Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator

AI summary

Born Free Foundation seeks a Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator based in Meru Landscape, Meru County, Kenya. The role involves field-based wildlife monitoring, data collection, and protection of priority species like elephants and lions. Requires 5 years experience, Bachelor's degree, and English proficiency.

• Full-time, senior-level role based in Meru Landscape, Kenya
• Focus on wildlife monitoring, anti-poaching, and data collection
• Reports to Meru Landscape Manager and supervises 2 officers + 4 Twiga Team members

Description

Find a Job + + + + Search Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator BrighterMonday Consulting 2 months ago Easy apply Rest of Kenya Full Time NGO, NPO & Charity Confidential Share link Share on WhatsApp Share on LinkedIn Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share via SMS Job summary Born Free Foundation is seeking a dedicated Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator to be based in Meru Landscape. Min Qualification: Bachelors Experience Level: Senior level Experience Length: 5 years Language Requirement: English Working Hours: Full Time - 8 to 5 Applicant Location: Kenya Job descriptions & requirements Reports to: Meru Landscape Manager Location: Meru Landscape, Meru County, Kenya Hours: Full Time Department: Programmes Direct reports: 2 Project Officers, 4 Twiga Team About Born Free, Kenya Inspired by Elsa the lioness, whose journey to freedom in Kenya was depicted in the 1966 film Born Free, the charity works globally, and in Kenya, to protect wildlife and their ecosystems. Established in 2003, Born Free Kenya champions human-wildlife coexistence through hands-on conservation efforts, education, and community initiatives. In Amboseli and Meru National Parks, we monitor lions, giraffes, and elephants, and we employ strategies to promote the co-existence of people and wildlife in the surrounding community lands. We also support sustainable livelihoods, provide conservation education, and collaborate with partners to protect people, wildlife, and their habitats. Summary of the Role Born Free Foundation is seeking a dedicated Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator to be based in Meru Landscape. The Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator will be responsible for field-based wildlife monitoring and implementation of targeted interventions to safeguard priority species (such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and other flagship species) within the designated landscape. The role will be responsible for ensuring the systematic collection, management, and integrity of socioecological data to support evidence-based conservation decision-making and impact evaluation. Additionally, the Coordinator will work closely with the Landscape Manager to deliver high-quality, measurable conservation outcomes, while collaborating with both the Kenya and UK teams to advance the implementation of the BFF Strategic Plan and contribute to Born Free’s broader global wildlife and habitat conservation goals. Key Responsibilities and Functions 1. Species Monitoring & Data Collection • Conduct and coordinate regular wildlife surveys, transects, patrols, and camera trap deployments to monitor targeted species, using monitoring tools such as SMART, GPS units, GIS systems, and field datasheets, as per the approved annual workplans. • Collect, compile, and validate ecological and biological data following organisational protocols. • Maintain updated and accurate species databases and ensure proper filing of raw and processed data, leveraging AI and other technologies, where appropriate. • Assist in the design and implementation of monitoring plans, protocols, and research activities. 2. Species Protection & Anti-Poaching Support • Coordinate with the Twiga Team and relevant authorities in species protection efforts. • Participate in joint patrols, and wildlife security initiatives when required. • Document wildlife threats (poaching, snaring, illegal grazing, habitat loss) and report findings promptly to the Meru Landscape Manager. • Support implementation of species recovery actions and mitigation of human–wildlife conflict. • Promote safe, ethical, and humane wildlife handling practices where necessary. 3. Community engagement & Awareness • Support the Community & Wildlife Coexistence (CWC) Coordinator to deliver conservation awareness activities within communities, schools, and local groups as needed. • Work with communities, with support from the Community & Wildlife Coexistence coordinator, to strengthen participatory monitoring activities. • Provide technical advice to citizen science team including tour guides and help build local capacity in species monitoring. • Assist in grievance handling and the reporting of wildlife incidents to the Meru Landscape Manager 4. Data collection, Reporting & Documentation • Use approved tools (Survey123, SMART, mobile data apps, GIS) to record field information. • Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly field activity reports for Meru Landscape Manager and Data team, and contribute to compilation of progress updates, data, findings, and challenges for internal 6 monthly/annual departmental reporting. • Document field findings, species sightings, incidents, and ecological trends. • Contribute to donor reports, technical briefs, maps, and species status updates. • Ensure data integrity and verification before submission, through coordinated cross-functional review with relevant colleagues. 5. Operational & Logistical Support • Manage and ensure the maintenance of monitoring equi