Community Development Officer Jobs at WWF Kenya in the Mara Landscape, Narok
Community Development Officer Jobs at WWF Kenya in the Mara Landscape, Narok
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.
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 range land 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 ope rationalizing the conservancy model in the three landscapes through undertaking full consultation processes and seeking community consensus and agreement – any subsequent ope-rationalization 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 sustainable.
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.
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 is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to having a diverse workforce.
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