Operations Manager

Description

• At Fauna & Flora, our shared purpose is to protect the diversity of life on Earth, for the survival of the planet and its people. We work closely with local conservation partners around the world to save nature, together. We harness this collective expertise to inspire positive change globally. Mozambique Team
• Fauna & Flora has been involved in wildlife conservation and management in Mozambique for many years, and took on management of the Niassa Game Reserve with SGDRN in the late 1990s. Alongside continued support to Niassa through various partnerships, and specifically through work in Chuilexi Conservancy, a vast 7,500Km2 block in the East of the Reserve, Fauna & Flora’s portfolio within Mozambique also includes direct support to Chimanimani National Park (CNP) and a nascent marine programme
• Focusing on finding long-term and locally owned solutions to the conservation of biodiversity and nature, the goal of Fauna & Flora’s Mozambique programme is to be, and to be recognised as, a valued partner in the conservation of Mozambique’s biodiversity, working with and supporting government and other local, national and international partners by supporting the locally led conservation and management of Mozambique’s biodiversity, supporting the national and international recognition of Mozambique’s biodiversity, and supporting Mozambique to achieve gains for biodiversity and people whilst engaging with business, infrastructure and development
• The Opportunity: We are seeking an experienced Operations Manager to lead and coordinate the essential operational functions that enable effective conservation delivery in Chimanimani National Park. You will oversee systems, infrastructure, logistics, safety, and compliance, ensuring that park operations run efficiently and support the achievement of conservation, community and visitor‑focused objectives
• As the lead operational professional on site, you will have a high degree of autonomy while working closely with the Chief Park Warden, the Fauna & Flora operations team, and a range of technical and field units. Your role will be diverse—covering operational planning, fleet and asset management, procurement, health and safety, staff supervision, and coordination of technologies such as SMART and Garmin inReach
• You will bring sound operational management experience, strong organisational skills, and the ability to work proactively in a dynamic, remote environment. A practical, solutions‑focused approach, coupled with excellent communication and people‑management skills, will be essential to building strong relationships and supporting a high‑performing park team
• This is an excellent opportunity to further develop your career in a supportive and impactful conservation setting. You will work alongside committed colleagues and partners, contributing directly to strengthened park operations and the long‑term protection of one of Mozambique’s most important protected areas

Terms and Conditions

• Start Date: 30th June 2026
• Duration of Contract: Permanent
• Probation Period: Six months
• Gross Salary Range: Circa MZN 2,989,165 per annum
• Location: Chimanimani National Park (CNP), Chimoio, Mozambique with travel within Mozambique to Fauna & Flora project sites, and to Maputo
• Benefits: 25 working days’ annual leave entitlement plus national public holidays observed in Mozambique Medical Insurance, for you and up to three dependents
• Hours of Work: This is a full-time position, working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday inclusive

Duties

• Key External Relationships: The Operations Manager, will represent Chimanimani National Park with national and local government agencies, communities and community-based organisations, international and national partner NGOs and for-profit entities, academic institutions, funders and donors, representing the values and interests of ANAC and Fauna & Flora Fauna & Flora at all times
• Purpose: The Operations Manager, will provide operational leadership for Chimanimani National Park, ensuring the effective day-to-day delivery of conservation outcomes under the ANAC–Fauna & Flora co-management agreement. The role is responsible for establishing and overseeing robust systems, assets, and human resources that enable law enforcement, biodiversity management, community engagement, and visitor services, while ensuring full compliance with legal, donor, and organizational requirements
• Main Duties: To coordinate and implement all operational obligations under the Co- management Agreement between ANAC and Fauna & Flora for CNP, In coordination with the GOM, provide support for the daily operational activities at CNP, including—but not limited to—infrastructure development, fleet management, logistics, human resources, communications, procurement, recruitment, compliance, governance, and financial management, safe and compliant operations with robust risk, health, safety and security (HSS) and operational support to law enforcement

Specific Duties

Operational Systems & Service Delivery

• Lead the day-to-day operational functioning of CNP, ensuring systems, assets and personnel are in place to support conservation, law enforcement, community and visitor activities
• Establish, maintain and continuously improve operational systems including fleet, fuel, stores and logistics pipelines for field operations
• Ensure operational readiness for emergency and incident response (e.g., fire, flood, accidents, security threats) in coordination with relevant units
• Serve as the primary coordination point for operational support across park units, ensuring timely tasking and problem-solving
• Ensure the effective integration and management of SMART and Garmin in Reach technologies for patrol effort monitoring, including device functionality, data quality assurance, staff compliance with data collection protocols, and timely use of information for internal and donor reporting

Infrastructure, Facilities & Asset Management

• Oversee planning, construction, rehabilitation and maintenance of park infrastructure (ranger posts/outposts, roads/bridges, offices, staff housing, visitor facilities, radio communications networks) in line with ANAC standards and approved plans
• Be accountable for the continuous functionality and effectiveness of the Operations Room, ensuring it is adequately staffed, equipped, and managed to enable real-time coordination of law enforcement, emergency response, and operational decision-making
• Apply environmental and social safeguards to infrastructure works, including method statements, supervision and compliance documentation
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date asset and property registers; ensure tagging, condition assessments and preventive maintenance scheduling with annual physical verification
• Oversee management and maintenance of the park’s ICT infrastructure, including internet systems, routers, network connectivity, and digital equipment
• Manage the maintenance and functionality of all communication systems, including VHF/HF radios, satellite devices, and related accessories
• Oversee management and maintenance of the park’s ICT infrastructure, including internet systems, routers, network connectivity, and digital equipment
• Oversee all mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and general maintenance activities to ensure systems operate safely and efficiently

Procurement, Contracts & Service Providers

• Lead operational procurement: prepare technical specifications/TORs, support vendor sourcing and technical evaluations in compliance with SOPs, Mozambican law and donor compliance
• Manage operational contracts and service providers (construction, maintenance, fleet service), tracking deliverables, quality and timelines
• Ensure segregation of duties with Finance for financial approvals, payments and audits

Health, Safety, Security & Risk Management

• Act as Operational Focal Point for HSS; develop and maintain site-specific risk assessments and emergency response plans
• Implement incident reporting, investigation and corrective actions; conduct regular safety briefings and drills
• Coordinate security protocols with Chief Park Warden, Head of Law Enforcement and Country/GOM focal points as needed.

