The Wildlife Action Group (WAG) is a Malawian non-profit conservation organisation that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of Thuma Forest Reserve and Dedza Salima Escarpment Forest Reserve in partnership with governments and local communities. An exciting opportunity is available with WAG as a Field Operations manager. This role will support our Park manager. This person must have a passion for conservation with previous experience in the field, strong planning and logistic back ground, ability to prepare budgets, reports, monitor and ovulate data, be physically fit with good communications skills, ability to work alone and manage teams. This person needs to be highly motivated and willing and able to work in a challenging environment .
Role and Responsibilities of the Field Operations Manager (FOM):
Technical:
- Design, budget and execute construction projects according to contracted terms and to the correct standard;
- Actively manage all contractors on site;
- Ensure a proper functioning radio communications and GPS, mapping systems.
- Logistics management, workshop management, construction, maintenance & repair of project equipment and infrastructure (buildings and fence), airstrips and mechanical assets;
- Work closely with the Law Enforcement, Operations Department, Sustainable Projects Department and Community Department to ensure their equipment needs are met so that their operations run smoothly;
- Source suppliers & negotiate prices and terms within the WAG procurement policy;
- Ensure effective stock control and storage management systems are in place;
- Participate in infrastructure and fleet procurement;
- Oversee transport and/or storage of deliveries to the park;
- Ensure all relevant licenses / permits for all vehicles are in place;
- Ensure fleet serviced and maintained according to a preventative maintenance schedule and operated to reduce cost and risk;
- Ensure fleet replacement as per the replacement schedule;
- Promote a culture of safety amongst staff operating vehicles and machinery.
Law enforcement, Conservation and Other Field Operations:
- In conjunction with the Head of Law Enforcement and Park Ranger coordinate the law enforcement and intelligence activities;
- Provide leadership through participation to ensure a well-motivated and effective LE team that can ensure area integrity;
- Ensure necessary logistical support is in place to enable LE function
- Ensure LE team adequately equipped and all materials are regularly upgraded according to WAG SOP’s;
- Ensure LE team adequately trained as required;
- Be responsible for translocation operations, animal monitoring and tracking activities;
- Manage all human wildlife conflict incidents;
- Oversee activities being undertaken by the vet (collaring, recues and rehabilate)
- Record, document and analysis‘ all LE patrol data
- Report monthly of patrol activities, animal sightings, produce maps etc
- Provide field support to research partners and others as required.
Community Development :
- The FOM will actively manage the sustainable projects in conjunction with the Sustainable Projects Development Manager;
- The FOM will work with the Community Department and the CRB ensuring that the Food security projects are sustainable to the point where it will be handed over to the CRB;
- The FOM will actively manage all the JumpStart projects in conjunction with the Sustainable Projects Development Manager and the CRB;
General :
- liaise with the Community Division to ensure that the goals of the Law Enforcement Division are not inconsistent with Community goals;
- stand for the Park Manager when he/she is on leave or away from the Park;
- participate in the Duty Manager weekend roster, in conjunction with the Park Manager, Head of Law Enforcement, Community Manager, and Tourism Manager;
- ensure the adherence to the WAG Standard Operating Procedures in all activities under his control.
Required qualifications, competencies and experience:
- Relevant tertiary qualification, e.g. park operations / conservation / wildlife management
- 3-5 years’ experience working in similar environments and roles
- Experience in non-profit organisations
- Experience working in multi-cultural environments
- Good communication skills
- Good financial management skills
- Strong project management skills
- Analytical skills
- Stakeholder relationship management skills
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Strong team leadership skills
- Results oriented
- Highly resilient – must be able to work in remote and challenging environments
To apply, please email your CV and cover letter to WAG on [email protected]
Check out www.wildlifeactiongroupmalawi.org