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. more