Laikipia Wildlife Forum Executive Director and Communications Officer Job in Kenya

Laikipia Wildlife Forum
 

Vacancy Announcement
 

1. Executive Director
 

The Laikipia Wildlife Forum (LWF) is a Membership lead conservation organisation representing and bringing together a cross section of land owners and land users, including community groups, private ranchers, pastoralists, small-scale farmers and tourism ventures. 

The LWF takes a holistic approach to conservation with emphasis on major wildlife and environmental issues that cut across Laikipia as a whole. 

Working through its programmes the LWF currently benefits approximately 300,000 people and has largely caused Laikipia to become one of the most important conservation areas in Kenya.
 

The LWF invites applications for the position of Executive Director. 

Answering to the Board of Directors and Members of LWF, the ED will have operational and fiscal responsibility for the LWF with key roles being:

• Advancing the goal of ecosystem conservation through the LWF’s core programmes.
• Maintaining and strengthening Membership engagement.
• Supervising all core staff and sub-contracted organisations.
• Ensuring the LWF’s priorities respond to the needs of its diverse Membership.
• Maintaining the confidence of public and private sectors, and the support of international conservation and donor organisations.
• Fundraising for the LWF.
• Coordinating activities with KWS, KFS, NEMA, WRMA and other relevant departments of local and national government.
• Advocating and lobbying for the conservation interests of the LWF and Laikipia at local, national and international levels

Required qualifications include:
 

Graduate degree (MBA or PhD) in a relevant subject; at least 10 years experience in community based natural resource management and contemporary conservation in East Africa; grant writing experience; spoken Kiswahili. 

Candidates with experience in business management and administration, and wildlife/environmental policy and legislation formulation will be preferred.
 

2. Communications Officer
 

The Communications Officer will be responsible for developing communications strategies and key messages for LWF awareness and program activities and ensures that these are disseminated consistently and with contextual relevance both internally and externally. 

He / She will ensure that LWF's mission and objectives are promoted.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and evaluate communications strategies for LWF programmes
• Proactively research and monitor issues surrounding current LWF programmes, including monitoring County and National governments, media and the activities of partners/key stakeholders and incorporating the knowledge into LWF’s communications strategies.
• Advise the Executive Director and Secretariat on effective messaging and communications tactics.
• Market Laikipia as a destination for tourism, investment, and environmentally sustainable growth.
• Perform the role of key media liaison - managing and establishing media relationships, developing media hooks, and writing, distributing and pitching news stories, arranging interviews for LWF staff and ensuring they are on-message and adequately prepared to represent LWF wherever necessary.
• Develop and/or coordinate the production and distribution of a wide variety of communication materials.

Requirements:

• Relevant degree in communications, marketing, journalism or public relations.
• A proven track record and three or more years of progressive experience in a similar position or in a national media outlet.
• A keen ability to develop messaging and communications strategies for different audiences in terms of language, cultural contexts, and economic/ educational strata
• Demonstrated writing and editing skills.
• Excellent spoken and written English and Kiswahili required.

The position will be based in the LWF offices in Nanyuki, Laikipia District. 

A competitive package will be offered, based on qualifications and experience.

By 25th April 2014, applicants should send via email attachment a C.V., statement of interest, description of experience, qualifications and suitability, salary history, and the names and email addresses of three referees to: admin@laikipia.org

Applicants must provide their email contact but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

Further information about the LWF can be found at:www.laikipia.org