Career Opportunity /  9 March 2023

Monitoring & Technology Technical Specialist

ZSL is seeking to recruit a Monitoring & Technology Technical Specialist for ZSL’s Kenya country programme to provide training and technical support to our partners working to conserve biodiversity in Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs), as well as other ZSL sites. The role will support partners to improve conservation efforts in PCAs through the design and implementation of effective and efficient monitoring projects, drawing on common methods and tools for monitoring biodiversity, threat, and management effectiveness, including but not limited to ranger-based monitoring via the SMART platform.

Deadline: 9 March 2023 - the deadline has passed.
Kenya

  • Country: KE
  • City: Kenya
  • Category: Conservation
  • Department (and Section): Conservation and Policy - Regional - Africa - Kenya
  • Closing Date: 09/03/2023
  • Level: Specialist / Technician
  • Position Type: Full-Time / Fixed Term Contract
  • Advertised Salary: KES 2,700,000 – 3,000,000 per annum
  • Learn more and apply
Overview

We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.

ZSL has been working in Kenya since 1989, with a country office registered in 2016. ZSL’s programme in Kenya provides technical, logistical, and capacity building support to KWS and other local partner NGOs, with a geographical focus on the Tsavo Conservation Area. ZSL’s Monitoring & Technology Programme is an interdisciplinary team of scientists, technologists, and field experts, who contribute to ZSL’s mission by advancing monitoring for conservation, through training, innovation, and research.

Role Profile

We are seeking to recruit a Monitoring & Technology Technical Specialist for ZSL’s Kenya country programme to provide training and technical support to our partners working to conserve biodiversity in Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs), as well as other ZSL sites. The role will support partners to improve conservation efforts in PCAs through the design and implementation of effective and efficient monitoring projects, drawing on common methods and tools for monitoring biodiversity, threat, and management effectiveness, including but not limited to ranger-based monitoring via the SMART platform.

The postholder’s time will be split between support for partners in PCAs in Kenya, centred around ZSL’s Kenya Country Programme, and support for internal and external partners internationally via ZSL’s Monitoring & Technology Programme. The role will also support integration and coordination of PCA monitoring activities across ZSL field teams globally and contribute to sharing and use of best practice.

This is an excellent opportunity for an individual with strong technical skills and experience in monitoring for conservation to make a difference in sites around the world. You will need to be well organized and highly analytical, with a keen interest in training others, and a background working with or for NGOs.

NB: This is a 1 year full-time/fixed-term contract and the postholder will be required to travel within Kenya on a regular basis, including to field sites, such as the Tsavo Conservation Area, and Nairobi. There may be opportunities to travel to partner sites in countries around the world, ZSL’s UK base, and conferences and workshops as required.

Main Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead provision of training, technical support, and advice on monitoring in PCAs to partners in ZSL and non-ZSL supported sites
  • Lead delivery and management of PCA monitoring projects in collaboration with internal and external partners
  • Specific responsibility for oversight of PCA monitoring projects under ZSL’s Kenya country programme, and for provision of relevant support for ZSL Kenya projects
  • Support development of PCA and other projects, in line with Kenya Country Programme and Monitoring & Technology Programme strategic priorities.
  • Work with the Fundraising department, and other colleagues as appropriate, to seek new funding opportunities and develop fundraising proposals.
  • Support engagement with key PCA partnerships, including but not limited to the SMART Partnership, and represent ZSL as an expert member of relevant working groups.
  • Contribute towards the publication of technical publications and guidance.

For a full Job Description please click here.

Person Specification

The successful candidate will have:

  • A university degree in a relevant field, e.g. biology, ecology, conservation science.
  • Excellent conservation monitoring skills, with significant experience using and knowledge of a range of methods, tools, and technologies relevant to management of Protected and Conserved Areas (PCAs). Experience with SMART is essential.
  • Strong capacity development skills, with significant experience organising and delivering technical training courses, materials, and support.
  • Strong analytical skills with the ability to collect, organise, analyse, and disseminate significant amounts of information with attention to detail and accuracy.
  • Ability to organise a substantial workload comprised of diverse tasks and responsibilities.
  • Ability to motivate a diverse team based in different locations.
To Apply

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button on the ZSL website.

 Closing date for applications: Midnight EAT (GMT +3), Wednesday 8th March 2023.

 The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.