Careers

Careers

Come and share your knowledge in advancing our vision of securing a just and inclusive society for all.

TRADITIONAL KNOWLEDGE AND RESEARCH COORDINATOR – 1 position.

POSITION: – Traditional Knowledge & Research Coordinator
LOCATION: – IMPACT KENYA Head Office in Laikipia County
REPORTS TO: – Project Manager-Inclusive Conservation Initiative
DIRECT SUPERVISEES: – None
RELATIONSHIPS: – All Program leads

1. Background Information:

Indigenous Movement for Peace Advancement and Conflict Transformation (IMPACT) is a Land and resource rights grassroot organization whose mandate is defined and driven by indigenous people’s needs. We are registered as a Trust and operate in the Northern Kenya counties of Laikipia, Isiolo, Samburu and Marsabit among the pastoralists and other minority groups with a vision to secure a just and inclusive society for all. We seek to address the underlying causes of social exclusion, discrimination, marginalization and poverty, which undermine Indigenous Peoples’ access to secure land and livelihood, healthy environment and socio-cultural rights.

2. Role purpose & scope:

Indigenous Traditional Knowledge (ITK) of the communities of Northern Kenya is being lost. By working with local communities to support the documentation and sharing of ITK, we endeavor to strengthen the value of Indigenous cultures and knowledge that underpins Indigenous ways of life. This will sustain and deepen cultural pride across generations, while creating respect and equality in engagements with other knowledge systems, cultures, and development pathways. It is against this backdrop that IMPACT seeks to recruit a highly competent person to fill the position of a traditional knowledge and research Coordinator. The coordinator will work under the Project manager in charge of the inclusive conservation initiative in ensuring that research
and use of indigenous traditional knowledge is incorporated and strengthened across the organization.

3. Responsibilities:

  • The position holder will coordinate extensive field research to document Traditional Knowledge related to biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development. This includes developing comprehensive studies, reports and databases of traditional knowledge practices, ensuring accurate and respectful documentation in collaboration with indigenous communities within the organization’s scope.
  • The coordinator will support programs in creating and maintaining a knowledge management system for traditional knowledge, facilitating workshops and training sessions to share traditional knowledge, and developing educational knowledge products, materials and resources based on this knowledge.
  • The coordinator will support and coordinate the integration of traditional knowledge into mainstream knowledge systems by organizing and participating in meetings, forums, and conferences to promote traditional knowledge integration and advocate it’s inclusion in policy and decision-making processes.
  • The coordinator will support the organization’s core mandate on movements and agency building among Indigenous communities and their allies regionally and globally by identifying and supporting networks in the landscape for collective action around Indigenous Traditional Knowledge recognition in biodiversity, conservation, and sustainable development.
  • The coordinator will develop and implement frameworks to assess the impact of traditional knowledge integration, prepare regular progress reports and presentations for various projects’ stakeholders, and identify and address challenges in the integration of ITK.

4.Knowledge and Experience:

  • Advanced degree in Environmental science, anthropology or related field.
  • At least 5 years of experience in conducting field research and knowledge management, preferably in biodiversity, conservation or indigenous knowledge.
  • Strong understanding of Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and its application in biodiversity, conservation and sustainable development.
  • Experience in knowledge management, including the creation and maintenance of databases and information systems.
  • Proven experience working with indigenous communities, understanding their cultural practices, and building trustful relationships.
  • Experience in managing projects, including planning, implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.
  • Experience working with indigenous communities or from an Indigenous community is highly desirable.
  • A strong commitment to IMPACT values and ethos.

5. Competence and desired skills:

  • Analytical Skills: Ability to analyze complex information and develop actionable insights.
  • Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey complex information clearly and effectively.
  • Interpersonal Skills: Strong interpersonal skills to engage with diverse stakeholders, including community members, local authorities, and other landscape actors.
  • Data Management: Proficiency in data management and analysis tools, databases, and statistical software.
  • Cultural Sensitivity: Deep respect for and understanding of indigenous cultures and practices.
  • Collaboration: Strong team player with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
  • Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing project needs and environments.
  • Leadership: Strong leadership skills to guide and mentor team members and community partners.
  • Problem-Solving: Creative problem-solving skills to address challenges in the integration of ITK.
  • Advocacy: Ability to advocate for the inclusion of ITK in policy and decision-making processes.

6. Duration of Assignment:
The initial contract will be for a period of 1 year, with the possibility of extension based on performance and availability of funds.

7. Evaluation Criteria:

Candidates will be evaluated based on their qualifications, experience, the quality of their application materials and general presentation on interview.

8. Recruitment Process:

Interested and qualifying candidates should apply by sending their CV and a motivation letter to hr@impactkenya.org with the words “Traditional Knowledge & Research Coordinator” on the email subject line to reach us by 10th January 2025. Shortlisting shall be done thereafter, and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
IMPACT is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ and assign the most qualified candidate.