Tuqa Jirmo Huqa
Conservationist
Mombasa,36
Summary
Conservation Officer with over 30 years of experience. Committed to using extensive conservation knowledge to protect regional wildlife. I am an excellent communicator and observer who is skilled at implementing preventative conservation measures whenever possible. An expert in efficiently allocating resources to achieve conservation objectives.
Overview
11
11
years of professional experience
31
31
years of post-secondary education
3
3
Certifications
Work History
Ocean Program Lead - West Indian Blue Ocean (WIO)
The Nature Conservancy
Mombasa, Mombasa District
01.2025 - Current
- Conducted regular evaluations of program effectiveness, making adjustments as necessary to better serve participants'' needs.
- Assisted participants in achieving personal goals by providing personalized guidance and encouragement throughout the day program.
- Boosted participant independence by incorporating skill-building exercises into daily routines.
- Maintained compliance with state regulations by adhering strictly to all established policies and procedures for day programs.
- Promoted an atmosphere of respect, inclusivity, and empathy within the day program setting at all times.
- Served as a compassionate advocate for each participant''s well-being while maintaining confidentiality regarding sensitive information.
- Established effective crisis intervention procedures, providing immediate support and resolution in situations requiring urgent attention.
- Implemented positive behavior support strategies to promote a respectful and harmonious group dynamic.
- Established open lines of communication between parents/guardians and staff members, ensuring timely updates on participant progress or issues that arose during programming hours.
- Improved overall program satisfaction by regularly assessing and addressing individual needs and preferences.
- Adapted daily routines to accommodate the varying needs and abilities of participants, ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience for all involved.
- Provided ongoing training and support to staff members, fostering professional growth within the team.
- Maintained detailed records of participant progress, using data to inform future programming decisions.
- Enhanced participant engagement by implementing interactive and inclusive activities in the day program.
- Coordinated transportation services for participants when necessary, ensuring their safe arrival at designated facilities or locations during scheduled timeslots.
- Ensured a safe and secure environment for participants by closely monitoring daily activities and promptly addressing any concerns.
- Collaborated with multidisciplinary teams to create comprehensive care plans tailored to the unique needs of each participant.
- Developed strong relationships with participants, families, and staff through consistent communication and collaboration.
- Organized special events and outings to enrich the day program experience for all involved parties.
- Evaluated diagnostic data to determine eligibility and needed services.
- Worked directly with community partners to enhance employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
- Delivered planned services in context of guidance relationship with supportive counseling.
- Developed written plan of services in conjunction with program participants.
- Assisted individuals with disabilities to obtain suitable employment.
- Provided leadership, guidance and support to staff members.
- Collaborated with community members to develop and implement service initiatives.
- Monitored program performance and outcomes for successful delivery of services.
- Participated in community events to promote services and engage with public.
- Developed and implemented training programs for staff.
- Coordinated with community stakeholders for successful implementation of social and community service initiatives.
- Conducted outreach activities to engage local stakeholders in programs.
- Referred clients to appropriate team members, community agencies and organizations to meet treatment needs.
- Implemented strategies to increase public awareness of social and community service programs.
- Established and maintained relationships with key stakeholders.
- Partnered with local organizations to expand access to social and community services.
- Created and managed budgets, efficiently allocating resources for social and community service projects.
- Researched best practices and developed strategies to improve program outcomes.
- Advocated for social and community service programs to increase awareness and funding.
- Managed volunteer programs focused on providing community services to underserved populations.
- Analyzed trends and data to inform decision-making and program development.
- Utilized grant writing skills to secure additional program funding.
- Spearheaded fundraising efforts to support social and community service initiatives.
- Assessed community needs and identified resources for social and community service programs.
