Field Operations Manager

  • Fixed Contract
  • Mulanje

Mount Mulanje Conservation Trust

JOB ADVERTISEMENT.

Position Title : FIELD OPERATIONS MANAGER.
Reports to: The Executive Director.
Location: Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve.
Position Level : Head of MMCT Field Programme Operations.
Contract Type : Fixed term (3 years).

Context
Established in 2000, Mount Mulanje Conservation Trust supports the Department of Forestry, key local partner organisations and neighbouring village community groups to implement the ecological management priorities of the Mulanje Mountain Forest Reserve (MMFR). MMCT also fosters the sustainable management of Mt Mulanje’s natural resources to achieve community, conservation and commerce goals that improve village life within the Mount Mulanje Biosphere Reserve (MMBR).

MMCT is currently seeking a dynamic Field Operations Manager to lead its programme activities within the MMBR. Operating under agreements with the Department of Forestry and many partner agencies, MMCT supports, facilitates and implements biodiversity conservation, environmental management and community development actions within the MMBR MMCT is undergoing a structured transition process of change to improve its organisational governance and management effectiveness, and the Field Operations Manager will play a crucial role in this ongoing process.

Position.

This is a senior management position.

  • This position also reports to and attends all Committees of the Board of Trustees.
  • The Field Operations Manager directly supervises and coordinates the following programmes:
    • Biodiversity Conservation, Research & Monitoring
    • Forest Co-management & Sustainable Livelihoods.
    • Tourism & Commercial Development.
    • Law Enforcement.
    • Monitoring & Evaluation.

Key Responsibilities.

  • Oversee MMCT MMBR programmes and operations to achieve priority conservation and livelihoods results.
  • Lead and manage MMBR staff to foster a collaborative and high-performance team.
  • Set MMBR operational direction for MMCT programmes in collaboration with responsible officers.
  • Manage activities to targets, expenditure within budget, and report to schedule
  • Build strong relationships with government partners, donors, peer networks, partner agencies, traditional authorities, community structures & collaborative groups, and other stakeholders.
  • Assist the Executive Director to develop priority and effective strategies and action plans for fundraising, socio-economic activities and investments.

Qualifications, Competencies and Experience Required for the Position.

  • Tertiary qualifications preferably in Biological Sciences, Conservation, Operations Management & Administration.
  • Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision and objectives into action.
  • Demonstrable track-record of leadership skills and highly collaborative teamwork.
  • At least ten years’ experience in management, in an operations management position.
  • Proven track-record of operational excellence in achieving results in a complex organisation.
  • Strong financial management experience in charge of organisational and project budgets.
  • Proven strong human resource management skills; motivational and values driven.
  • Ability to develop and maintain strong, innovative, national and international partnerships.
  • Ability to promote MMCT’s work to a wide and diverse audience, including the media.
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
  • Ability to manage teams around key priorities within multiple projects to achieve expected targets, outcomes, and reporting requirements within deadlines.
  • Strong understanding of operational safeguards, mitigation of risks & quality standards.
  • Resilient and flexible, able to operate effectively from remote/rural area.
  • Ability to work under pressure, while maintaining high-quality results.
  • Honest, responsible, self-motivated, and able to take initiative under minimum supervision.

To apply for this position, please communicate a cover letter explaining your motivation for application, your comprehensive CV and contact details of three past employment referees to email address – finance@mountmulanje.org.mw

Submission deadline is close of business day on Friday, 16th May 2025.