Department: Conservation Programmes
Duty Station: Kakamega Forest Landscape, Kenya

Job Purpose
The Community Conservation Officer is responsible for coordinating and implementing Rhino Ark’s community conservation outreach programmes within the Kakamega Landscape. The position serves as Rhino Ark’s primary liaison with forest-adjacent communities, schools, Community Forest Associations (CFAs), Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS), Kenya Forest Service (KFS), county governments and other stakeholders to promote community participation in forest conservation, restoration and sustainable livelihoods.

The Officer will lead the implementation of the Community Conservation Champions (CCC) Programme, coordinate conservation education initiatives, strengthen local conservation networks, facilitate stakeholder engagement and support landscape conservation activities through effective planning, monitoring, reporting and community mobilisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Community Conservation Champions Programme

• Coordinate the implementation of the Community Conservation Champions (CCC) Programme within the Kakamega Landscape.
• Recruit, induct, train, mentor and supervise Community Conservation Champions in accordance with Rhino Ark programme guidelines.
• Coordinate induction, refresher and thematic training programmes to strengthen Champions’ knowledge and skills in conservation, community mobilisation, restoration, monitoring and reporting.

2. Community Outreach and Conservation Education

• Design and implement community awareness programmes that promote conservation, environmental stewardship and sustainable natural resource management.
• Coordinate conservation education activities in schools, including environmental clubs, school outreach programmes and conservation surveys.
• Organise and facilitate community barazas, public meetings, environmental campaigns and awareness events.
• Develop and disseminate conservation education and awareness materials in collaboration with Rhino Ark and project partners.

3. Forest Restoration and Sustainable Livelihoods

• Mobilise Community Conservation Champions and community groups to participate in forest restoration activities, tree planting campaigns and tree nursery development.
• Support implementation of community livelihood initiatives including beekeeping, nature-based enterprises and other conservation-linked livelihood programmes.

4. Stakeholder Coordination 

• Build and maintain productive working relationships with Rhino Ark partners, national and county governments, development partners and conservation agencies, community based organizations, educational institutions, 

• Convene and coordinate regular ecosystem coordination meetings and quarterly stakeholder engagement meetings to review programme progress, strengthen partnerships and address emerging conservation issues.

5. Monitoring, Evaluation, Reporting and Documentation

• Monitor, collect and maintain accurate records and data on programme activities, beneficiaries, outputs and outcomes to support effective monitoring, evaluation and decision-making. Data collected will include GIS and community surveys, among others.
• Prepare and submit timely monthly, quarterly and annual technical reports, including programme progress, success stories, lessons learnt and case studies. 
• Document and communicate programme achievements by producing high-quality photographs, videos and other media content for internal reporting, donor visibility and public awareness.

6. Communication and Public Relations

• Represent Rhino Ark within the Kakamega Landscape, promoting the organisation’s conservation programmes, values and visibility among communities and stakeholders. 

Educational Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in one of the following: Environmental Science, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resource Management, Community Development, Rural Development, Sociology, Environmental Education or another relevant discipline.

Experience

• Minimum three (3) years’ experience in community conservation, environmental education, rural development or natural resource management.
• Demonstrated experience implementing community-based conservation programmes.
• Experience working with government agencies, Community Forest Associations and local communities.
• Experience coordinating training, workshops and community mobilisation activities.
• Experience in project monitoring, reporting and documentation.
• Duly licensed and competent to operate private motor vehicles and motorcycles (classes “A2” and “B” respectively).

Skills and Competencies

• Community engagement and stakeholder management – Ability to mobilise communities, facilitate participatory processes, build partnerships and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Planning, implementation and reporting – Strong organisational skills with the ability to plan, coordinate, monitor and document programme activities, and produce high-quality reports.
• Communication and digital literacy – Excellent verbal and written communication skills, proficiency in Microsoft Office, and the ability to develop visual and digital communication materials (photography/videography is an added advantage).
• Analytical thinking and problem solving – Ability to assess situations, analyse information, identify practical solutions and make informed decisions.
• Personal effectiveness – Self-motivated, able to work independently in field-based environments, with a high level of integrity, accountability and professionalism.

Working Conditions

• A full-time field position based in Kakamega Forest Landscape with extensive local field travel and among forest-adjacent communities.
• Occasional travel to Rhino Ark Headquarters and other Rhino Ark landscapes.
• Flexibility to work weekends or outside normal working hours during community events, training or conservation activities where necessary.
• Primary mode of transportation for fieldwork will be a motorcycle

Apply by sending your CV and cover letter to: jobs@rhinoark.or.ke
Application deadline: 14 August 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Rhino Ark is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, gender, age, disability, religion, or background.