Project Manager
West Indian Blue Ocean (WIO)
Mombasa, Mombasa District
04.2021 - 04.2023
- Project’s Workplan management & implementation
- Direct supervision of TNC project staff
- Provision of technical project support to conservancy field operations
- Serve as the principle contact to government agencies and other partners/stakeholders
- Budgetary oversight for all the project’s related activities
- Coordinating work streams under the ‘WIO Blue Economy’ project in Kenya, Tanzania, Seychelles and Mauritius
- Advancing MSP, area-based marine biodiversity protection and fisheries management
- Developing all required reports for internal and external communications
- Negotiating complex agreements touching on stakeholders and community’s involvement and representation in protected areas and fisheries management
- Development of new partnerships
- Representative of the TNC’s oceans strategy and interests within the WIO region
- Supervision of Mombasa based staff and those in remote locations
- Successfully managed multiple projects simultaneously by prioritizing tasks according to urgency, resource availability, and alignment with organizational goals.
- Planned, designed, and scheduled phases for large projects.
- Identified plans and resources required to meet project goals and objectives.
- Monitored progress against established goals, adjusting schedules and resources as needed to keep projects on track.
- Met project deadlines without sacrificing build quality or workplace safety.
- Established effective communication among team members for enhanced collaboration and successful project completion.
- Coordinated with cross-functional teams to resolve project issues and mitigate risks.
- Managed risk assessments and implemented mitigation strategies to minimize potential issues during project execution.
- Developed comprehensive project plans with clear timelines, milestones, and budget requirements, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality results.
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and resolved conflicts, maintaining a positive work environment throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provided detailed project status updates to stakeholders and executive management.
- Prepared detailed reports on project status for stakeholders, ensuring transparency and alignment with objectives.
- Developed strong relationships with stakeholders through regular communication updates, fostering trust and confidence in the team''s ability to deliver results.
- Collaborated closely with senior management to align project objectives with strategic company initiatives, ensuring that efforts contributed to overall business growth.
- Provided detailed technical and operational direction in project challenges, consistently meeting deliverables according to deadlines.
- Enhanced overall project success by conducting thorough post-project evaluations and incorporating lessons learned into future efforts.
- Effectively managed scope creep by establishing clear boundaries on requested changes while keeping projects aligned with original objectives and budgets.
- Mentored junior team members in project management best practices to enhance their skills and contribute to better overall performance.
- Negotiated and managed third-party contracts related to project deliverables.
- Fostered a culture of innovation and creativity within the project team, leading to improved problem-solving capabilities and enhanced outcomes.
- Negotiated contracts with vendors and suppliers, securing quality materials at competitive prices for efficient use of resources.
- Coordinated material procurement and required services for projects within budget requirements.
- Implemented continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project outcomes while maintaining costeffectiveness.
- Created accurate budgets based on resource requirements, allowing for optimal allocation of funds across all aspects of the projects.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Achieved high levels of team engagement and morale by promoting collaborative and inclusive work environment.
- Enhanced project visibility, implementing dashboard and reporting tools for real-time progress monitoring.
- Led cross-functional teams to successful project completions, improving team cohesion and productivity with effective leadership strategies.
- Oversaw implementation of new project management software, facilitating more efficient workflow and better project tracking.
- Enhanced project delivery times by streamlining communication channels between development and operations teams.
- Improved client relationships, consistently meeting or exceeding project expectations and maintaining open lines of communication.
- Developed comprehensive risk management plans, minimizing project delays and unexpected challenges.
- Promoted innovation within project teams, encouraging exploration of new tools and methodologies to enhance project outcomes.
- Completed projects within tight deadlines, coordinating team efforts and prioritizing tasks effectively.
- Streamlined procurement process for project materials, reducing wait times and avoiding potential delays.
- Optimized project schedules, identifying critical path tasks and reallocating resources to maintain momentum.
- Maintained compliance with industry standards and regulations, conducting regular audits and updates to project practices.
- Improved stakeholder satisfaction with detailed project updates and proactive issue resolution.
- Facilitated smoother project transitions, ensuring thorough documentation and effective handovers.
- Facilitated workshops to collect project requirements and user feedback.
- Sourced, vetted and managed vendors needed to accomplish project goals.
- Recruited and oversaw personnel to achieve performance and quality targets.
- Verified quality of deliverables and conformance to specifications before submitting to clients.
- Monitored project performance to identify areas of improvement and make adjustments.
- Delivered exceptional customer satisfaction by proactively addressing client concerns and meeting or exceeding expectations throughout the engagement process.
- Reduced project costs, negotiating contracts with suppliers and optimizing resource allocation.
