Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa, and home to three of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a Sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, and still manages a very successful livestock programme. Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians

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