Hi, I’m
STEPHEN MWANGI GACHAGUA
Ecologist, Wildlife Biology, Natural Resources and Program Management
Nanyuki, Laikipia,Nanyuki, Laikipia
Summary
A result and process-driven conservation and community Program Manager with 8 years' experience, well versed with knowledge and skills in environmental management and conservation of natural resources, particularly focusing on the interactions between land-environment animals and humans in aiding the ecosystem the functionality of fragile environments. A resourceful and strategic leader, with an expansive experience with expertise in the following; community-based conservation, education, and community engagement, Protected Area Management, Ecological Monitoring in protected areas, Wildlife species management, working relationships between partners to ensure synergy, coordinating communication between project managers and other partners and evaluating the internal management systems of partners and community-based organizations to identify gaps for capacity building. Collaborative leader with dedication to partnering with coworkers to promote engaged, empowering work culture. Documented strengths in building and maintaining relationships with diverse range of stakeholders in dynamic, fast-paced settings.
Overview
8
years of professional experience
6
years of post-secondary education
4
Certifications
Work History
Borana ConservancyNanyuki, Laikipia
Conservation Manager
4 2022 - Current
Job overview
- Coordinating and undertaking research on wildlife, habitat and livestock, and provide technical advice to guide conservation and management; Providing scientific and technical advice on status of habitat, wildlife populations, trends and threats; Monitoring and providing monthly reports on progress of management and removal of invasive species; Carrying out climatic and weather data collection, rainfall data collection and monitoring of available water resources to ensure adequate quantity and quality; Conducting biannual assessment of areas used by both wildlife and livestock to monitor impact of grazing on wildlife and to assess stocking rate; Manage and oversee wildlife monitoring software and produce monthly reports; Working closely with security and partner research teams to implement wildlife monitoring protocols; Working closely with security in liaising with KWS regarding any wildlife interventions that may be necessary; Generating geo-spatial data and information on environment and natural resources to enable sustainable management through monthly reports on all conservation / research activities; Working closely with 6 communities and 10 schools in effort to initiate conservation education; As lead and chair of Environmental management plan (EMP) implementation committee, tasked with ensuring coordination and implementation of the plan that oversees sustainable environmental management in Borana Conservancy.
- Managed and motivated employees to be productive and engaged in work
- Maximized performance by monitoring daily activities and mentoring team members
- Managed budgets effectively, ensuring optimal financial performance while investing in necessary resources for growth
- Achieved departmental goals by developing and executing strategic plans and performance metrics
- Streamlined workflows by identifying bottlenecks in existing systems and proactively addressing these challenges through appropriate solutions implementation
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
Community Conservation Education Coordinator
06.2017 - 04.2022
Job overview
- Led in creating awareness and action around adjacent 40 local schools on environmental sustainability through Eco-school's program; Developed and implemented Current conservation outreach curriculum in Ol Pejeta conservancy adjacent communities that impacted over 3500 people; Increased capacity building on conservation education to 40 schools within and around Ol Pejeta Conservancy through teacher trainings and follow up; Developed Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Reporting strategy to help 18 communities around conservancy to report on wildlife incursions; Developed and implemented clean energy strategy program for neighboring communities, focusing on providing clean energy stoves
- This initiative included training 15 community stove builders, fostering entrepreneurship, and promoting alternative livelihood development
- As a result, 1450 clean energy stoves were constructed in individual households over a 24-month period; Supporting in documentation (monitoring and reporting) of community interventions/activities in designated partnerships and facilitate development of field stories; Identifying and Liasing with local, regional and international actors on community development iniatives geared towards enhancing Ol Pejeta's community projects iniatiaves; Supporting in fundraising team proposal developments and identification of potential funding opportunities and donors; Participated in spatially analyzed habitat stewardship and progress programs that sought to monitor and inform on best practices to improve engagement and reinforce conservation initiatives; Mobilized community members, schools, farmers, youth, and community demographic in tree planting, habitat restoration, and lead conservation outreach work outside the conservation area in the 20 focal community areas; Report writing and periodic reporting on project progress and targets achieved.
- Entered data, generated reports, and produced tracking documents
- Improved team productivity with regular communication and progress updates, fostering collaborative work environment
- Managed project timelines for successful completion, ensuring milestones were met and deadlines were adhered to
- Collaborated with department heads to develop strategic plans aligning with overall company objectives, fostering unified approach toward shared goals
- Implemented project management techniques to overcome obstacles and increase team productivity
Worldwide Fund for NatureLamu, Lamu
Intern
05.2016 - 10.2016
Job overview
- Involved in organizing communities around issues of human wildlife conflict, policy formulation and engagement and Education for Sustainable Development; Involved in policy engagement and programme development, project Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA); Designed, Developed, and initiated birding program at WWF for Boni-Dodori Forest after realizing diverse avifauna need within coastal biome; Participated in design, development, and implementation of Lamu County Forest Bill; Involved in review of LAPSSET project in Lamu; Involved in community participation and education of beach management and marine Ecosystem conservation.
