NGO Jobs in Kenya - WWF

Exciting Career Opportunities at WWF Kenya

Are you creative, dynamic and driven by a passion for biodiversity and vision for a world where people live in harmony with nature?
WWF-Kenya believes in a future where people live in harmony with nature, so we’re committed to safeguarding the natural world.
As one of the leading conservation organisations in Kenya we work on tackling key threats to biodiversity.
We also focus on influencing the decisions – often involving governments, businesses and partners – which have a significant impact on the natural world, using our expertise and experience.
To do this, we need to create an organisation that is results-driven and adaptable, which inspires positive solutions to our Country’s environmental problems.
Position Title: Community Development Officer
Reports to: African Elephant Programme Coordinator
Supervises: None
Position Level: Professional Level 1
Location: Mara Landscape, Narok, Kenya
Position Summary: To play a lead role in better understanding local communities and supporting their increased inclusion, participation and engagement in WWF associated work in the Mara-Loita landscape as part of the wider SOKNOT (Southern Kenya – Northern Tanzania) Programme . And therefore, contributing to the delivery of the overall WWF objective of conserving key habitats, wildlife and enhancing local community well-being.
The Officer will work with a range of stakeholders across three priority landscapes (Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo Conservation Areas) to:
·         improve WWF Kenya’s understanding of the socio-cultural perspectives of communities’ in these landscapes, their rights and how these are linked to wildlife conservation and Natural Resource Management;
·         facilitate greater inclusion, involvement and effective participation of these rural communities, particularly vulnerable groups, in Natural Resource Management, through equitable and locally appropriate governance structures; and,
·         co-create jointly with communities, initiatives that will enhance coexistence between people and wildlife.
The aim of this engagement is to promote equitable and sustainable community based natural resource management, and to support adaptive management and improved design of projects.
As part of this role, the incumbent will work with the WWF-Kenya Policy, Research and Innovation programme manager and SD4C Focal Point, and the CBNRM programme coordinator (both based in Nairobi) to support mainstreaming of WWF social policies and safeguards, integration of Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) principles and advancement of equitable opportunities (including inclusive economic growth) amongst local communities in the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes.
Key duties and responsibilities
·         Lead and further develop the implementation of CBNRM principles in the Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes in close collaboration with Policy, Research and Innovation programme manager and SD4C Focal Point, the CBNRM officer and the Conservation Enterprise Development Expert (to be appointed, based in the Mara landscape)
·         Promote establishment of linkages/synergies and lessons sharing with other WWF-Kenya landscape and seascape programmes related to CBNRM and liaise closely with other programmes of WWF-Kenya in identifying CBNRM models and approaches that can be customized to Mara, Amboseli and Tsavo landscapes
·         Promote establishment of strategic linkages/synergies, formal and informal networks and external partners implementing similar programmes within the three landscapes.
·         Identify and adapt existing tools and materials on social development and CBNRM (and related issues) and where necessary, develop new tools and materials for use within the three landscapes.
·         Support community dialogue forums to help in peace building and conflict resolution around the governance and use of natural resources and related to promoting more equitable benefit sharing in conservancies in the three landscapes
·         Lead mainstreaming of WWF social policies and safeguards in all WWF implemented and supported projects within the three landscapes (including Gender and Human Right Based Approaches), in conjunction with and with the support of the Policy, Research and Innovation programme manager and SD4C Focal Point, and the CBNRM coordinator
·         In collaboration with M&E team, lead on the collection, collation and analysis of gender and socio-economic information (including a measure of “well-being”) of selected beneficiaries and updating of monitoring, evaluation and learning matrices for projects in the three landscapes.
·         Facilitate greater inclusion and participation of local communities in natural resource management decision making with a focus on wildlife conservation, including human-wildlife-conflict (HWC) mitigation measures, holistic rangeland management, and land-use planning – considering the needs and priorities of vulnerable groups within communities in the three landscapes.
·         Support communities in exploring, initiating and operationalizing the conservancy model in the three landscapes through undertaking full consultation processes and seeking community consensus and agreement – any subsequent operationalization would include development of robust community governance for decision-making and benefit-sharing
·         Assist communities in planning, prioritizing and implementing natural resource management activities in line with agreed work-plans and objectives.
·         Support communities to gain access to information, resources, other relevant stakeholders and opportunities that are likely to empower them to claim their rights and to manage natural resources more sustainably.
