Job Detail

Job Title : Field Operations Manager – Malawi

Reports to: Country Director, Malawi-Zambia

Location: Kasungu, Malawi

Job Type: Full Time

Position Summary/ Objective

Reporting to the Country Director, Malawi-Zambia, the Field Operations Manager-Malawi oversees field-based operations in the Malawian side of the Malawi-Zambia Landscape (MAZALA), including infrastructure development & maintenance, fleet management, logistics, and conservation activities for the Wildlife Crime, Landscape Conservation and Community Engagement Programs.

The primary purpose of the role will be the implementation of joint IFAW- DNPW Malawi interventions in Kasungu National Park in Malawi.  This includes organization and oversight of all IFAW supported labour in the landscape (including law enforcement, construction and mechanical teams, community engagement, research/monitoring, and casual/general labour), coaching technical team leaders to ensure all IFAW supported activities are delivered efficiently and effectively. The role will work closely with Malawian law enforcement and investigations agencies operating in the landscape to ensure IFAW-supported law enforcement operations are guided by relevant Malawian legislation. The role will also be responsible for ensuring IFAW supported infrastructure is constructed and maintained, and IFAW-funded machinery, equipment and vehicles are serviced and maintained appropriately, as well as providing support to research and media partners operating in the landscape, and participating in any animal rescue translocation or wildlife monitoring/tracking activities.

Role and Responsibilities

• Provide technical expertise to support timely and quality delivery of project outputs and outcomes and ensure the long-term impact of project activities as it relates to the Malawian component of MAZALA, with a focus on strengthening law enforcement, park conservation, research activities and sustainable community livelihoods enhancement.
• Support the development and implementation of annual activity plans & budgets for the Malawian component of MAZALA for Landscape Conservation, Wildlife Crime and Community Engagement Programs.
• Ensure effective budget management and cost control for all interventions including ensuring adherence to procurement procedures and enforcing that contractors execute according to contracted terms.
• Provide accurate reports on all landscape operations activities to the Country Director, including quarterly technical and financial reports.
• Support development of project proposals, identify funding opportunities and assist with conducting due diligence to ensure institutional goals and landscape objectives are aligned.
• Work with relevant teams and departments, to review expenditures charged to restricted grants and other budgets to ensure that costs are reconciled to budgets and are in compliance with grant or contract terms and conditions.
• Collaborate with relevant staff on project-related communications including writing, editing and helping with web stories, fact sheets, publications and other knowledge and communications material.
• Work with the Finance and Administration Officer in facilitating procurement of in-country supplies and equipment to ensure compliance with IFAW procurement policies.
• Represent, when necessary and appropriate, IFAW and the Country Director to government and the public, media, local / traditional authorities / structures, other NGOs, key opinion leaders and influencers, and other relevant entities in Malawi.
• Manage and oversee contractors as necessary.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

• At least 5 years’ experience in program management in animal welfare/conservation.
• Tertiary education in a field relevant to park administration, biodiversity conservation and wildlife management preferred
• Demonstrable experience in one or all of the following park management disciplines: technical (construction, mechanics, fence building, fence maintenance, water systems, solar), conservation (game relocations, veterinary, conservation knowledge or training), law enforcement (field experience, field management, law enforcement techniques, law enforcement technologies and wildlife crime investigations).
• Proven record of accomplishment in field based implementation of landscape level programs and an understanding of the importance of planning, monitoring and evaluation in delivering effective programs.
• An effective knowledge of media, national and international politics and conservation trends.
• Demonstrable leadership and management skills developed from managing a staff team or contractors.
• Proven cross-cultural, interdisciplinary and landscape / geography based work experience.
• Strong personal integrity and dependability.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in English and any other local Malawian language.
• Valid working permit / national or resident of Malawi.

Other Duties  

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department and our company.

At IFAW, we aim to create and foster a workforce that reflects and contributes to the diverse, global community in which we work to improve the lives of both animals and people.    We are dedicated to fostering justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion so we actively encourage candidates from diverse backgrounds.

POSITION TYPE/EXPECTED HOURS OF WORK

Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as job duties demand and overtime may be required. All overtime hours must be pre-approved by your manager. There will also be an expectation of travel within this role.

How to apply

Please send a motivational letter indicating your suitability to this position and a detailed CV including three relevant referees to recruitmalawi@ifaw.org not later than 23rd September, 2022.