- Gained valuable experience working within a specific industry, applying learned concepts directly into relevant work situations
- Analyzed problems and worked with teams to develop solutions
- Contributed to a positive team environment by collaborating with fellow interns on group projects and presentations
- Sorted and organized files, spreadsheets, and reports
- Gained hands-on experience in various software programs, increasing proficiency and expanding technical skill set
- Participated in workshops and presentations related to projects to gain knowledge
- Prepared project presentations and reports to assist senior staff
- Participated in professional development opportunities to enhance skill set, contributing to overall intern growth and potential future employment prospects
- Developed organizational skills through managing multiple tasks simultaneously while adhering to strict deadlines
- Actively participated in team meetings, offering insightful suggestions that led to innovative problem-solving strategies
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports
- Enhanced intern productivity by assisting with project coordination and providing ongoing support
- Explored new technologies and approaches to streamline processes
- Collaborated effectively with team members across departments, fostering a cohesive work environment conducive to accomplishing shared objectives
- Provided project progress updates and proposed solutions to issues
- Conducted research for various projects, leading to well-informed decisions and successful outcomes
- Developed and maintained relationships with key internal stakeholders
- Prepared written summaries of meeting discussions to ensure clear communication throughout the team while promoting accountability for action items
- Prepared comprehensive reports summarizing data analysis findings, informing key decision-makers of important trends and patterns
- Generated reports detailing findings and recommendations
Education
University of Nairobi, Nairobi
Masters of Science in Biology of Conservation from Conservation Biology
01.2023 - Current
Kenyatta University, Nairobi
Bachelor of Science, Environment Education from Environmental Science
09.2013 - 12.2017
Skills
Team Leadership
Certification
2024, Associate Environmental Social and Impact Assessment Expert, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
Membershipinprofessionalsocieties
- IUCN Commission on Ecosystem Management (CEM)
- IUCN Commission on Education and Communication (CEC)
- IUCN SSC Hyaena Specialist Group
- British Ecological Society
- Intergovernmental Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES)
- Nature Kenya Youth Committee
Shorttermconsultancies
- Collaborated with World-Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) and the University of Nairobi on the development of the Nasaru-Olosho Management and Investment Plan - July 2022 to December 2022
- Collaborated with USAID, Taita Taveta Conservancies Association (TTWCA), University of Nairobi (UON), and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) on the development of a Grazing Management Plan for four conservancies (Mbale, Wushumbu, Kutima, and Maungu) within the Taita Taveta landscape from November 2023 to May 2024
- Participated in the development of a Community-Based Disaster Risk Management Plan (CBDRMP) in collaboration with USAID, Taita Taveta Conservancies Association (TTWCA), University of Nairobi (UON), and International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) from November 2023 to May 2024
- Collaborated with Amboseli Ecosystem Trust (AET) and University of Nairobi (UON) on the development of the Eselenkei Conservancy Management Plan from January to May 2024
- Collaborated with State Department for Livestock, Kenya under the TWENDE Project and University of Nairobi (UON) on the training of Pastrol communities on Holistic grazing management systems on a 3day course in Marsabit County
Awards
EE 30 under 30 Class of 2021
References
- Dr. David Kimiti, Director Impact, Grevy Zebra Trust, +254 741 969 955, davidkimiti@gmail.com
- Dr. Oscar Koech, Senior Lecturer, University of Nairobi, +254 725 513 044, oscarkip@uonbi.ac.ke
- Prof. John M Githaiga, Senior Lecturer and Mentor, +254 722821187, jmgithaiga@uonbi.ac.ke
Timeline
University of Nairobi
Masters of Science in Biology of Conservation from Conservation Biology
01.2023 - Current
Community Conservation Education Coordinator
Ol Pejeta Conservancy
06.2017 - 04.2022
Intern
Worldwide Fund for Nature
05.2016 - 10.2016
Kenyatta University
Bachelor of Science, Environment Education from Environmental Science
09.2013 - 12.2017
Conservation Manager
Borana Conservancy
4 2022 - Current
2024, Associate Environmental Social and Impact Assessment Expert, National Environmental Management Authority (NEMA)
2023, Global reporting Initiative (GRI) certification on Sustainability reporting, KCIC Consulting
2023, Coursera
2022, Coursera
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