·         Remain abreast of topical developments and scientific studies related to community based management of wildlife, livelihood improvement schemes and HWC and use this knowledge to continuously innovate solutions related to the human-wildlife interface.
·         Employ social science research methods in the three landscapes to support better understanding of drivers impacting key habitats and populations of priority wildlife species; HWC; community perceptions towards wildlife and conservation; community needs, aspirations, priorities, concerns as well as barriers and other factors affecting programme effectiveness.
·         In collaboration with the Conservation Enterprise Development Expert, work with both community representatives and vulnerable groups to promote equitable and sustainable natural resource management, improved benefit sharing from conservation enterprises and entrench good governance and transparent financial management systems.
·         On behalf of WWF, establish good working relationships with local communities, their leaders and relevant groups within them in the three landscapes and endeavor to uphold the reputation of WWF.
·         Ensure implementation of community based activities are in line with respective donor grants, expectations and planned outcomes of the relevant programmes in the three landscapes.
·         Facilitate documentation and share experiences on lessons learned in CBNRM work in the landscapes with other WWF-Kenya programmes and externally.
·         Undertake other related duties as assigned by Wildlife Programme Manager.
·         In all activities ensure, and support others to uphold WWF’s network standards and social policies wwf.panda.org/what_we_do/how_we_work/people_and_conservation/wwf_social_policies/
Qualifications
·         A University Degree in the field of Social Sciences, Development Studies or Natural Resource Management – (A relevant Master’s Degree is an added advantage).
Experience
·         At least 7 years’ active engagement and experience of working with communities on natural resource management and social development.
Key Skills /Competencies
·         Familiarity with the dynamics and key issues related to community based natural resource management and rural development in Kenya and the region.
·         Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse setting. Understanding of and support to gender issues is a must, and experience in supporting gender equality and/or women’s empowerment in conservation/development projects an advantage.
·         Experience of dealing with power differentials and inequalities within and across communities is desirable.
·         Ability to communicate, build trust and good relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including with vulnerable groups, in a respectful, participatory manner. Experience of engaging with ‘hard to reach’ members of society is desirable.
·         Experience of participatory (action) research, other participatory approaches and co-development of conservation or development initiatives with a wide range of stakeholders – particularly with local communities – is highly desirable. Ability to work with community representatives/authorities to organize and host community meetings, with strong diplomatic skills.
·         Knowledge of or familiarity with human rights-based approaches to conservation is an advantage
·         A proper command of written and spoken English, Swahili and knowledge of Maa is desirable.
·         Strong planning and analytical skills
·         Self-driven with a pro-active approach to problem solving.
·         Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
·         Frequent field trips away from assigned location.
Working Relationships
·         Internal: Interacts frequently with theme leaders, Coordinators/ Managers, Projects Officers, Consultants, researchers, all WWF-Kenya staff and the wider WWF network and practices
·         External: Interacts frequently with communities, government departments and other agencies, conservation officials in the country, development agencies, NGOs, INGOs and donors.

Position title: Terrestrial Landscape Coordinator
Reports to: Coastal Kenya Programme Manager
Supervises: Project Officers and Assistants within the terrestrial landscape programme
Career Level: Management Level 2
Location: Kwale, Ukunda
Major function: To coordinate the implementation of the WWF –Kenya Terrestrial Programme under the WWF- Coastal Kenya Programme (CKP) in line with WWF Kenya Strategic Plan and the Coastal Kenya Programme Conservation Action Plan (CAP) to deliver high impact conservation results.
Roles and responsibilities:
Programmes Development and Implementation
·         Participates in the development of WWF Kenya conservation strategy and programmes;
·         Coordinates the implementation of the terrestrial/forest projects and activities in line with work plans/ action plans;
·         Provides technical support and advice to programme teams and field staff in project planning, monitoring and evaluation;
·         Works with relevant key stakeholders and partners, including government agencies, community based conservation organizations/groups, the private sector to promote sustainable development, utilization, management and conservation of forest and other land resources within coastal Kenya.
·         Leads in the assessments and reporting of progress, outcomes and impacts against programmes and or projects implementation and work plans/action plans including quality assurance, capacity building and conservation innovations;
·         Directly supports and contributes to WWF performance monitoring systems i.e. APMS, SPMS and Dashboard;
·         Offers effective supervision including mentoring and performance management of staff under the terrestrial programme;
·         Ensures compliance of programme development and implementation with WWF Kenya Strategic Plan, Coastal Kenya programme Action Plan (CKP-CAP), WWF network standards and government policies as appropriate;
·         Prepares and presents periodic technical reports on the progress of implementation of conservation programmes and project activities including timely donor reporting in the designated area.