- Enhanced team performance with targeted training programs, addressing skill gaps and promoting professional development.
- Achieved significant improvements in project quality by establishing rigorous quality control processes.
- Managed projects from procurement to commission.
Chief Operations Officer
Lewa Conservancy
Private Bag Isiolo, Isiolo
01.2017 - 12.2020
- Provided leadership & mentorship to teams resulting into increased efficiency and low turnaround time
- Provided an oversight of the respective annual program plans, budgets and reporting ensuring the plan was adhered to and budgets well utilized
- Consolidated all reports in a timely manner and shared them with donors for review
- Instrumental in the management of the conservancies’ monitoring and evaluation process to ensure adequate and timely collection of data, analysis, visualization and reporting
- Drove a strategic and operational engagement with the Northern Rangelands Trust- (a primary partner)
- Oversight of the Lewa operations assets – aircraft, communications systems
- Spearheaded successful engagements with donors across the Conservancy's diverse programme commitments
- Reviewed performance of all Programmes and positions and reported the findings for further actions
- Set comprehensive goals for performance and growth while ensuring efficiency
- Streamlined operations by implementing process improvements and optimizing resource allocation.
- Ensured compliance with industry regulations, maintaining strong relationships with regulatory bodies and implementing necessary updates to internal policies.
- Improved supply chain efficiency by negotiating favorable contracts with vendors and streamlining inventory management processes.
- And cross-departmental collaboration.
- Supported business growth through strategic planning and process development.
- Championed sustainable business practices to reduce the company''s environmental impact.
- Made decisions with broad and positive impact on security management operations.
- Formulated analysis assessments to make informed decisions on proposed projects.
- Reduced overhead costs with strategic budget management and cost-cutting initiatives.
- Established strong partnerships with external stakeholders to enhance corporate reputation.
- Developed talent acquisition strategies that attracted top-tier candidates while reducing recruitment expenses.
- Led organization by developing professional and ethical culture focused on [Type] excellence.
- Drove revenue growth through the development of innovative marketing campaigns and sales strategies.
- Deliver strategic and practical advice for security operations at client locations.
- Mitigated risks by establishing robust risk management processes and investing in cybersecurity measures for company-wide protection.
- Met customer service standards and expectations consistently by effectively communicating and actively listening.
- Revamped quality assurance protocols, ensuring consistent delivery of exceptional products.
- Championed a culture of continuous improvement, fostering collaboration between departments for optimal operational results.
- Increased profitability by optimizing sales and fulfilling lower overhead costs.
- Implemented business development strategies, logo designs and website designs.
- Led business initiatives resulting in numerous multi-year contracts.
- Drove operational direction, administrative and cost efficiency and coordination of security program initiatives on behalf of clients.
- Built strategic relationships with federal, state and local law enforcement agencies.
- Spearheaded design and implementation of security access control systems for various clients.
- Provided transformational support to clients by planning and implementing security interventions.
- Streamlined company processes and procedures while enhancing customer satisfaction.
- Monitored internal controls to protect client facilities and assets.
- Leveraged experience through vital management positions guiding business to success.
- Led cross-functional teams to execute high-impact projects on time and within budget constraints.
- And improve long-term profitability.
- Fostered a collaborative work environment that encouraged creative problemsolving.
- Boosted employee satisfaction and retention through effective communication, training programs, and performance incentives.
- A secure digital infrastructure.
- Within the industry community.
- Enhanced company growth by identifying new market opportunities and developing expansion strategies.
- Among team members.
- Spearheaded technological advancements that streamlined workflows while maintaining.
- Identified and pursued business development opportunities to grow organization and increase revenue.
- Managed procurement activities to secure resource acquisitions at best possible cost.
- Led recruitment and development of strategic alliances to maximize utilization of existing talent and capabilities.
- Formulated and executed strategic initiatives to improve product offerings.
- Oversaw divisional marketing, advertising and new product development.
- Initiated strategy to drive company growth and increase market share and profitability.
- Cultivated company-wide culture of innovation and collaboration.
- Established and maintained strong relationships with customers, vendors and strategic partners.