Human Resources & Team Management

• Line-manage assigned operational staff, setting clear objectives, conducting regular catch-up meetings, and conducting regular performance check-ins
• Lead recruitment processes for operational roles (where applicable), ensure effective induction, onboarding and deployment
• Identify operational capacity gaps; contribute to annual training needs assessments and implementation of training plans (logistics, HSS, systems)

Planning, Coordination & Reporting

• Provide operational inputs to annual work plans, infrastructure plans and donor reports (non-financial sections)
• Track and report operational KPIs (e.g., fleet availability, infrastructure condition, procurement cycle times, incident statistics)
• Coordinate budget phasing for operational activities and ensure donor compliance and reporting, in coordination with the Grants & Operations Manager
• Be responsible for the operational coordination of wildlife monitoring and management activities, including game counts, veterinary services, and related field operations, in collaboration with the
• Conservation team, ensuring appropriate logistics, staffing, equipment, and systems are in place
• Work closely with the Law Enforcement team to coordinate field operations, ensuring effective operational planning, communications, and deployment, including the use and integration of SMART, Garmin in Reach, radio, and other operational technologies

Compliance & Co-management Obligations

• Ensure operational compliance with the Co-management Agreement, Mozambican labour/safety/environmental legislation and Fauna & Flora SOPs
• Act as operational liaison with ANAC counterparts for infrastructure, assets and logistics coordination.
• Apply and adopt ethical, sound and responsible practices to achieve best practices in the management, financing and sustainable development of the CNP, under the terms of the Co- management
• Agreement, the Business Plan and Mozambican legislation
• Pro-actively contribute to the development of a joint business Plan between Fauna & Flora and ANAC for the Project in year one of the agreement
• Responsible for ensuring compliance with the terms and conditions stipulated to operate in the CNP, by tour operators and/or concessionaires in conjunction with PMU
• Other:
• Work as an active member of the Mozambique and wider Africa team and attend Mozambique and Africa team meetings and work planning sessions as required
• Provide technical input, where appropriate and requested, on other work undertaken by the Mozambique and Africa programme
• With agreement of the GOM, perform any other tasks that may be requested from time to time, which are appropriate to the Operations manager CNP’s skills and experience, and relevant to the scope of this role

Requisites

• Fluent written and spoken English
• Excellent operational management skills, that are mindful of practicability, and proven experience in process management; logistics planning; risk management; health, safety and security management; and legal compliance
• Excellent financial management, within proven experience in process management, budgeting, reforecasting and procurement
• Excellent Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and data management skills, with proven ability use standard software packages and provide basic ICT support
• Excellent people management skills, with ability to motivate and performance manage individuals to achieve excellence
• Strong problem-solving skills
• Strong verbal communication, networking and interpersonal skills, with ability and confidence to interact, negotiate and persuade at all levels
• Strong prioritization and time management skills
• Ability to lead and manage both decisions and people, in line with other decision makers, in high stress environments
• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Operations Management, Project Management, Logistics, Natural Resource Management, Conservation Management, or related field
• Minimum 7 years of relevant Professional experience working in operations and logistics management
• Proven track record in health, safety and security management
• Proven track record in financial management, including across a number of contracts/grants
• Proven track record of effective line management
• Supporting donor reporting
• Long-term experience living and working in remote locations with limited resources and amenities, and content to live in such conditions again for extended periods
• Demonstrates Fauna & Flora’s values
• Self-motivated, independent and resourceful
• Commitment to organisational and legal compliance, and responsible management of donor funds
• Team player, with ability to seek out views of others and build positive working relationships
• Able to work effectively in a supervisory role, supporting managers and decision makers
• Confident in managing work in remote settings
• Ability to work under pressure and to deal with challenges in a positive and constructive way
• Commitment to working in a collaborative manner, sharing information and learning
• Ability to work within a multi-cultural environment
• Others:
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly and at short notice within Mozambique
• Willingness and ability to travel internationally when required. Pre-existing right to work in Mozambique
• Desirable:
• Proven ability to assess capacity, mentor and develop skills of Project Staff
• Proven operational management skills in remote, developing countries
• Fluency in Portuguese and English (spoken and written) required
• Ability to communicate effectively with government authorities, partners, and internal teams
• Strong commitment to conservation and organisational values
• A Master’s degree (MBA or relevant field) is an advantage
• Managing multi-functional operational areas (logistics, fleet, procurement, HR, infrastructure, finance, ITC,etc.)
• Experience working under formal agreements (MoU, SGA, Co-management agreements) is highly desirable
• An understanding of key issues impacting conservation in Mozambique
• Full driving license and willingness to drive in Mozambique

Notes

• Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted
• No agencies please
• Regrettably, due to limited resources and the high number of applications we receive, we are only able to contact short-listed candidates. If you do not hear from us within four weeks of the closing date, please assume that you have not been successful on this occasion
• Applicants with Disabilities Fauna & Flora encourages applications from individuals with a disability who are able to carry out the duties of the post. If you have special needs in relation to your application, please contact Eduardo.Govene@fauna-flora.org