Country Manager Full-Time

Organization Description

Akashinga, in partnership with Africa Futura Wildlife Restoration, is a nature conservation entity – a unique model NGO that delivers resilient nature conservation programmes of global significance through community-driven partnerships, creating resilient ecosystems where nature, wildlife, and communities thrive together, to restore and manage a growing network of Mozambique’s communal wildlife areas.

Role Description

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of Operations Africa, the Country Manager will perform his functions with the focus on successfully manage and consolidate Akashinga’s operations in Mozambique with the aim of empowering local communities and protection and restoration of biodiversity in our project areas.

Responsibilities

• Lead management and implementation of the Akashinga Mozambique management plan, furthering Akashinga’s vision and strategic aims, and alignment with organizational and national priorities and policies;
• Develop annual work plans and budgets with clear priorities and KPIs for Mozambique operations, and ensure their efficient implementation;
• Consult with relevant specialists/consultants externally and within the organization to gather information relevant to the development and implementation of the management plan;
• Collaborate with LEAD Ranger management to ensure smooth operations between Akashinga and LEAD, as per the terms of reference;
• Assist with the design/ update and implementation of organizational strategies, plans and procedures that promote culture and vision when required;
• Support strategic partnership-building/ fundraising activities, in coordination with the Steering Committee and fundraising team, as appropriate;
• Ensure that appropriate support from the Steering Committee is provided for effective operations;
• Develop, manage, and in collaboration with the financial staff, report on a Mozambique country budget for operations;
• Ensure timely technical and financial reporting to the Steering Committee including but not limited to a monthly report;
• Enable appropriate high-quality staffing of Akashinga Mozambique with HR, based upon regular analyses of staffing needs and detailed job descriptions for all positions, and the hiring of qualified staff;
• Supervise Akashinga Mozambique management staff, providing technical assistance as required, in accordance with Akashinga policies, procedures, and standards;
• Collaborate with training providers and HR to ensure that Akashinga Mozambique staff receive the orientations, training, resources, and other support that they require to do their work effectively, with a special focus on the management staff;
• Ensure that all conservation staff working for Akashinga in Mozambique are fully informed of Akashinga’s mission, and are kept up to date of new developments, policies, and procedures as and when they arise;
• Promote an attitude of accountability supported by open, respectful communication with and between Akashinga staff;
• Liaise with the HR department to ensure that all Akashinga staff in Mozambique have clearly-defined objectives, indicators of achievement, and annual work plans, and yearly staff performance appraisals are conducted on time;
• Provide strategic support and collaboration to other Akashinga teams, as appropriate.

Required Skills

Security Management and Operations

• Extensive experience in security management, particularly in anti-poaching operations;
• Crisis management.

Conservation and Ecological Knowledge

• Strong understanding of ecological conservation principles and practices.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• In-depth knowledge of local laws and regulations related to law enforcement and wildlife protection.

Community Engagement and Development

• Skills in building and maintaining community relationships and participation.

Desirable Skills

Experience in Similar Environments

• Previous experience working in protected areas or similar challenging environments;
• Understanding of the specific challenges faced by conservation efforts in Mozambique or Southern Africa.

Interpersonal Skills

• Strong interpersonal skills for effective collaboration with various stakeholders including government officials, local communities, and international partners;
• Conflict resolution and negotiation skills.

Adaptability and Cultural Sensitivity

• Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in diverse cultural settings;
• Sensitivity to the cultural and social dynamics of the local communities.

Project Management

• Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Minimum Qualifications

Educational Background

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Wildlife Management, Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Law Enforcement, or a related discipline;
• A Master’s degree in a relevant field would be advantageous.

Experience

• At least 10 years of experience in wildlife management, anti-poaching operations, or law enforcement within a conservation or protected area context.

Skills

• Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience in mentoring and developing staff;
• Knowledge of local laws and regulations related to wildlife protection and law enforcement.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to work in challenging and remote environments;
• Demonstrated ability to make evidence-based decisions and implement strategic plans;
• Commitment to ethical practices and compliance with organizational SOPs and code of conduct.

Desirable (But Not Minimum) Qualifications

Local Experience

• Previous work experience in Southern Africa, with an understanding of regional conservation challenges.

Qualifications and other requirements

• A diploma/degree in Wildlife Management or equivalent qualification;
• Ability to speak Portuguese will be advantageous.

How to Apply

If you meet the above requirements and you would like to work within a challenging environment in some of Mozambique’s most wild and beautiful places, then please forward a letter of application describing how you meet the requirements and a current CV in English (in Word or PDF format only). Quoting reference: “Akashinga Country Manager 2024”. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further assessment and possible interview.