Ol Pejeta Conservancy is internationally recognized for its commitment to wildlife conservation, sustainable land management, and community empowerment. Situated in Laikipia County, Kenya, the conservancy is home to some of the world’s most important wildlife populations. It is home to the last two Northern White Rhinos, a key population of the Critically Endangered Eastern Black Rhino, and a sanctuary for rescued chimpanzees. Beyond wildlife, Ol Pejeta manages one of the most successful integrated livestock programs in Africa and works extensively with surrounding communities to ensure conservation translates into improved livelihoods, education, and infrastructure.
To strengthen its innovation capacity and to integrate technology more effectively into conservation and community development, Ol Pejeta Conservancy is inviting applications for the position of Senior Officer – TechHub and Innovation. This role is central to the organization’s long-term mission of leveraging technology to improve conservation outcomes, enhance operational efficiency, and foster socio-economic growth in communities neighboring the conservancy.
The selected candidate will be based in Nanyuki, Kenya, within the Operations and Technology Department, and will report to the Technology & Innovations Manager. The closing date for applications is 22nd September 2025.
Role Overview
The Senior Officer – TechHub and Innovation will lead the operations of the conservancy’s TechHub, an innovation center designed to explore and implement technological solutions for conservation and community benefit. The role involves developing and executing innovation strategies, managing partnerships, piloting and scaling new technologies, overseeing data systems, and fostering collaboration among stakeholders.
The position calls for a balance between technical expertise, project management ability, and the capacity to engage with diverse groups including conservation practitioners, technology providers, donors, researchers, and local communities.
Detailed Job Description
The responsibilities of the Senior Officer – TechHub and Innovation are wide-ranging and designed to ensure that Ol Pejeta remains at the forefront of applying technology in conservation. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the role:
1. Innovation Strategy and Project Management
The officer will design and implement innovation strategies that align with Ol Pejeta’s conservation and community development objectives. This includes:
- Leading technology-driven projects from conceptualization to implementation.
- Setting clear project goals, milestones, and evaluation metrics to ensure results are measurable.
- Managing project budgets, resources, and timelines to deliver outcomes within expected scope.
- Working across departments to integrate innovation into operational and conservation processes.
Through strategic project management, the officer will ensure that technology initiatives generate meaningful results in wildlife monitoring, security, livestock management, and ecosystem conservation.
2. TechHub Management and Development
The officer will oversee daily operations of the TechHub, positioning it as a collaborative space where innovation thrives. Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining the TechHub as a functional and accessible resource for innovation.
- Developing partnerships with research institutions, technology companies, conservation organizations, and academic institutions to expand the hub’s impact.
- Ensuring that the hub is well-equipped with relevant tools, infrastructure, and resources to support experimentation and development.
- Coordinating hackathons, workshops, and innovation challenges that encourage creative problem-solving.
The officer will ensure that the TechHub serves as a platform for practical solutions that can be tested and scaled to meet pressing conservation challenges.
3. Technology Research and Implementation
The officer will lead efforts to explore and adopt emerging technologies that can enhance conservation. This includes:
- Identifying relevant innovations such as Internet of Things (IoT) devices, artificial intelligence (AI), drones, and remote sensing tools.
- Conducting feasibility studies and pilot projects to test new technologies.
- Collaborating with internal teams, including rangers, ecologists, and community officers, to ensure that technological solutions address real needs on the ground.
- Documenting lessons learned from technology pilots and scaling up successful innovations across the conservancy.
Through proactive research and implementation, the officer will position Ol Pejeta as a leader in technology-driven conservation in Africa.
4. Data Management and Analysis
The role requires a strong focus on data systems and analytics. Responsibilities include:
- Ensuring proper collection, storage, and management of data from various technological projects.
- Working closely with the Software Solutions & Data team to integrate systems and streamline information flow.
- Guaranteeing data accuracy, security, and accessibility for decision-making.
- Analyzing data to generate insights that guide conservation strategies, wildlife security operations, and community initiatives.
- Developing dashboards and visualization tools that present data in user-friendly formats for staff, stakeholders, and partners.
Effective data management will be essential to monitor progress, evaluate outcomes, and make evidence-based decisions.
5. Stakeholder Engagement and Collaboration
The officer will act as a bridge between Ol Pejeta and a broad network of stakeholders. This involves:
- Building relationships with technology partners, conservation networks, donors, and local community representatives.
- Hosting training sessions, knowledge-sharing forums, and joint projects with stakeholders.
- Representing Ol Pejeta at innovation forums, conferences, and industry events to share insights and learn from others.
- Promoting an inclusive approach that ensures community participation in technology initiatives, particularly in projects designed to support livelihoods.
Collaboration will be critical in mobilizing resources, knowledge, and partnerships that amplify the impact of the TechHub.
6. User Support and Training
The officer will ensure that staff and community members are equipped to use new technologies effectively. Responsibilities include:
- Conducting training sessions tailored to different user groups.
- Developing user manuals, guidelines, and instructional resources.
- Providing ongoing technical support and troubleshooting assistance.
- Ensuring that technology adoption is user-friendly and aligned with the skills of staff and community stakeholders.
This will ensure that technology investments are fully utilized and produce sustainable outcomes.
7. Team Leadership and Development
The officer will play a leadership role within the innovation team, including:
- Supervising and mentoring the TechHub & Innovation Assistant Officer.
- Building a culture of collaboration, learning, and innovation.
- Encouraging professional growth and ensuring that the team remains updated on global technology trends.
- Setting performance goals and conducting regular reviews to support continuous improvement.
This responsibility ensures that the TechHub operates with efficiency and long-term sustainability.
8. Budgeting and Resource Management
The officer will contribute to financial management within the TechHub. Key tasks include:
- Preparing annual budgets for innovation and technology activities.
- Monitoring expenditures to ensure accountability and alignment with project goals.
- Identifying cost-effective methods of acquiring and deploying new technologies.
- Exploring funding opportunities with partners and donors to expand resources available to the hub.
Sound budgeting will safeguard the sustainability of innovation initiatives.
9. Additional Responsibilities
The officer may be assigned other duties as necessary to support Ol Pejeta’s conservation mission. This flexibility will ensure that the officer remains responsive to emerging opportunities and challenges.
Application Process
Candidates interested in the position of Senior Officer – TechHub and Innovation should submit their CV and application letter only to:
The subject line of the email should read: SENIOR OFFICER – TECHHUB AND INNOVATION
The deadline for applications is 22nd September 2025. Shortlisting will be conducted on a rolling basis, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Ol Pejeta Conservancy is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Applicants from all backgrounds who share the organization’s mission of conservation and community empowerment are encouraged to apply.
