OFFICE LOCATION
Nairobi, Kenya
ABOUT US
The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 30 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus to learn more. TNC
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
The Field Conservation Coordinator is responsible for organizing, facilitating and coordinating conservation activities for the Upper Tana- Nairobi Water Fund. This will include a number of watersheds located in Upper Tana basin-draining the Eastern side of the Aberdare National Park and also the Southern side of the Mt Kenya World Heritage Site. The job will primarily involve working in partnership with locally based NGOs, Water Resource Users Associations, Community Forest Associations, youth and women CBOs as well as learning institutions. He/she will also engage in community mobilization, targets-setting, work plans development, reporting and their execution.
She / He will work closely with a dedicated technical team from The Nature Conservancy (TNC) and collaborate with local government agencies, NGOs, land and water managers and communities to implement varied conservation actions that will enhance Sustainable Land Management resulting in reduced erosion, improved water quality and optimized use of rain as well as river water.
The Field Conservation Coordinator will represent TNC in developing and maintaining relations with land owners as well as providing necessary technical skills and capacity to enable them to meet their conservation goals and targets. She/ He will be responsible for ensuring optimized use of scarce resources to stimulate conservation work, oversee implementation of a stringent procurement process and enhanced information sharing at the local level.
The Field Conservation Coordinator will offer oversight and technical guidance to local actors implementing a set of conservation measures recommended by some recent scientific studies. She/he will also be responsible for piloting some Payment for Ecosystem Services scheme in the area and ensuring livelihood goals for local communities are safeguarded.
- Other functions include:
- Mobilization of land owners and facilitating participatory planning process for conservation work
- Identifying local learning institutions to involve in Soil and Water conservation work and initiate youth programs
- Manage relationships with local government offices and NGOs as well as CBOs
- Contribute to the development and management of a monitoring and reporting plan that including performance indicators and targets,
- Help TNC and partners develop work plans and adhere to them
- Lead the coordination of learning exchanges and visits to the Watershed by technical support partners, donors and collaborators
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS
- BA/ BSc in Soil and Water Conservation, Land Management or Agricultural Extension, with at least 1 year, relevant experience.
- Experience in working with rural communities in sustainable conservation work, participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation.
- Bachelor degree in Soil and Water Conservation, Land Management, Agricultural Extension or Natural Resources Science from a reputable university.
- At least 1 year relevant experience. Preferably 3 years in some field setting.
- Proven experience in working with rural communities in sustainable conservation work, participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation is desired.
- Good communication skills- verbal and written and a good understanding of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and common MS Office applications.
- Experience in integrating youth and gender aspects in conservation work
- Knowledge/understanding for design and management of Payment for Ecosystem Services would be desirable.
- Ability to understand and interpret conservation guidelines as well as willingness to apply science to decision-making and guide activities
- Managing time and diverse activities under deadlines while delivering quality results
- Ability and willingness to travel and spend time in the field within Kenya or beyond as needed (60% of field travel time envisaged).
- Fluency in English and Kiswahili desired.
- Valid vehicle driving license
May work in variable weather conditions, at remote locations, on difficult and hazardous terrain and under physically demanding circumstances. These conditions:
- require considerable physical exertion and/or muscular strain
- present frequent possibility of injury
- require long hours in isolated settings
BENEFITS
The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, a 401k plan, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond. TNC
TO APPLY
To apply to position number 41479, submit a resume/CV and cover letter to
Africa@tnc.org
subject line: Field Conservation Coordinator- Upper Tana prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on January 13, 2014.
EOE STATEMENT
The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Women, minorities, veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.
_The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process_
