COUNTRY MANAGER - MOZAMBIQUE

Akashinga conducts direct conservation activities at 4 sites in Zimbabwe, Mozambique, and Botswana, with a combined complement of rangers and support staff approaching 400 FTE.

We are an innovative nature conservation organization that creates resilient ecosystems where nature, wildlife, and communities will thrive together for years to come. Taking on some of the largest biodiversity conservation projects on the African continent, Akashinga delivers ecological stability and long-term protection of large-scale wilderness landscapes by deploying female ranger teams, and supporting and empowering local communities.

Under the overall guidance and supervision of the Director of Operations Africa, the Country Manager will perform his/her functions with the focus on successfully managing and consolidating Akashinga’s operations in Coutada 5 in Mozambique with the aim of empowering local communities and protection and restoration of biodiversity in our project area.

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 Academy management to ensure smooth operations between Akashinga and L, 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;
• 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 & Crisis Management: Extensive experience in security, especially anti-poaching, and crisis management.
• Conservation & Legal Knowledge: Strong understanding of ecological conservation principles, local laws, and regulations related to wildlife protection.
• Community & Stakeholder Engagement: Skilled in building community programs and collaborating with government, local communities, and international partners.
• Interpersonal & Conflict Resolution Skills: Strong interpersonal skills, including conflict resolution and negotiation.
• Adaptability & Cultural Sensitivity: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances and work effectively in diverse cultural settings with sensitivity to local social dynamics.
• Project Management & Prioritization: Demonstrated ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Leadership & Team Development: Strong leadership, team management, and experience mentoring staff.
• Remote Work & Strategic Decision-Making: Ability to work in challenging environments, make evidence-based decisions, and implement strategic plans.
• Ethical Practices: Commitment to ethical standards and compliance with organizational guidelines.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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;
• At least 10 years of experience in conservation operations or protected area context;
• Previous work experience in Southern Africa, with an understanding of regional conservation challenges;
• Demonstrable experience managing large conservation grants & budgets;
• Ability to speak Portuguese will be advantageous.

If you meet the above requirements and you would like to work in some of Mozambique’s most wild and beautiful places, then please forward a letter of application no later than 23 October 2024, describing how you meet the requirements and a current CV in English (in Word or PDF format only) to: leonel.sarmento@akashinga.org quoting reference: “Akashinga Country Manager 2024”. Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for further assessment and possible interview.