Project Manager

The BirdLife International Africa Partnership requires a dynamic, self-starting individual to assist in the management of a project that will combine biodiversity conservation with sustainable development initiatives. The goal of this project is to conserve the birds and biodiversity of the Lake Victoria Basin, and sustain the ecosystem benefits that its Important Bird Areas provide for human well-being, by building and strengthening a network of community-based Local Conservation Groups.  A key part of BirdLife’s  strategy is to empower local organisations (Local Conservation Groups – LCGs) so that communities have: the knowledge and information to successfully integrate their development needs with sustainable environmental management; influence over decision-makers at local, national, regional and international level; and technical support and investment to implement development initiatives which address pressing human needs caused by high levels of poverty, whilst protecting the natural resources and biodiversity on which their livelihoods depend. This project seeks to ensure the long-term conservation of Important Bird Areas and their wildlife in the Lake Victoria Basin through engagement with local communities in a programme of targeted institutional strengthening, network development, management, sustainable use, and advocacy.

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES 

Project management and administration

•To provide efficient and effective support to the management and coordination of the project,

•To coordinate the technical and administrative inputs of the project in collaboration with the partners and other stakeholders,

•Oversee resource allocation and ensure budgetary control,

•To develop and implement annual work programs for forward planning of project activities, 

•Ensure that donor requirements in terms of project monitoring and reporting are properly met,

Technical support

•Assist in the development and implementation of natural area management plans in consultation with the BirdLife Partners, communities and key stakeholders,

•To provide technical back up support to all the field staff as required, provision of information and support to the project implementing BirdLife Africa partners and community members, volunteers and other stakeholders in the Lake Victoria Basin, 

•To provide direction, technical information and work in conjunction with Community groups in relation to natural area management projects, 

•To provide technical input into the development of management plans, environmental policies, guidelines and procedures for the Lake Victoria Basin, 

Project development and fundraising

•To contribute to fundraising to leverage additional financial support for the project and for Local Conservation Groups, 

•To assist the Programme Manager in the development of local and regional projects,

•To work with BirdLife Partners to identify opportunities to scale up local community activities at Important Bird Areas

Policy and Communications

•To create public awareness and appreciation by providing information on current and proposed environment programs and projects and environmental issues throughout the basin, 

•To facilitate community participation in national, regional and international fora, 

Community capacity building

•To facilitate and promote the growth of local governance structures and institution capacity development, 

•To develop capacity-building tools, guidelines and training materials,

•To perform other duties as delegated.

The position will be based within the BirdLife Africa Partnership Secretariat offices in Nairobi, Kenya with frequent travel to the project implementing locations in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The position is for a period of two years with a possibility of renewal depending on performance and availability of funding. 

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

•Minimum academic qualification of a Master’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management

•Experience and knowledge of environmental management principles/natural resource management and their practical application

•Significant field based experience in community development/community outreach, participatory approaches and institution building/sustainable development 

•Demonstrated knowledge of the ecology of the Lake Victoria Basin, ecosystem functions and processes and problems

•Knowledge of State and Federal Government Agency responsibilities in the area of natural resource management and biodiversity

•Excellent and proven project and financial management skills

•Excellent facilitation and institutional capacity building skills

•A good track record and experience in conservation work in Africa.

•Exemplary communication and writing skills in English

•Experience and knowledge of working with NGOs in Africa (or elsewhere) will be advantageous.

•Experience in influencing policy and practice at local, national and regional level.

•Proven ability that the person is a self-starter capable of working with little or no direct supervision will be desirable.

•Ability to determine and set work priorities, organise activities, meet deadlines and monitor projects

•Well-developed written and verbal communication skills

•Competent computer skills, particularly in Microsoft Office Suite

Salary is in the range of Euros 20, 286 – Euros 22, 365 per annum plus benefits.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications for this post (covering letter and CV with three referees) should be sent before 11th of January 2013 to:

Administrative Manager,

BirdLife International Africa Partnership Secretariat,

P. O. Box 3502-00100,

Nairobi 

Kenya

Email: edith.onyango-hongo@birdlife.org

Click here for further details or write to Edith Hongo via email.

(only shortlisted candidates will be contacted)