Head of Operations and Development

BACKGROUND

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year Co-Management Agreement for the sustainable development and management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, forming the Nyika-Vwaza Complex, which is an integral component of the Malawi-Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). These two protected areas collectively cover over 4,000 sq. km of land.

The Department of National Parks and Wildlife(DNPW) is an agency of the Government of Malawi responsible for managing protected areas within and outside the protected areas, as mandated by the National Parks and Wildlife Act (CAP 66.07).

Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit conservation organisation specialising in large-scale conservation through the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas and the long-term management of key protected areas in partnership with government conservation agencies and local communities.

Under the agreement between DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation, a special non-profit and efficient legal entity, the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust (Trust) was established in Malawi. The Trust is responsible for the management and development of the Nyika-Vwaza complex. It is overseen by a Board of Trustees (Board) appointed by DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation, in accordance with the Co-Management agreement provisions, and the Trust’s Constitution.

A Park Management Unit is being formed within the Trust to implement the Strategic Business Plan, and is led by a Chief Executive Officer, appointed by the Board.

As part of its Park Management Unit, the Trust is looking for a suitably qualified and experienced professional to fill the position of Head of Operations and Development.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Trust is looking for an experienced and dedicated Head of Operations and Development to oversee and coordinate the development and implementation of programs and operations. Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, this role will be responsible for coordinating, overseeing, and evaluating conservation, law enforcement, community engagement, tourism, and other initiatives to support the Trust’s objectives, while ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and standards.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Planning and Development:

• Contribute to the development/updating of the Trust’s Strategic Business Plan and Integrated Management Plan, as well as any other strategic plans for conservation, community engagement, tourism, and other programs in alignment with the Trust’s mission and objectives.
• Coordinate with relevant stakeholders (concessionaires, Non-Government Organisations) to align their support to the Trust’s priorities and transparently integrate them into the Trust’s five-year work plan and annual budget.
• Conduct needs assessments and research to inform program development and decision-making.
• Develop and update key Trust’s operations documentation, policies and standard operating procedures.

Program Implementation, Management, and Reporting:

• Coordinate with internal departments and external partners on the implementation of program activities:
  • Including project planning, budgeting, scheduling, and resource allocation across various programs
  • Ensuring effective, transparent, and efficient program delivery.
• Oversee procurement and compliance with donor agreements.
• Monitor program progress and performance against established goals and objectives.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports for stakeholders and donor agencies.

Infrastructure Management:

• Structure and lead an internal maintenance team
• Develop and regularly update a Trust maintenance plan identifying and prioritising maintenance needs, both short-term and long-term.
• Develop and implement a system of inspection to keep track of the maintenance activities
• Ensure the development of a Trust Infrastructure Masterplan, including roads, airstrip, buildings, and utilities.
• Ensure that infrastructure projects align with the Trust Infrastructure Masterplan, conservation objectives, and protected area regulations.
• Develop and implement waste management plans.

Logistics, Fleet Management, Assets:

• Oversee the management of the Trust’s fleet of vehicles, including maintenance schedules, repairs, and replacements.
• Oversee the management of the Trust’s aviation equipment (fixed wing, helicopter), including maintenance schedules, repairs, and replacements.
• Oversee the management of the Trust’s fleet of road maintenance equipment, including maintenance schedules, repairs, and replacements.
• Oversee logistics for the Trust’s operations, including equipment procurement, supplies, and fuel management.
• Oversee the maintenance of asset registers and reporting as required.

Ecological Services:

• Oversee ecological management initiatives, including fire management, wildlife monitoring, capture and relocation, disease management, and invasive species control.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of conservation plans and strategies.
• Assist in the development and implementation of human-wildlife conflict programs and strategies.
• Oversee the development of a framework to guide scientific services and research efforts in a transparent and coordinated way that serves Trust priorities.

Law Enforcement:

• Work closely with the Park Managers and Rapid Response Unit Coordinator to oversee and support law enforcement activities within the Trust.
• Assist in the development and implementation of anti-poaching programs and strategies.
• Ensure proper documentation and reporting of law enforcement activities.
• Ensure that law enforcement activities follow international best practices.

Development and Concessionaire Interaction:

• Ensure the development and implementation of a Trust tourism plan.
• Harmonise concession agreements and ensure they follow the industry best practices.
• Liaise with concessionaires operating within the Trust to ensure compliance with the agreements signed.
• Facilitate communication and collaboration between concessionaires and Trust management.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

• Develop and implement monitoring and evaluation frameworks to assess the effectiveness and impact of program activities.
• Oversee the performance of all operational departments to ensure that they meet their respective targets and contribute to the Trust’s overall strategic objectives.
• Establish key performance indicators for each department and regularly assess progress against these benchmarks.
• Conduct regular performance reviews and ensure that any deviations from planned activities are addressed and corrected on time.
• Undertake performance evaluations on delivery objectives to provide appropriate interventions and corrective actions.
• Collect and analyze data to measure program outcomes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and inform program improvements.
• Prepare regular reports and presentations on program performance for Trust management, stakeholders, and donors.

Compliance and Risk Management:

• Manage risk and compliance issues related to the Trust’s operational programmes, ensuring that all activities strictly adhere to internal policies, donor requirements, and applicable legal frameworks.
• Ensure a proactive and thorough approach to serious incident reporting.
• Foster a culture of transparency and learning, encouraging extensive reporting and addressing incidents with a ‘learning from our mistakes’ mindset, to continuously improve operational practices.
• Lead the management of human rights and occupational health and safety issues, ensuring both risk compliance and effective risk management
• Ensure the Trust is equipped with a grievance mechanism and stakeholder engagement plan that follows international best practices.
• Ensure compliance with social, safety, and environmental standards in all programs.

The Head of Operations and Development will undertake any reasonable duties assigned by the Trust’s Chief Executive Officer.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree in natural sciences, project management, business administration, or related fields.
• A minimum of 15 years’ experience in conservation management, logistics, or a related field in Southern Africa; knowledge and experience in Malawi will be advantageous.
• Proven experience in the following types of programs:
  • Planning and development of conservation areas;
  • Management of large Protected Area/s, including counter-poaching programmes;
  • Working with rural communities in the field of governance, resource use, and livelihood programmes and projects;
• Strong financial management and fundraising skills;
• Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team.
• Proven track record in strategic planning and execution.
• Skills in negotiating, excellent interpersonal communications, and program management are essential.
• Track record, ability, and willingness to live and work in remote conditions are highly advantageous.
• Experience in management, liaison, monitoring and evaluation, compliance, and reporting on large foreign donor programmes;
• Proficiency in English.

The Head of Operations and Development is expected to be an achiever and team player who has already made a mark in the conservation arena of Southern Africa. They are expected to be a dynamic and innovative manager with strong planning, monitoring, reporting, and leadership/teamwork skills.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number, email address, and contact details of at least three contactable references. These should be submitted by 13 December 2025.

Please apply online.

A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.

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