At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to lead impactful plant conservation and forest restoration projects in East Africa.
- Company: BGCI is a global leader in botanic gardens conservation with a focus on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time contract, and opportunities for fieldwork and professional growth.
- Other info: Work from Nairobi with a dynamic team and engage in exciting field trips.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in climate resilience and biodiversity while working with local communities.
- Qualifications: Strong background in plant conservation, forest management, and independent work skills.
The predicted salary is between 12300 - 14200 £ per year.
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) is seeking to recruit an individual with a strong technical background on plant conservation, forest restoration and forest management policies to join our Africa team as a conservation officer. BGCI Africa is running several restoration and tree conservation projects in East Africa and works with partner organizations and local communities.
The conservation officer will work on the new “Restore Kaya: Amplifying Indigenous Kaya Voices through Policy and Science towards creating a climate resilient community” project and ‘Kaya Connect: Restoring the Eastern Africa Coastal Forest Biodiversity Hotspot – Phase II. This role will work closely with the BGCI Africa team (based in Nairobi) and the Community Liaison Officer (based in Kilifi County).
The candidate will also be self-motivated, and able to work independently. The appointed person will work from BGCI Africa Office in Nairobi, Kenya, with field trips in the country, and be connected to our global team. The appointed person must be eligible to work in Kenya.
Candidates for this post will have a strong technical background on plant conservation and forest restoration particularly tree nursery management, seed collection, monitoring and propagation in nurseries, forest and tree conservation policies and plant surveys. The candidate will also be self-motivated, and able to work independently.
Deadline: 01 March 2026
Contract: Full time (three-years)
Salary: KES1.836m – KES2.142m pa dependent on level of experience within a broad range experience, required qualifications, training and performance.
Location: BGCI Africa Office, IUCN Eastern and Southern Africa Regional Office, Mukoma Road, P.O. Box 68000 – 00200, Nairobi
Conservation Officer - Africa - Botanic Gardens Conservation International in Richmond employer: Botanic Gardens Conservation International
At Botanic Gardens Conservation International, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer dedicated to plant conservation and community engagement. Our Nairobi office offers a collaborative work culture where employees are encouraged to grow through meaningful projects like 'Restore Kaya' and 'Kaya Connect', providing unique opportunities for professional development in the heart of East Africa's biodiversity hotspots. Join us to make a tangible impact while enjoying a supportive environment that values innovation and sustainability.
Contact Details:
Botanic Gardens Conservation International Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Conservation Officer - Africa - Botanic Gardens Conservation International in Richmond
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the conservation field, especially those connected to BGCI. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your work in plant conservation and forest management. Include any projects you've led or contributed to, especially those related to tree nursery management or community engagement. This will help you stand out when you meet potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to BGCI and express your interest in their projects. Share your passion for conservation and how you can contribute to their mission. A little initiative can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on industry trends! Follow relevant blogs, podcasts, and social media accounts that focus on plant conservation and forest restoration. This knowledge will not only prepare you for interviews but also show your commitment to the field when you chat with potential employers.
We think you need these skills to ace Conservation Officer - Africa - Botanic Gardens Conservation International in Richmond
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Conservation:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for plant conservation and forest restoration shine through. We want to see how your values align with our mission at BGCI, so share any relevant experiences or projects that highlight your commitment to the cause.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for this role. Highlight your technical background in areas like tree nursery management and seed collection, as these are key to what we’re looking for. We love seeing candidates who take the time to connect their skills to our specific needs.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your qualifications and experiences are easy to understand. This helps us get a quick grasp of your fit for the role.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it reaches us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Botanic Gardens Conservation International
✨Know Your Conservation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of plant conservation, forest restoration, and management policies. Be ready to discuss specific projects you've worked on or relevant experiences that showcase your technical background.
✨Show Your Passion for Community Engagement
Since this role involves working closely with local communities, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully engaged with communities in the past. Highlight any experience you have in collaboration or partnership-building.
✨Demonstrate Independence and Self-Motivation
The job requires someone who can work independently, so think of instances where you've taken initiative or led a project on your own. Be ready to explain how you manage your time and stay motivated without constant supervision.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the 'Restore Kaya' project and the 'Kaya Connect' initiative. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to BGCI's mission in Africa.
