Jobs at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC)

Position Overview

• The Manager Research & Ecological Monitoring Unit is responsible for ensuring efficient running of the R-EMU as well as effective management of Ol Pejeta’s rangeland by generating information highlighting any emerging trends and/or patterns of concern for management. Key outcomes for this position will revolve around monitoring and understanding the ecological health of Ol Pejeta Landscape, providing data and insights to inform management decisions and interventions. The Job entails maintaining relevant networks and communicating and collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders in support conservation efforts within Ol Pejeta and beyond.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensuring efficient running of R-EMU (Planning, scheduling, coordination and supervision of daily activities) and staff administration as well as supporting development and management of the unit’s budget.
• Support development of strategic plans on species and habitat conservation in line with the national strategies.
• Develop monitoring programmes to inventorize and characterize biodiversity for effective monitoring and management including the collection and reporting of ecological/environmental data (rainfall and temperature data etc.).
• Ensure appropriate data collection methodologies are employed, on wildlife sightings, interactions and ranging behavior.
• Effective range land monitoring including pastures and woodlands using appropriate field and technology such as satellite imagery.
• Ensure development and implementation of digitized data collection using appropriate technologies such as SMART, Survey 123, EarthRanger etc.
• Ensure all ecological data is well managed and in a central repository using database management systems such as ArcGIS online, Smart Connect, EarthRanger etc.
• Timely data analysis using relevant statistical tools and software (R-programming, PAST, DISTANCE) and reporting on status, trends, viability of fauna and flora highlighting any trend or patterns that may require further investigation or management intervention.
• Maintain and regularly review a list of management oriented third-party research areas/topics, facilitate and coordinate researchers.
• Maintaining geodatabases on ecological monitoring data and other key resources: mapping and geospatial analysis using tools such as ArcgGIS, QGis, Google Earth etc.
• Support the conceptualization and development of research/grant proposals and implementation.

Qualifications and skills:

• Minimum BSc. degree in Range Management, Natural Resources or related science discipline
• At least 5 years in the field of ecological monitoring and wildlife management operations in Kenyan rangelands and data analysis skills. Master degree is desirable.
• Proficiency in use of ArcGIS, QGis or other mapping software
• Experience in use of mobile data collection apps such as Survey 123
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational, critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to thrive in a high paced, fast turnaround business
• Be positive, motivated, ambitious, proactive, with a “can-do” attitude.
• Adaptable – ability to respond quickly to a shifting reality and adjust initiatives and priorities accordingly
• Great interpersonal, communication and collaboration skills

Please submit resume and application letter only to jobs@olpejetaconservancy.org with the words “The Manager Research & Ecological Monitoring Unit” on the email subject line so as to reach us not later than Wednesday, 15th November 2023.

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Responsibilities include:

• Lead the development, execution and monitoring of the programme funding strategy;
• Using an innovative and proactive approach to business development, maintain a steady pipeline of funding opportunities and develop strategic partnerships that ensure stable income growth and excellence in grant management;
• Lead the development of Institutional; Trusts and Foundations and Corporate funding portfolios;
• Lead capacity building and foster cross-functional collaboration across the organization, in order to access and increase partnership income;
• Providing oversight of: programme led funding approaches; multi-stakeholder programme and funding opportunities; and developing tools for proposal development through to inception workshops;
• Support Ol Pejeta’s Programme Design and Project Management function to develop and embed systems, policies, processes, to ensure that the organization works to the highest standards in grant management;
• Provide thought leadership on aid modalities such as donor advised funds, tenders, working in consortia;
• As a senior manager, actively contribute to team and department objectives through decision making and action on planning, budgeting, monitoring and reporting.

Education and qualifications

• Bachelors or equivalent in a relevant field preferably Fundraising / International Development;
• Masters degree is advantageous;
• Excellent verbal and written communication with fluency in English,

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience

• Relevant experience working in an international NGO or philanthropy environment with diverse workforce;
• Experience in restricted funding streams across international markets;
• Strategic planning and management skills;
• Good connections, networks and linkages with donor agencies;
• Experience managing partnership funding and fundraising and grant management experts;
• Substantial experience cultivating donor and stakeholder relationships;
• Highly analytical skills with experience assessing fundraising performance across a broad range of fundraising methods;
• Experience in fundraising in international markets;
• Imaginative, entrepreneurial approach to driving change and achieving results;
• Exceptional interpersonal, influencing and negotiation skills;
• Strong proposal writing and budget development skills;
• Ability to manage and facilitate complex projects and processes;
• Experience working on the African continent with a deep knowledge of key conservation and community development issues.
• Self-motivated and tenacious;
• Ability to inspire, motivate and lead others positively, including from a distance;
• Ability to work in a multicultural environment and demonstrate innovative practices;
• Willingness to travel internationally as required;
• Willingness to be on call for donor enquiries out of hours;
• Tech savvy.

Desirable skills, knowledge, and experience

• Experience start-up fundraising operations and change management;
• Tendering and project management experience;
• Personal network of contacts and relationships in donor agencies;
• Demonstrable experience raising and managing at least 6 figure sums from restricted donors
• A natural ability to multi-task and problem solve, able to prioritise workload based on strategic and tactical business priorities; able to deliver results consistently on-time

Are you the right person for the job? Please address the person specification in your application as it enables us to identify the skills, knowledge and experience you have to be able to do the job effectively. Please check your application and make sure you meet all the essential criteria listed, in addition your application will be stronger if you meet at least some of the desirable criteria.

APPLICATION PROCESS

Applications, consisting of covering letter explaining why you feel you should be considered for this post, a full CV and contact details for two referees should be sent to gail.thacker@olpejetaconservancy.org   Please note, only applications that total no more than five pages in length for the CV and cover letter together will be considered.

The closing date for applications is Sunday, 19th November 2023.