2 jobs At OPC
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Nairobi, Kenya
Job summary
Vacancies at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC)
About this role
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Head of Wildlife Operations
Executive Assistant
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: BA/BSc/HND, MBA/MSc/MA
Experience: 12 years
Location: Nanyuki
Job Field: Environment, Health & Safety
Role Summary
The Head of Wildlife Operations will provide overall leadership for wildlife management and security operations at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC). The position is responsible for safeguarding wildlife, employees, visitors and organisational assets while overseeing wildlife protection, operational security and related field activities.
The role will lead wildlife monitoring ranger teams, armed security personnel and other wildlife operations staff while maintaining strong working relationships with law enforcement bodies and conservation partners. The successful candidate will be expected to manage complex operations involving animal capture, captive care and translocation, while developing effective responses to threats such as poaching, human-wildlife conflict and other security risks.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the Manager, Wildlife Operations in directing ranger and patrol teams and establishing effective patrol strategies for rhino monitoring, wildlife protection and prevention of illegal activities.
Ensure ranger teams receive appropriate training, equipment and motivation to perform their duties effectively.
Supervise the Manager, Armed Security and oversee the deployment of armed personnel and supporting resources, including K9 units.
Ensure firearms and ammunition are safely handled, stored and maintained in accordance with applicable national and international requirements.
Develop and implement a comprehensive security strategy covering wildlife, personnel and OPC infrastructure.
Regularly assess security procedures and make necessary adjustments in response to emerging risks and operational challenges.
Ensure effective communication, incident reporting and operational support, including proper use and maintenance of radio communication systems and security records.
Coordinate proactive anti-poaching activities, intelligence gathering and rapid response operations.
Establish partnerships with law enforcement agencies, local communities and conservation organisations to strengthen wildlife protection.
Develop and implement measures for reducing human-wildlife conflict in collaboration with community stakeholders.
Support fencing initiatives, community awareness programmes and rapid-response arrangements in areas experiencing frequent conflict.
Ensure vehicles, surveillance systems, security equipment and infrastructure are properly utilised and maintained.
Prepare budgets and manage operational resources effectively.
Work with the Research and Ecological Monitoring and Veterinary teams to coordinate the safe capture, handling and movement of animals requiring relocation, captive care or translocation.
Build and maintain relationships with government authorities, security agencies and conservation partners.
Represent OPC in relevant security forums and coordinate with external stakeholders on joint security initiatives.
Oversee the armoury and maintain appropriate registers for ivory and rhino horn.
Supervise control-room operations and the response to security incidents, ensuring timely reporting, investigation and resolution.
Prepare comprehensive security reports for senior management and donors, including identified risks and mitigation measures.
Introduce and utilise appropriate IT systems and tools to strengthen incident management and reporting.
Ensure all security and wildlife operations comply with applicable legislation, organisational policies and required standards.
Conduct regular security risk assessments and audits, identify vulnerabilities and implement corrective measures.
Oversee arrangements for the safety and security of tourists, employees and OPC assets.
Develop emergency response procedures and ensure regular safety briefings are conducted.
Carry out any other duties assigned from time to time.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Veterinary Medicine or a related discipline.
A Master’s degree will be an added advantage.
Membership in relevant professional bodies is recommended.
Experience
At least 12 years of experience in wildlife operations, management and security, including a minimum of 5 years in a leadership position.
Demonstrated experience leading wildlife security teams and managing wildlife protection operations.
Experience collaborating with law enforcement agencies and conservation organisations.
Key Skills & Competencies
Advanced leadership and people-management capabilities.
Strong understanding of wildlife management and security operations.
Working knowledge of wildlife behaviour, habitat requirements and wildlife-human interactions.
Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
Strong analytical, decision-making and problem-solving abilities.
Competence in using surveillance, monitoring and communication technologies.
Commitment to OPC’s mission, values and conservation objectives.
Job Type: Full Time
Qualification: BA/BSc/HND
Experience: 3–5 years
Location: Nanyuki
Job Field: Administration / Facilities
Role Summary
The Executive Assistant will provide administrative, organisational and coordination support to the CEO and C-Suite functions, helping ensure their activities run efficiently and effectively. The role will manage executive schedules, meetings, travel arrangements, correspondence and office administration while also assisting with organisational projects and executive-level activities.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Administrative Support
Provide comprehensive administrative assistance to the CEO and C-Suite, ensuring daily activities are properly organised, prioritised and coordinated.
Support the effective delivery of executive responsibilities by maintaining efficient administrative processes.
Diary & Meeting Management
Manage the CEO’s calendar, appointments and reminders.
Arrange meetings and coordinate the required logistics.
Prepare agendas, briefing materials and other documentation needed for meetings.
Ensure the CEO is adequately prepared for scheduled meetings and engagements.
Leadership Team Coordination
Organise regular meetings involving the CEO and leadership team.
Coordinate the collection of reports, briefings and other information required from leadership team members.
Ensure the CEO has the necessary information before important engagements.
Correspondence & Communication
Review incoming correspondence, reports and emails and prioritise matters appropriately.
Draft routine correspondence, presentations and other communications.
Handle matters falling within delegated authority and escalate issues requiring the CEO’s attention.
Direct relevant correspondence and requests to the CEO for guidance or action.
Travel & Logistics
Arrange travel, accommodation, transportation, itineraries and visit logistics for the CEO, Senior Leadership Team and other stakeholders when required.
Meeting Documentation & Follow-Up
Prepare and circulate meeting documents and materials.
Take and distribute meeting minutes.
Maintain action trackers and follow up on pending activities.
Monitor agreed deadlines, commitments and outstanding actions.
Research & Preparation
Conduct desktop research and gather relevant information for the CEO.
Prepare briefing notes, reports and other materials to support meetings, presentations and stakeholder engagements.
Project & Administrative Coordination
Provide administrative assistance on organisational projects.
Coordinate activities, monitor actions and deadlines, maintain project records and follow up with relevant stakeholders.
Stakeholder Coordination
Develop and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, trustees, donors, suppliers and other internal and external stakeholders.
Facilitate effective communication and ensure timely follow-up on outstanding matters.
Records & Document Management
Maintain well-organised physical and electronic records on behalf of the CEO.
Ensure correspondence, documents and other records are accurate, complete, current, accessible and properly managed.
Office Administration
Coordinate administrative activities within the C-Suite functions.
Ensure minutes, reports, documentation and other administrative deliverables are prepared and maintained as required.
Confidentiality & Professionalism
Handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Maintain high standards of integrity, confidentiality and professionalism in all dealings.
Continuous Improvement
Identify opportunities to improve administrative systems and coordination processes.
Implement practical improvements and actively pursue opportunities for learning and professional development.
Other Duties
Perform any additional responsibilities assigned from time to time.
Qualifications, Experience & Skills
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Management or a related field.
Familiarity with ERP systems, travel reservation platforms and event management tools is preferred.
Experience
3–5 years of experience in administration, office coordination or customer service is desirable.
Experience providing support to senior managers is an advantage but not mandatory.
Recent graduates with strong organisational abilities and relevant internship exposure are encouraged to apply.
Key Skills & Competencies
Excellent organisational skills and strong attention to detail.
Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
Proactive attitude, positive approach and willingness to learn.
Excellent time-management skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Trustworthy, professional and capable of handling confidential information.
Strong interpersonal skills with a customer-service orientation.
Ability to work independently while recognising when guidance is required.
Flexible, adaptable and composed when working under pressure.
Good proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
Commitment to continuous learning and personal development.
