Science & Conservation Director at Northern Rangelands Trust

As the Science & Conservation Director, the office holder will lead the organization's evidence-based monitoring, evaluation, adaptation and learning (including applied research). The office holder’s scientific expertise (in environmental science, ecology, biology, conservation, climate and/or social sciences) will be instrumental in fostering partnerships and developing organisational research and learning strategies, and overseeing critical areas such as GIS, grant project and program Monitoring, Evaluation & learning (MEAL), data management and analysis of wildlife, governance and social change. Through your leadership, we aim to advance our understanding of conservation and development challenges and implement effective strategies for community-led conservation.  

Key roles/responsibilities:

Develop an overarching monitoring, evaluation, adaptation and learning strategy to provide robust business intelligence to inform and guide NRT operations. This includes: 

• Rationalization of all datasets and flows across the NRT network to establish annual impact reports and analysis. 
• Provide oversight for GIS, MEAL, data management, and wildlife, governance and social monitoring functions to ensure accurate and effective data collection and analysis. 
• Oversee implementation of EarthRanger software and roll out of the digital data collection for Wildlife Comms, Veg Comms, Governance Comms, Social Comms and Marine Comms across all regions 
• Develop an overarching applied research strategy for the organization, identifying key research areas and partners aligned with our mission and goals. This includes overseeing the schedule and quality assuring all baseline midline and final evaluations. 
• Support efforts to publish research outcomes and findings in reputable scientific journals and present at conferences to contribute to the broader scientific community and drive evidence-based community led conservation efforts. 
• Establish and nurture strategic partnerships and consortiums with research institutes, governmental agencies, NGOs, and other stakeholders to collaborate with and share data in the landscape. This includes maintaining a strong relationship with Lewa Wildlife Conservancy and strengthen joint research, monitoring and other scientific efforts. 
• Mentor and guide junior scientists and MEAL officers within the organization, and design training programs for staff and community conservancies to enhance their MEAL and scientific skills and knowledge. 
• Oversee implementation and execution of species management plans, the endangered species programme, and robust monitoring and evaluation protocols. 
• Develop annual budgets for the department and provide any support required in the development of fundraising proposals and grant reports. 
• Provide daily management, coaching and mentorship, and career development and training opportunities to all direct reporting staff. 

Qualifications and Experience:

• Ph.D. in a relevant field such as Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, Conservation and/or relevant social science.
• Demonstrated 10 years’ experience in managing research initiatives with strong analytical skills and proficiency in data analysis/statistical tools.
• Experience working in multicultural and interdisciplinary teams to address complex conservation and development challenges.

Reporting Lines:

• GIS Officer, Monitoring and Evaluation & Learning, Manager, Wildlife Monitoring Manager