Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator
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Job summary
Born Free Foundation is seeking a dedicated Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator to be based in Meru Landscape.
Min Qualification:
Bachelors
Experience Level:
Senior level
Experience Length:
5 years
Language Requirement:
English
Working Hours:
Full Time - 9 to 5
Applicant Location:
Kenya
Job descriptions & requirements
Reports to: Meru Landscape Manager
Location: Meru Landscape, Meru County, Kenya
Hours: Full Time
Department: Programmes
Direct reports: 2 Project Officers, 4 Twiga Team
About Born Free, Kenya
Inspired by Elsa the lioness, whose journey to freedom in Kenya was depicted in the 1966 film Born
Free, the charity works globally, and in Kenya, to protect wildlife and their ecosystems.
Established in 2003, Born Free Kenya champions human-wildlife coexistence through hands-on
conservation efforts, education, and community initiatives. In Amboseli and Meru National Parks, we
monitor lions, giraffes, and elephants, and we employ strategies to promote the co-existence of people
and wildlife in the surrounding community lands. We also support sustainable livelihoods, provide
conservation education, and collaborate with partners to protect people, wildlife, and their habitats.
Summary of the Role
Born Free Foundation is seeking a dedicated Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator to be
based in Meru Landscape. The Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator will be responsible for
field-based wildlife monitoring and implementation of targeted interventions to safeguard priority
species (such as elephants, lions, giraffes, and other flagship species) within the designated landscape.
The role will be responsible for ensuring the systematic collection, management, and integrity of socioecological data to support evidence-based conservation decision-making and impact evaluation.
Additionally, the Coordinator will work closely with the Landscape Manager to deliver high-quality,
measurable conservation outcomes, while collaborating with both the Kenya and UK teams to advance
the implementation of the BFF Strategic Plan and contribute to Born Free’s broader global wildlife and habitat conservation goals.
Key Responsibilities and Functions
1. Species Monitoring & Data Collection
• Conduct and coordinate regular wildlife surveys, transects, patrols, and camera trap deployments to monitor targeted species, using monitoring tools such as SMART, GPS units, GIS systems, and field datasheets, as per the approved annual workplans.
• Collect, compile, and validate ecological and biological data following organisational protocols.
• Maintain updated and accurate species databases and ensure proper filing of raw and processed data, leveraging AI and other technologies, where appropriate.
• Assist in the design and implementation of monitoring plans, protocols, and research activities.
2. Species Protection & Anti-Poaching Support
• Coordinate with the Twiga Team and relevant authorities in species protection efforts.
• Participate in joint patrols, and wildlife security initiatives when required.
• Document wildlife threats (poaching, snaring, illegal grazing, habitat loss) and report findings promptly to the Meru Landscape Manager.
• Support implementation of species recovery actions and mitigation of human–wildlife conflict.
• Promote safe, ethical, and humane wildlife handling practices where necessary.
3. Community engagement & Awareness
• Support the Community & Wildlife Coexistence (CWC) Coordinator to deliver conservation awareness activities within communities, schools, and local groups as needed.
• Work with communities, with support from the Community & Wildlife Coexistence coordinator, to strengthen participatory monitoring activities.
• Provide technical advice to citizen science team including tour guides and help build local capacity in species monitoring.
• Assist in grievance handling and the reporting of wildlife incidents to the Meru Landscape Manager
4. Data collection, Reporting & Documentation
• Use approved tools (Survey123, SMART, mobile data apps, GIS) to record field information.
• Prepare and submit timely weekly, monthly, and quarterly field activity reports for Meru Landscape Manager and Data team, and contribute to compilation of progress updates, data, findings, and challenges for internal 6 monthly/annual departmental reporting.
• Document field findings, species sightings, incidents, and ecological trends.
• Contribute to donor reports, technical briefs, maps, and species status updates.
• Ensure data integrity and verification before submission, through coordinated cross-functional review with relevant colleagues.
5. Operational & Logistical Support
• Manage and ensure the maintenance of monitoring equipment including camera traps, GPS devices, radios, field kits, and data tablets to ensure they are always in good working order.
• Support planning and coordination of field patrols and monitoring schedules.
• Ensure compliance with safety procedures, welfare standards, and field protocols.
• Maintain accurate records of field assets and supplies.
6. Coordination & Collaboration
• Work closely with Community & Wildlife Coexistence team, and other programmatic staff to deliver the BFF mission in the landscape.
• Coordinate wildlife monitoring and protection activities with representatives of county governments, wildlife authorities, NGOs, and research institutions.
• Participate in relevant landscape-level working groups and multi-stakeholder platforms.
7. Compliance, Safety & Ethical Standards
• Ensure adherence to safeguarding, ethical engagement standards, and conflict-sensitive approaches.
• Comply with organisational policies including HSE (Health, Safety, Environment) and field operations.
• Promote respectful, culturally sensitive behaviour in all community interactions.
Qualifications & Experience
• Bachelor’s degree in wildlife management, Ecology, Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
• Minimum 5 years of field experience in wildlife monitoring, ranger support, or community-based conservation.
• Knowledge of species behaviour, habitat ecology, and field survey techniques.
• Experience with SMART, GPS field tools, camera trapping, GIS, or ecological monitoring methods (preferred).
• Experience working with wildlife authorities, community scouts, conservancies, or protected areas.
• Familiarity with donor-funded projects and reporting requirements.
Skills & Competencies
• Strong field skills and ability to work outdoors for extended periods.
• Good understanding of wildlife conservation issues, especially threats affecting priority species.
• Data collection, entry, and basic analysis skills.
• Strong organisational, planning, and time-management skills.
• Strong leadership, coordination, and people‑management skills.
• Ability to ride a motorcycle or drive a 4x4 is an added advantage.
• Good communication and teamwork skills.
• Fluency in English, Swahili and other local languages spoken in the landscape is an advantage.
• High integrity, reliability, and commitment to conservation and community engagement.
• Ability to work independently in remote areas with limited supervision.
Key Deliverables
• Accurate and timely wildlife monitoring data.
• Effective support to species protection and threat mitigation activities.
• High-quality reports submitted on schedule.
• Strong working relationships with Twiga Team, community members, and stakeholders.
• Well-maintained equipment and field systems.
• Contribution to improved species protection and reduced threats.
Internal Key Relationships
The Species Monitoring & Protection Coordinator will work closely with programme and operations teams, including Meru Landscape Managers, Community Engagement Technical Lead, Communications Manager, GIS Manager, GIS Officer, Fundraising & Partnerships Manager and Field Project Officers and the wider global Born Free team.
Interested and qualified candidates should forward their CV to bornfreekenyahr@bornfree.or.ke quoting the position as the subject of email by 5pm on 8th May 2026.
Note: This job description outlines the roles, duties, and responsibilities of the post. It is not intended to detail all specific tasks. Born Free reserves the right to alter the content of this job description to reflect the changing needs of the organisation but is a correct reflection of the main duties of the post at the time of writing.
Thank you for your interest in working for Born Free, Kenya.
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