Partnerships, Collaboration & linkages
·         Identifies and pursues strategic collaborations and partnerships with governments, civil society organizations, WWF stakeholders and professional bodies in advancing conservation interests and goals in line with WWF Kenya’s collaboration and partnership policy framework and strategy;
·         Develops and or advises on strategic conservation and research alliances between WWF Kenya, WWF Network and other NOs in order to advance conservation goals;
·         Promotes cross projects linkages and synergy in order to develop conservation capacity;
·         Participates in knowledge management through research for conservation, publication and dissemination of conservation achievements including representing WWF Kenya in national, regional and international conservation platforms;
·         Participates in the domestication of relevant national and regional policy instruments at local level in the in the forest sector.
·         Facilitates cross-border initiatives where relevant, in consultation with the CKP Programme Manager;
Management of Resources and Budgets
·         Support development of bankable conservation proposals as part of the wider resource mobilization strategy;
·         In consultation with the CKP Manager, finance team, develops cost-effective budgets and tracks conservation programmes budget implementation to ensure compliance to donor and internal financial regulations;
·         Ensures prudent management and safety of conservation assets and resources in designated areas;
Leadership and People Management
·         Supervises all field staff under the terrestrial landscape programme;
·         Coordinates setting of programme work plans and staff performance targets and undertakes periodic performance appraisal for programme staff in the programme;
·         Liaises with Human Resource function in carrying out staff training needs assessments and recommends training programs to address performance gaps;
·         Maintains staff discipline and ensures effective handling of staff grievances in consultation with the CKP Manager, HR function and disciplinary committee;
Perform any other duties as may be assigned.
Key Skills / Competencies
·         Project administration and management;
·         Knowledgeable in contemporary issues in forestry and natural resource management sector;
·         Excellent skills in stakeholder engagement including local communities and partnership building;
·         Leadership and people management skills;
·         Problem solving and conflict management skills;
·         Technical report writing;
·         Proposal development , fund raising and resource mobilization ability;
·         Organizational and communication skills
·         Negotiation and contract management skills
·         Good interpersonal skills with the ability to network and to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels.
·         Financial management skills.
·         Demonstrated ability to conceptualize, plan and implement strategic initiatives within the context of conservation, natural resource management, international development, and/or other related fields.
·         Good understanding and working with different partners including national and county governments.
·         Must have a good command of computer skills. Knowledge on GIS software will be an added advantage.
Required Qualifications:
·         A Master degree in Forestry, wildlife management, natural resource management, environmental science, biology of conservation or related field of studies.
·         Other additional professional trainings in related fields will be an added advantage.
Experience:
·         At least eight years of field experience in natural resources management issues with specific background and experience in biodiversity and conservation efforts in Kenya;
·         Must have a good understanding of coastal forests of Kenya conservation initiatives, resource assessment at national & local level, addressing socioeconomic factors, resource threats impacting the landscape & key forest resources, developing and implementing conservation plans;
·         A proven ability to work effectively with local Civil Society Organizations and facilitating links between government and communities;
Working Relationships
·         Internal: Interacts with the Chief Executive Officer, Director Conservation Programmes, Programme Managers and All WWF Kenya staff.
·         External: Interacts with WWF-ROA Staff, WWF Network, Government Ministries and departments, Civil Society Organizations, the private sector, Service Providers, Regulatory Bodies and Other Conservation Agencies.

Position Title: Business Development and Enterprise Expert
Reports to: Wildlife Programme Manager – WWF-Kenya
Supervises: None
Position Level: Professional Level 1
Location: Mara Landscape, Narok, Kenya
Background and position summary
Although a relatively new approach in Kenya, Community Conservancies offer the potential to safeguard critical wildlife habitats and corridors in areas surrounding national parks, whilst positively supporting local livelihoods through wildlife tourism, improved rangeland management and promoting business and enterprise development.
Since 2015 WWF has supported the development of Oloisukut and Siana Community Conservancies – located in the buffer area surrounding the Maasai Mara National Reserve (MMNR). WWF’s support has been critical for these initial stages to develop the conservancies’ infrastructure and governance; support community members to obtain title deeds for their lands, establish wildlife monitoring and law enforcement, support rangeland management, mitigate human-wildlife conflict and develop alternative sources of community income.
