Senior Program Manager - Kijabe Forest Trust

BACKGROUND:

Kijabe Forest Trust (KFT) is a registered community-based conservation and restoration trust, in Kenya, East Africa. As a grassroots organization, Kijabe Forest Trust works to coordinate efforts to conserve and restore the Kijabe forest, an incredibly special forest along the eastern wall of the Great Rift Valley. The forest is small but mighty, producing water, creating soil stability and other ecosystem services for more than 200,000 people. KFT works to protect this forest by working directly to conserve biodiversity, and to restore areas that were previously degraded. We also work with farmers in the adjacent areas to provide access to markets for non-timber forest products, alternative energies and other livelihood diversification opportunities.

The organization is looking for a Senior Manager to oversee the operations and programs of the Trust. The incumbent will be responsible for the management of the conservation team, the organization budget and operations, stakeholder liaison and management as well as program design and implementation. S/He will play a key role in fundraising and reporting to donors and providing support to the board to maintain key relationships.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES.

More specifically, the Senior Manager will be responsible for the following;

Project Management and Strategic Planning:

1. Work with the board to design projects aligned with the strategic plan of KFT.
2. Execute, monitor, evaluate, and report on the progress of KFT projects to ensure their effectiveness and alignment with organisational goals.
3. Continuously evaluate and improve organisational processes to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Operations Management:

1. Provide oversight of the day-to-day operations of the Trust, ensuring efficiency, compliance, and alignment with organisational objectives.
2. Develop and implement comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures to optimise various aspects of organisational functions, including forest patrols and nursery management.
3. Spearhead the design and implementation of HR policies in accordance with the Trust’s Strategic Plan, fostering a conducive work environment and ensuring staff welfare.
4. Provide oversight for financial management of the Trust, providing regular, transparent reporting to the board to ensure fiscal accountability.
5. Manage a team of _______ employees ensuring key deliverables are met.
6. Provide leadership and strategic direction to all KFT staff, nurturing a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.

Fundraising and Stakeholder Engagement

1. Provide support to the board in fundraising activities, leveraging relationships and networks to secure resources for the Trust's initiatives.
2. Cultivate and maintain strong donor relationships, ensuring transparent communication and fulfilling reporting requirements.
3. Lead stakeholder engagement and liaison efforts, fostering productive relationships with communities, visitors to Kijabe Forest, donors, and governmental agencies.

Additional Responsibilities:

1. Stay abreast of developments in the field of conservation and integrate best practices into KFT's operations.
2. Represent KFT in relevant forums, conferences, and events to promote its mission and objectives.
3. Ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements governing the Trust's activities.
4. Foster a culture of accountability and transparency throughout the organization.

Minimum Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in environmental management, Ecosystem restoration or conservation related field.
2. At least Five years’ demonstrated experience overseeing, contributing to, and/or implementing programs
3. At least three years’ demonstrated knowledge and experience in non-profit budgeting and grant tracking.
4. Demonstrated knowledge of forest ecosystem restoration
5. Demonstrated ability to lead and manage a team.
6. Willingness to relocate to Kijabe within 90 days of employment.

Preferred Knowledge, skills and competencies.

1. Demonstrated ability to elevate public awareness of issues and build a constituency for solutions.
2. Demonstrated ability to lead diverse stakeholders in collaborative activities; to anticipate policy issues impacting wildlife and make recommendations to senior managers.
3. Personal interest in and strong commitment to conservation.