Ol Pejeta is the largest black rhino sanctuary in east Africa, and home to three of the world’s last remaining northern white rhino. It is the only place in Kenya to see chimpanzees, in a Sanctuary established to rehabilitate animals rescued from the black market. It has some of the highest predator densities in Kenya, and still manages a very successful livestock programme. Ol Pejeta also seeks to support the people living around its borders, to ensure wildlife conservation translates to better education, healthcare and infrastructure for the next generation of wildlife guardians. In 2004, the ranch was purchased by the U.K.-based conservation organisation, Fauna &Flora International (FFI), with the financial backing of the Arcus Foundation, a private international philanthropic organisation founded by Jon Stryker. The land purchase was wholly funded by a $15 million donation from the Arcus Foundation, which worked in tandem with FFI and the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy to secure the 90,000 acres of open Savannah grassland and convert it to a national land trust. The conservation of the natural habitat, located in Kenya’s Laikipia Plateau, ensured the protection of existing rhino, elephant, and other wildlife populations in addition to captive chimpanzees living in a 300-acre sanctuary. The Arcus Foundation also gave $12 million to fund capital and institutional development costs at the conservancy. That initial injection of funding allowed Ol Pejeta Conservancy to fulfill its business model as a Kenyan-owned operation benefiting local community development and economic growth in addition to its impact on conservation. Today, the Arcus Foundation continues to support the conservancy through its membership on the Board of Trustees and the funding of various initiatives. In 2014, Ol Pejeta achieved IUCN Green List status, one of only two conservancies in Africa to be awarded this. IUCN Green Listing aims to define excellence in managing valuable natural areas. We have also been awarded the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence three years running - a testament to the incredible experiences treasured by all who visit Ol Pejeta. In 2015, we published our 2020 Management Plan - which was developed by our staff in consultation with a range of stakeholders, and sets out our vision for the years leading up to 2020, outlining the major projects that will help us to deliver our vision. We want to become an innovative and sustainable model that conserves biodiversity (particularly endangered species) and contributes to economic growth and the improvement of the livelihoods of rural communities. Role Summary The Infrastructure Manager will be responsible for the operational planning, development, delivery and longâÂÂterm resilience of all conservancyâÂÂwide infrastructure systems at Ol Pejeta Conservancy (OPC). This includes roads, fencing, bulk water systems, and related infrastructure that support conservation, security, and operational continuity. The role ensures that infrastructure projects align with OPC’s strategic goals, adhere to environmental best practices, and enhance operational efficiency. The infrastructure manager will lead a team of specialists to ensure sustainable infrastructure development, optimise resources, and integrate innovative technologies to support the conservancy’s mission. Responsibilities Infrastructure Planning and Development: Lead the planning and execution of infrastructure projects, ensuring alignment with OPC’s operational and conservation priorities. Develop and implement strategic plans for road networks, fencing, and water supply systems to enhance functionality and sustainability. Fencing and Security Infrastructure Management: Lead the construction, reinforcement, and maintenance of all conservancy boundary and internal fencing systems. Ensure integration of fencing infrastructure with security technologies, including surveillance systems and monitoring solutions. Ensure fencing infrastructure effectively supports wildlife protection and humanâÂÂwildlife conflict mitigation. Road Network and Earthworks Maintenance: Supervise the development, upgrading, and maintenance of the Conservancy’s road network, bridges, culverts, and major earthworks. Ensure road infrastructure supports anti-poaching operations, tourism, emergency access, and all-weather resilience. Implement sustainable road construction methods to minimise environmental impact and improve resilience against weather conditions. Bulk Water Infrastructure Management: Own and manage bulk water abstraction, production, storage, and transmission systems, including boreholes, pipelines, pumping stations, dams, and wildlife/livestock water points. Develop and implement water resilience strategies for drought preparedness and longâÂÂterm sustainability. Define clear handover points for water delivery into facilities, coordinated with the Facilities Manager. Power Generation & Infrastructure Technology: Oversee power generation and distribution infrastructure, including solar fields, hybrid systems, generators, and backbone electrical infrastructure. Lead the adoption of innovative infrastructure technologies and remote monitoring systems. Collaborate with internal teams to integrate technology into infrastructure performance management. Budgeting, Capital Control and Resource Optimisation: Prepare and manage infrastructure Capex and Opex budgets. Ensure value-for-money delivery, lifecycle costing, and cost efficiency across all infrastructure investments. Support donorâÂÂfunded or partnerâÂÂsupported infrastructure initiatives where applicable. Compliance, Environmental & Risk Management: Ensure infrastructure projects comply with legal, safety, engineering, and environmental standards. Maintain an infrastructure risk register, including climate, security, and operational risks. Lead disaster preparedness and businessâÂÂcritical infrastructure resilience planning. Team Leadership and Capacity Building: Lead and develop multidisciplinary teams responsible for fencing, earthworks, and water, and infrastructure projects. Build technical capacity, performance accountability, and succession pathways within the infrastructure teams. Promote a strong safety culture in all infrastructure operations. Cross-functional Collaboration: Work closely with the Facilities Manager to ensure seamless integration between bulk infrastructure systems and built facilities. Coordinate with livestock, conservation, security, tourism, community, and finance teams to ensure infrastructure supports organisational objectives. Any additional duties may be assigned from time to time. Qualifications Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Environmental Engineering, or a related field. Certification in project management, infrastructure planning, or environmental management is an added advantage. Registration with EBK is mandatory. Experience Minimum of five (5) years of experience in infrastructure development, maintenance, and management. Proven expertise in fencing, roadworks, and water systems development. Experience working in conservation, wildlife management, or large-scale land management projects is an advantage. Key Skills & Competencies Strong project management and technical infrastructure planning skills. Knowledge of sustainable construction methods and environmental conservation. â Financial acumen and budget management capabilities. Excellent leadership and team-building abilities. Problem-solving and critical-thinking skills in infrastructure development. Ability to work in a dynamic and challenging environment. Commitment to OPC’s conservation mission and values
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Infrastructure Manager At Ol Pejeta Conservancy (Opc)
NGO / Non-Profit Associations
full time
Nanyuki
Posted 3 days ago