- Managed financial, operational and human resources to optimize business performance.
- Analyzed industry trends and tracked competitor activities to inform decision making.
- Developed innovative sales and marketing strategies to facilitate business expansion.
- Represented organization at industry conferences and events.
- Monitored key business risks and established risk management procedures.
- Created succession plans to provide continuity of operations during leadership transitions.
- Oversaw business-wide changes to modernize procedures and organization.
- Communicated business performance, forecasts and strategies to investors and shareholders.
- Secured 70% satisfaction rate for all client services offered.
- Secured 70% satisfaction rate for all client services offered.
- Raised profits by [Number]% within [Number] months through planning.
- Optimized customer experience with improved service standards, streamlined complaint resolution procedures, and enhanced internal communication systems for better response times.
- Accelerated product development cycles through efficient project management techniques.
- Oversaw day-to-day operations to keep organization running smoothly while meeting business goals.
- Negotiated contracts and agreements to secure favorable terms and maximize profits.
- Collaborated with legal, accounting and other professional teams to review and maintain compliance with regulations.
- Maintained P&L and shouldered corporate fiscal responsibility.
- Devised and presented business plans and forecasts to board of directors.
- Directed technological improvements, reducing waste and business bottlenecks.
- Founded performance- and merit-based evaluation system to assess staff performance Increased utilization by 60% across multiple departments within [Typ] organization.
- Increased utilization by 60% across multiple departments within 60 organization.
- Increased utilization by 60% across multiple departments within 60 organization.
- Increased utilization by 60% across multiple departments within 60 organization.
Senior Warden
Kenya Wildlife Service
Meru, Meru
01.2014 - 09.2015
- Managed the joint protected areas with total land mass of 4000KM2 and staff of 450 personnel
- Effectively conserved and managed wildlife resources
- Provided wildlife conservation education and extension services
- Ensured harmonious co-existence between wildlife and the communities outside the protected areas maintaining good relation between park and communities
- Played a lead role in Financial Management, Policy Formulation and implementation for areas outside the park
- Monitored and evaluated human-wildlife conflict and implemented strategies for resolving the conflicts
- Liaised with donors for possible funding and managed all projects assigned to me
- Oversaw the implementation of protected area management plans
- Managed staff welfare, discipline and motivation
- Self-motivated, with a strong sense of personal responsibility.
- Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
- Proven ability to learn quickly and adapt to new situations.
- Skilled at working independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
- Worked well in a team setting, providing support and guidance.
- Passionate about learning and committed to continual improvement.
- Managed time efficiently in order to complete all tasks within deadlines.
- Assisted with day-to-day operations, working efficiently and productively with all team members.
- Worked effectively in fast-paced environments.
- Worked flexible hours across night, weekend, and holiday shifts.
- Demonstrated respect, friendliness and willingness to help wherever needed.
- Paid attention to detail while completing assignments.
- Adaptable and proficient in learning new concepts quickly and efficiently.
- Organized and detail-oriented with a strong work ethic.
- Learned and adapted quickly to new technology and software applications.
- Resolved problems, improved operations and provided exceptional service.
- Proved successful working within tight deadlines and a fast-paced environment.
- Used strong analytical and problem-solving skills to develop effective solutions for challenging situations.
- Participated in team projects, demonstrating an ability to work collaboratively and effectively.
