Project Manager - The Noonkotiak Resource Centre

Organizational Overview

WMG Management Consultants Ltd. (est 2008) is a registered consultancy firm based in Nairobi, Kenya and working in East Africa and the Great Lakes Region. WMG works to ensure the success of development projects through exemplary strategy design and execution; targeted training and focused leadership development.

About the Noonkotiak Resource Centre
The Noonkotiak Resource Centre, situated within the Olgulului Olorashi Group Ranch (OOGR) in Kajiado County, Kenya, is a transformative initiative aimed at integrating community development, wildlife conservation, and cultural preservation. Established in 2013 and officially launched in March 2016, the Centre is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the OOGR community, Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET), and the African Conservation Centre (ACC). Key stakeholders of this project include AET, OOGR, ACC, LA Zoo, Kajiado County, Ministry of Tourism, and other NGOs in Amboseli. WMG is working with these stakeholders to ensure success of the Centre.

Vision and Mission
The vision of the Noonkotiak Resource Centre is to become a model community-based conservation centre, recognized both regionally and globally. Its mission revolves around fostering resilience within the local community through sustainable development, conservation of biodiversity, and preservation of cultural heritage.

Facilities and Sub-centres
The Noonkotiak Resource Centre comprises several key sub-centres, each designed to fulfill specific roles in achieving the overall mission:

1. Visitor Centre: An educational and interpretative hub for visitors, offering exhibits, guided tours, and cultural experiences.
2. Education and Training Centre: Provides environmental education programs, workshops, and seminars to promote sustainable conservation practices.
3. Information and Research Centre: Supports rigorous academic inquiry and the development of conservation strategies and policies.
4. Maasai Women’s Cultural Centre and Homestay: Offers visitors an immersive experience of Maasai culture while empowering Maasai women economically.

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:
The Project Manager is tasked with leading the Noonkotiak Resource Centre towards achieving its strategic objectives of conservation, community empowerment, cultural preservation, and sustainable development. By managing operations, developing partnerships, and enhancing program delivery, the Project Manager plays a critical role in ensuring the Centre's impact and sustainability.

JOB OVERVIEW:
The Noonkotiak Resource Centre, a cornerstone initiative within the Olgulului Olorashi Group Ranch (OOGR) located in Kajiado County, Kenya, is in search of a dynamic Project Manager. This position serves as the primary liaison in this project, ensuring smooth coordination and implementation of all project phases.

The first phase involves implementing and coordinating partners, managing contractual obligations, developing and implementing MOUs with various partners, community engagement, and identifying and following up on marketing requirements and partners, including identifying investors.

The second phase encompasses the overall management and success of the Centre, spearheading efforts in marketing, enhancing the visitor experience, managing staff, nurturing relationships, and maintaining the asset. The Project Manager will be instrumental in the operational excellence of the Centre, encompassing the Visitor Centre, Education and Training Centre, Information and Research Centre, and the Maasai Women’s Cultural Centre and Homestay.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Project Coordination: On behalf of all the partners, ensure the smooth implementation of the project in all phases, engaging all partners in all project cycles.
• Strategic Planning and Development: Collaborate with the Governing Council and management team in strategic planning, identifying opportunities for growth and development of the Centre’s operations and programs.
• Reporting: Regularly report on project progress at every stage and as required.
• Centre Operations Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Centre, ensuring the seamless execution of programs across all sub-centres: Visitor Centre, Education and Training Centre, Information and Research Centre, and Maasai Women’s Cultural Centre and Homestay.
• Marketing and Visitor Experience: Develop and implement marketing strategies to promote the Centre’s activities, with a focus on creating exceptional visitor experiences that align with the Centre’s conservation and cultural heritage goals.
• Staff Leadership: Lead, develop, and manage the Centre’s staff, fostering a collaborative work environment and ensuring all team members are aligned with the Centre's mission and objectives.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including local communities, conservation partners, government agencies, and donors, to support the Centre’s strategic goals and initiatives.
• Asset Management: Ensure the efficient management and upkeep of the Centre’s facilities and resources, maximizing their use for educational, research, conservation, and cultural activities.
• Program Implementation and Community Engagement: Direct the planning and implementation of Centre programs, actively engaging with the community to ensure their involvement and benefit from the Centre’s activities.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Project Management, Environmental Science, Community Development, Hospitality, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in a management role, ideally within a conservation, educational, cultural, or community development setting.
• Proven track record of managing operations, staff, and developing and implementing strategic marketing initiatives.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to inspire and motivate a diverse team.
• Excellent communication and writing skills, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement abilities.
• Excellent in managing relationships and coordination of different interests.
• Deep understanding of and commitment to conservation, cultural preservation, and community development principles.
• Experience in financial management, including budgeting and resource allocation.