Consultancy – Design & Implementation of Marine Megafauna Drone Monitoring

About the role

The International Fund for Animal Welfare seeks a senior consultant to design and implement a Marine Megafauna Drone Monitoring programme along Kenya's coastline. The consultancy will create a robust, scalable framework that standardises drone‑based surveys, data handling and long‑term monitoring protocols.

Key responsibilities

• Develop a comprehensive framework and operational strategy for drone‑based marine megafauna monitoring.
• Design standardised survey methodologies, select monitoring sites and define sampling frequencies.
• Create data management plans, including storage, processing, quality control and reporting procedures.
• Draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) for UAV deployment, safety, and stakeholder coordination.
• Provide guidance on scalability to extend the programme beyond Kilifi and Lamu counties.

Required profile

• Senior‑level professional with at least 10 years of experience in marine conservation, wildlife monitoring or environmental consulting.
• Proven track record designing and managing UAV‑based monitoring programmes.
• Strong understanding of Kenyan coastal ecosystems and marine megafauna.
• Excellent analytical, report‑writing and stakeholder‑engagement skills.

Required skills

• UAV/drone operation and flight planning.
• GIS mapping and spatial analysis.
• Data management and database design.
• Statistical analysis of ecological data.

What we offer

• Contract‑based engagement with IFAW.
• Opportunity to shape a national‑scale marine monitoring system.
• Collaboration with leading conservation experts and local authorities.