Field Conservation Coordinator Job at The Nature Conservancy in Kenya January 2014

Field Conservation Coordinator Job at The Nature Conservancy in Kenya January 2014

The Nature Conservancy

Field Conservation Coordinator

Basic Qualifications:

BA/ BSc in Soil and Water Conservation, Land Management or Agricultural Extension, with at least 1 year, relevant experience.

Proven experience in working with rural communities in sustainable conservation work, participatory planning, monitoring and evaluation.

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

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

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

Complexity/Problem Solving:

Coordinates multiple projects with several variables, setting realistic deadlines and managing timeframes
Interprets guidelines, evaluates information, and modifies processes to adapt to changing circumstances
Compiles data, resolves disparities and modifies processes to generate plans
Resolves routine issues independently, consulting with supervisor to develop plans for resolution of complex and unusual problems
Cultivates and develops creative ideas to improve conservation strategies
Applies diversified knowledge of scientific principles and practices to a variety of assignments

Discretion/Latitude/Decision-Making:

Makes independent decisions based on analysis, experience and judgment (legal, financial, conservation, reputation).
Able to make necessary consultations and deliver the best decisions for conservation as well as livelihood goals. Performs tasks with minimal supervision.

Responsibility / Oversight – Financial and Supervisory:

May lead or monitor work groups consisting of staff, partner staff, and volunteers covering a wide geographic area
Financial responsibility may include working within/managing a budget to complete projects, negotiating and contracting with vendors, assisting with budget development and supporting fundraising work.
She/he will be part of the TNC team in Kenya and will work under the supervision of the Water Fund Manager.

Communications/Interpersonal Contacts:

Networks with diverse groups, including land owners, conservation partners, government officials, donors, board members and the general public to recruit support for the Conservancy and publicize Conservancy efforts
Provide a variety of information to staff and others, contributing to conservation projects and assisting workflow throughout the organization.
Work and communicate effectively with a diverse group of people, including scientists, partner staff and others, providing and obtaining needed information
Interacts with project visitors, conveys basic watershed information and leads field trips

Working Conditions / Physical Effort:

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

How to Apply: Submit a resume/CV and cover letter to Africa@tnc.org subject line: Field Conservation Coordinator- Upper Tana.

Applications must be submitted by Friday, January 10th, 2014 to be considered.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer