Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager

Mukutan Conservancy is seeking an experienced and passionate Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager. The ideal candidate will strengthen community partnerships and lead the development of a stakeholder engagement strategy. They will oversee a team of Community Liaison Officers and manage the Community Committee, which represents over 120,000 people across six ethnic groups.

The candidate will also build key relationships with NGOs, government officials, and other strategic partners to ensure sustainable natural resource management, livelihood development, and peace-building initiatives.

Key Relationships:

The Community Engagement and Partnerships Manager will work closely with Mukutan Conservancy staff, the Mukutan Conservancy Community Committee (Mshipi), and various community groups, schools, and healthcare establishments.

They will also collaborate with Mukutan Community Centre staff, local government officials, and county representatives.

The role also involves engaging with key conservancy partners, selected NGOs, other strategic partners, and all stakeholders identified through a comprehensive stakeholder mapping exercise.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Community Support and Stakeholder Engagement

• Facilitate dialogues between communities and stakeholders to promote joint management of shared natural resources, particularly grazing and water.

• Lead and coordinate the Community Committee (Mukutan Mshipi) alongside a team of five Community Liaison Officers, focusing on strategic planning, governance, and capacity building.

• Support social enterprises, women’s groups, and youth organisations in partnership with Mukutan Conservancy.

• Develop and implement tools to monitor and evaluate the impact of community engagement strategies.

• Collaborate with Senior Management to manage the community livestock program, which currently includes over 6,000 cattle, and maintain strong relationships with cattle owners.

• Organise community committee meetings, take minutes, and maintain records.

• Coordinate conflict resolution between communities or between the conservancy and local groups as necessary.

• Oversee Mukutan’s community health and education outreach programs.

2. Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Update Mukutan’s stakeholder mapping to identify and engage key government and NGO partners.

• Foster relationships with key government officials (county and national levels) to support Mukutan’s community initiatives.

• Develop working partnerships with priority strategic partners and NGOs.

3. Data Management

• Collect, document, and provide timely, accurate data on community engagement to the line manager.

• Develop tools to monitor, evaluate, and report the impact of community projects.

4. Community Strategy Formulation

• Participate in the formulation of Mukutan Conservancy’s community strategy using participatory approaches.

• Organise stakeholder meetings to support strategy development and review.

5. Capacity Building

• Conduct capacity assessments to identify training needs for community groups.

• Implement training programs on topics such as biodiversity conservation and nature-based livelihood development.

6. Reporting and Documentation

• Prepare and submit regular reports on community engagement activities.

• Maintain a detailed database of all community-related activities.

Required Qualifications and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s degree in Rangeland Management, Natural Resources Management, or Community Development (highly desirable).

2. Minimum of 10 years experience in community engagement, particularly in a conservation setting.

3. Proven experience working with pastoral and farming communities, particularly in remote areas.

4. Expertise in conducting social surveys and using data to inform engagement strategies.

5. Experience engaging key partners, NGOs, and government stakeholders.

6. Proven ability to manage conflicts between diverse stakeholders.

7. 5+ years’ experience in conflict resolution (highly desirable).

Personal Skills and Attributes:

1. Strong work ethic and organisational skills.

2. Excellent communication skills in both English and Swahili.

3. Strong analytical and report-writing skills.

4. Proficient in IT and digital applications, including MS Office.

5. Positive attitude toward community service, with a focus on conflict resolution.

6. Familiarity with pastoralist communities and their lifestyle.

7. Expertise in designing and implementing monitoring and evaluation tools.

8. Ability to work effectively in multicultural settings.

9. Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to take initiative and work independently.

Remuneration:

A starting gross salary of Ksh 150,000 - 300,000 per month will be offered, commensurate with experience and qualifications. Accommodation will be provided within the conservancy.

How to Apply:

Mukutan Conservancy is committed to workforce diversity and is an equal-opportunity employer. Interested candidates who meet the job requirements should send their applications, including a current CV with 3 references and salary expectations, to hr@mukutanconservancy.org, copying lncjobapplications@gmail.com.

Please use the subject line “Application for Community Engagement Officer.” Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications must be received by 4th October 2024. If you have not heard from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider your application unsuccessful.