Programme Manager, Pride of Amboseli at Born Free Foundation

Key responsibilities

• Liaise with project management team on a day-to-day basis to ensure strict adherence to schedules and effective delivery of all planned project activities.
• Develop and lead the monitoring and evaluation process for the projects (including baseline development), ensuring timely adaptation as required to meet project aims, objectives and timelines, and support the dissemination of lessons learnt when required. With support from the GIS Officer and the UK team, feed into the organisational Impact reporting
• Ensure monthly project management meetings take place on schedule including strong project reporting and risk management.
• Prepare and submit monthly updates, bi-annual and annual reports, technical papers or any other reports as required by HoKC.
• Use the outcomes from monitoring and evaluation to ensure the projects risks and opportunities are identified, quantified, and that the mitigation plans are in place and actioned at the landscape level.
• With the guidance of the HoKC, develop and implement PoA annual work plans and budgets ensure they align with the project anticipated outcomes.
• Be responsible for day-to-day management of project budgets and finances and ensure all expenditures comply with internal procedures and regulations.
• In consultation with the HoKC improve existing projects and identify new projects that are in line with the Born Free mission and vision by proactively seeking new ideas that capitalizes on opportunities.
• Supervise the PoA team and take lead in implementing and tracking progress of the project activities.
• Assist in the preparation of projects proposals for fundraising and negotiation with potential donors and partners.
• Identify, cultivate, develop and maintain partnerships and collaborations with stakeholders at the landscape level.
• In collaboration with the HoKC, represent Born Free and its initiatives at landscape meetings and other forums related to wildlife conservation, ensuring that Born Free's position and objectives are effectively promoted and receive maximum visibility.
• Work closely with Communication Manager to collate, compile, edit input for appropriate use for publications, press releases, factsheets, blogs, reports and other documentation regarding AmboseliWest Kilimanjaro ecosystem.
• Ensure that Born Free’s values, goals and objectives are clearly communicated, understood, and executed by the PoA team.
• Manage and monitor performance, carry out the appraisal process of direct reports including Project Officers and Monitoring Officer as well as identify the training needs and opportunities for consideration by HoKC.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications for the Role

• Preferably a BSc. degree in Natural resource management, Wildlife/Biodiversity Management, Conservation Biology or Range Management. A Master’s in natural resource management will be an added advantage.
• Excellent verbal and written communication, with fluency in English and Kiswahili.
• At least 7 years’ experience in wildlife/natural resources management with extensive experience managing field conservation projects while working with local communities preferably with a conservation or animal welfare organisation.
• Excellent project planning and management skills.
• Proven leadership and team management skills.
• Strong critical thinking skills, underpinned by a sense of urgency to move Born Free’s PoA agenda forward with care, due diligence but at pace.
• Skilled in negotiation, liaison, and in relationship and conflict management.
• Strong skills in project planning, proposal writing and budgeting with working knowledge of financial management, especially of programs and projects.
• Proficiency in analytical packages, and ability to work and interrogate databases and spreadsheets.
• Ability to work independently, as a leader, and as part of a team.
• Good interpersonal, presentation, and communication skills, and ability to write timely technical reports.
• Ability to prioritise work, manage time effectively and meet deadlines and exceed agreed targets.
• Capability to network and to develop and maintain strong relationships at all levels, both internally
• and externally including with local communities, government agencies, the not-for-profit sector,
• the scientific community, and other BFF networks.
• Adaptable, flexible, able to take initiative and prioritise among competing demands.
• Adherence to all BFF’s values on compassionate conservation.
• High levels of integrity, accuracy, and energy are a prerequisite.