion and Spotted Hyena in Kenya (2020-2030).

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinates the implementation of Lion conservation programme activities in line with projects action plans.
• Oversee WWF Kenya Lion project development, management, implementation and the technical and financial reporting against the project implementation and action plan adhering to WWF network programme management standards.
• Responsible for all the Lion conservation work in all the priority landscapes (SOKNOT, KRL and Coastal Kenya) and work in close collaboration with the respective Landscape Managers
• Leads in the assessment and reporting of progress including quality assurance, capacity building and conservation innovations.
• Working with finance & operations team, responsible for project budgeting, project procurement, implementation of annual work plans and coordination of project activities.
• Responsible for coordination and consultation of Lion project stakeholders, external groups and workshops.
• Responsible for ensuring WWF grantees expenditure is as outlined in the Lion conservation project work plans and budgets. 
• Hold overall financial responsibility for the programme, adhering to WWF network standards and supporting implementing partners achieve the same WWF standards
• Responsible for donor reporting (technical and financial), within and outside of the WWF network
• To work with WWF Kenya Communications department to ensure Science, Research and conservation results generated by the Project are communicated to the general public and to policy makers as well as WWF network.
• Facilitate cross-border Lion initiatives in consultation with relevant cross-border institutions.
• Work closely with all the initiatives relevant to Lion conservation work in Kenya such as the Big Cats Initiative and collaborate closely with WWF-Tanzania on Lion conservation work in SOKNOT.
• Undertake any other duties as may reasonably be required of you in the post.

Profile

 Experience, Qualifications and Knowledge  

The successful candidate will have significant experience, a proven conservation record and comprehensive understanding, in natural resource conservation, ideally with a focus on the Carnivores. In particular, the candidate must have:

• A Bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation, natural resource management or a related field (A Master’s degree will be an added advantage).
• A minimum of 5 years’ practical experience in wildlife conservation in Kenya with an international non-governmental organization (INGO) or relevant government agency.
• 3 years’ experience in project development, management (technical and financial), monitoring and reporting (technical and financial).
• Excellent written, strong presentation and communication skills with excellent fluency in spoken and written English.
• Strong project management, organizational, and financial management skills;
• Problem solving, conflict management, negotiation and contract management skills
• Proven ability to work effectively with teams and senior managers;
• Excellent inter-personal skills, with the ability to network and to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels, both internally and with local communities, government agencies, the not-for-profit sector and the scientific community.

Working Relationships

Internal:   Interacts frequently with thematic leaders, Coordinators, Landscape Managers, Projects Officers, consultants, researchers, all WWF-Kenya staff and other WWF Network staff.
External:   Interacts   with   delivery   partners   and   other   stakeholders, which   may   include county and national governments, non-governmental   organisations, academic   institutions, donors, and specialists/consultants.
This job description sets out key responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be an exhaustive list of tasks and duties. The tasks and responsibilities may reasonably vary from time to time depending on the needs of the organization.