Although Siana and Oloisukut Conservancies are now fully operational, they are not yet financially self-sustaining. Further support is required to maintain what has already been achieved and to secure financial diversification to support the sustainability of operations, and to provide opportunities and benefits for the communities and their members living in and around conservancies.
The primary responsibility of this position will be to lead on the development and implementation of businesses and enterprises for Siana and Oloisukut Conservancies, as well as for their members. The post will also capture and share approaches taken, challenges and lessons learnt to help inform other similar initiatives elsewhere in Kenya including in the SOKNOT landscape.
The role will work with a range of stakeholders across the landscape, including close collaboration with the Conservancies, local communities, other partners, potential investors, financial institutions, experts and agencies supporting the business planning and the diversification of livelihoods, to the scope and develop enterprise opportunities that benefit people, wildlife and habitats.
Initial ideas of enterprises include livestock, eco-tourism, agriculture, carbon payment schemes, Payment for Environmental Services and benefit-sharing schemes, but the expert is expected to go beyond these themes and explore other enterprise options that may work in the landscape.
At a national level, WWF-Kenya will continue to engage constructively with the government to take forward the recommendations of the Task Force established to consider the sustainable utilisation of wildlife – incorporating any learning from the work in and around Siana and Oloisukut conservancies.
Key duties and responsibilities
·         Development of a comprehensive business and enterprise strategy for Siana and Oloisukut conservancies, including detailed plans to ensure financial sustainability of these areas.
·         Lead on the development, piloting and implementation of new enterprises aimed at diversifying income towards the financial sustainability of the conservancies, greater livelihood security for communities and individual households.
·         Lead on the identification of bankable nature-compatible projects and link conservancies to potential investors.
·         Work with external consultants to incorporate advice on specialist areas (including the development of contracts, support communities to negotiate better business deals with tourism and other investors etc.).
·         Lead on market analyses, including the development of links to market for key products and associated marketing strategies.
·         Identify key opportunities to assist community members (particularly women and youth) to start and scale up their business.
·         Support communities to gain access to information, resources, other relevant stakeholders and opportunities that are likely to empower them to develop businesses to improve their livelihoods.
·         Lead on the monitoring and evaluation of data and reporting for the project, to track performance and adapt as required.
·         On behalf of WWF, establish good working relationships with local communities and their leaders, and endeavour to uphold the reputation of WWF.
·         Liaise closely with other Programmes of WWF-Kenya and the WWF Network including the Nature Pays Hub, to share knowledge and identify opportunities to support the conservancies’ business development.
·         Document and share learnings to support the wider development of community conservancies in Kenya.
·         Report to key stakeholders including donors – including the preparation of progress reports. Ensure implementation of activities is in line with respective donor grants, expectations and planned outcomes.
·         In collaboration with WWF Communications Unit, contribute to periodic publications and features on community engagement.
Qualifications
·         An undergraduate university degree in the field of business/enterprise (other undergraduate degrees will be considered where the candidate can demonstrate relevant experience).
·         A relevant master’s degree is an added advantage.
Experience
·         A minimum of 8 years’ active engagement and experience in developing business and enterprise solutions.
Key Skills /Competencies
·         Experienced in business development, project management and financial planning
·         Experience in developing business and enterprise strategies
·         Ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse setting
·         Ability to build good relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders in a respectful, participatory manner. Experience of engaging with ‘hard to reach’ members of society is desirable.
·         Ability to communicate effectively (written and verbal) with a wide range of collaborators/audiences, including proven ability to write a project and donor reports.
·         Commitment to WWF and its mission.
Working Relationships
·         Internal: Interacts frequently with theme leaders, Coordinators/ Managers, Projects Officers, Consultants, researchers, and all WWF-Kenya staffExternal: Interacts frequently with a range of WWF partner office staff, government departments and other agencies, conservation officials in the country, development agencies, NGOs, INGOs, investors, financial institutions, impact investment funds and donors.
How to Apply?
For more details please apply with your CV and cover letter as one file with the Job Title of Position Applied for on the subject line to the HR &Administration Manager, WWF-Kenya: hresource@wwfkenya.org to be received no later than 25th October 2019.
We will not accept applications without a CV and cover letter.
Work permit restrictions may apply
Kindly note that only short listed candidates will be contacted.
WWF Kenya ¡s an equal opportunity employer and ¡s committed to having a diverse workforce.