Saving Meru’s Giants, Project Officer at Born Free Foundation

Key responsibilities

• To support the SMG Project Manager in the successful delivery of the approved project workplan.
• To contribute to all matters relevant to project management, report and protocol writing and communication
• With the guidance of the SMG Project Manager, conduct monitoring activities of the elephant and giraffe populations, using a variety of different data collection techniques (road and transect wildlife and habitat surveys, camera trapping, etc.) to gather data on abundance, density and distribution, ranging and feeding behaviour, habitat use, individual identification for demography, human-elephant/giraffe conflict, and health monitoring.
• Support the SMG Manager, and the wider Meru Conservation and Community Engagement teams to implement social surveys, focus group discussions, community meetings (to inform on socio-economics; socio-ecology; conflict; understanding, attitudes and perceptions regarding wildlife and conservation) and monitor illegal activity.
• Oversee the Conservation Ambassadors in fostering community capacity and promoting harmonious coexistence with wildlife.
• To supervise the ‘Twiga Scout Team’ in their desnaring operations which is aimed at increasing the prevention of illegal activity.
• In collaboration with the community, plan and implement compassionate nature-based humanelephant/giraffe conflict mitigation initiatives in communities around the ECA, such as beehive
• fences.
• Assist the SMG Project Manager on the implementation of activities to reduce the reliance of local communities on natural resources and support the development of community livelihoods.
• Assist the SMG project Manager in the collection of data on elephant/giraffe population, humanelephant/giraffe conflict and other threats using the approved tools e.g., Survey123 for inclusion in the central database, monthly trackers, etc.
• Contribute to data analysis, project reports and publication in relevant media, in collaboration with
• the Kenya and UK Born Free team and relevant collaborators.
• And any other duty as directed, including support for SMG’s sister programme in Meru, Pride of Meru.

Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications for the Role

• Degree in a Natural Resource Management, or Wildlife Management or a related field.
• At least five years of field experience, preferably with elephants, giraffes or other large herbivores in Kenya.
• Strong knowledge of wildlife monitoring techniques and technologies.
• An interest in elephants and/or giraffes and other large herbivores is preferred.
• Experience of working in challenging environmental conditions when working in the field.
• Experience in collecting, handling and analysing ecological and social science data is preferred.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Basic experience with GIS and other mapping tools.
• Attention to detail and excellent organisational skills.
• Familiarity with online communication tools such as Teams and Outlook.
• Ability to work unsupervised and under pressure to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work well with local and international teams.
• In-depth understanding of people’s culture and conservation issues in Kenya.
• Fluent in English and Kiswahili.
• A valid driving license class BCE with experience in driving manual 4-wheel vehicles in tough terrains.
• This is a role with a competitive sal