Education
Ph.D. - Conservation biology
Leiden University – Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)
Leiden - Netherlands 04.2012 - 01.2015
Master of Science - Biology of Conservation
University of Nairobi
Nairobi 09.2010 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife management
Moi University
Eldoret 09.2003 - 09.2026
High School Diploma -
College of African Wildlife Management
Moshi - Tanzania 09.2000 - 09.2002
Skills
Certification
ISO 14001:2015: Environmental management standards
Accomplishments
- Delivered Marine Spatial Planning Scoping, 01/01/21 - 12/31/23
- Delivered National Marine Spatial Stakeholders Engagement Strategy and National Marine Spatial Planning Framework, 01/01/22 - 12/31/23
- Delivered National Blue Economy Strategy, 01/01/23
- Completed Habitat Assessment for the Mangrove in Northern Coastal Kenya
- Designed Conservation Value Mapping Project for the Oceans, 01/01/22 - 12/31/23
- Development of new partnerships developed Memorandum of Understanding with Kenya Wildlife Service, Nairobi Conventions, WIOMSA, Wildlife Research and Training Institute (WRTI), Kenya Forest Service, Nature Kenya and WWF
- Lead the development of Kenya’s Marine Coastal Biodiversity Framework
- Lead the Marine and Coastal PFP program for Western Indian Ocean
- Collaborated with the Mau Forest Secretariat in the re-afforestation of Mau Forest water catchment area
- Collaborated with the Northern Range Land Trust in the rehabilitation of degraded rangelands in Northern Kenya
- Collaborated with the Northern Range Land Trust in the rehabilitation of degraded Mangrove Eco-systems in Lower Tana and Lamu
Affiliations
- IUCN-World congress on protected areas, 2014 - Present
- Nature Kenya, 2014 - Present
- CSF, 2014 - Present
Publications And Thesis
- 2015, PhD Thesis: The Impact of Climate variability on the Ecology of a lion (panther leo Linnaeus 1758) Population and Lion Livestock Conflicts in the Amboseli Ecosystem - Kenya
- 2014, Impact of severe climate variability on Ecology of a lion Population and lion livestock conflict in Amboseli ecosystem – Kenya
- 2013, Impact of severe climate variability on Ecology of a lion Population and lion livestock conflict in Amboseli ecosystem – Kenya
- 2002, Advanced Diploma Thesis: The impact of community based conservation initiatives on forest management: a case study of Kilimanjaro National park Tanzania.
Other Roles Held
- Community Warden, Amboseli National Park (KWS), 01/01/06 - 12/31/08
- District Warden, Samburu (KWS), 01/01/01 - 12/31/02
- Community Wildlife Service Warden, Meru Conservation Area, 01/01/99 - 12/31/01
- Area Partnership Officer, North Coast (KWS), 01/01/96 - 12/31/00
- Wildlife Security Ranger, Machakos Station (KWS), 01/01/92 - 12/31/94
Trainings And Conferences
- Leadership Development Program, TNC, 2023
- IPLC Program Training, 2023
- UNEP Coastal and Marine Conservation- Source to Sea, 2022
- WIOMSA Symposium, South Africa, 10/01/22
- Global Staff Enrichment Week, TNC, 05/01/23
- 5th Regional senior Mission Leaders Course, 02/13/17 - 02/24/17
- Strategic leadership and Management (SLDP), 11/24/16 - 12/02/16
- Conservation and conflict management in west and central Africa, Challenges and solutions, 11/03/10 - 11/04/10
- Strategies for nature conservation, Brazil and Kenya Government, 11/06/03 - 11/20/03
- Company Commanders Course, 10/06/03 - 11/28/03
- Strategic planning workshop for Meru National Park, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW), 07/10/00 - 07/13/00
Timeline
Ocean Program Lead - West Indian Blue Ocean (WIO)
The Nature Conservancy
01.2025 - Current
Project Manager
West Indian Blue Ocean (WIO)
04.2021 - 04.2023
Chief Operations Officer
Lewa Conservancy
01.2017 - 12.2020
Senior Warden
Kenya Wildlife Service
01.2014 - 09.2015
Ph.D. - Conservation biology
Leiden University – Institute of Environmental Sciences (CML)
04.2012 - 01.2015
Master of Science - Biology of Conservation
University of Nairobi
09.2010 - 09.2013
Bachelor of Science - Wildlife management
Moi University
09.2003 - 09.2026
High School Diploma -
College of African Wildlife Management
09.2000 - 09.2002
Similar Profiles
Maria Sakaita HUKUIMaria Sakaita HUKUI
Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at The Nature Conservancy (TNC)Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at The Nature Conservancy (TNC)
Lucy MlagalaLucy Mlagala
Monitoring Evaluation and Learning Specialist at The Nature ConservancyMonitoring Evaluation and Learning Specialist at The Nature Conservancy
CHARLES A. PAPACHARLES A. PAPA
Assistant Director at THE NATURE CONSERVANCYAssistant Director at THE NATURE CONSERVANCY