Job Details

Job Description

Introduction

Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a Zambian non-profit organisation dedicated to the conservation and sustainable management of the Lower Zambezi ecosystem centered around three main pillars of support: Wildlife Protection, Environmental Education and Community Engagement. The COO will play a crucial role in overseeing field operations, ensuring the smooth day-to-day running of CLZ, and deputising for the CEO when necessary.

Purpose of the Role

The COO will play a vital leadership role in executing CLZ’s strategic plans through day-to-day operational management and as the primary operational deputy to the CEO. The COO will oversee field operations, support strategic planning, develop and implement policies and procedures, and provide key organisational leadership and management. The COO will also coordinate operational activities, develop and refine organisational policies and management systems, and oversee CLZ’s technical support to partners. The role is essential in advancing strategic initiatives, supporting organisational growth, and facilitating landscape-level management plans in the Lower Zambezi Region.

Key Responsibilities

Deputize for the CEO

· Act as the primary operational deputy to the CEO, representing the organisation in meetings, conferences, and other forums as required.

· Provide leadership and decision-making support in the CEO’s absence.

Support to the CEO

· Support the CEO on the development and implementation of CLZ’s Strategic Plans, focusing on operational aspects and day-to-day management.

· Provide regular updates on operational activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives.

· Ensure consistent tracking of activities and outcomes as per the Strategic Plan, addressing bottlenecks to progress.

· Promote CLZ’s Mission, Vision, and Values, fostering a cohesive organisational culture.

· Utilize knowledge of CLZ’s history and innovate with good practice from across the sector to guide sustainable operational practices and output.

· Maintain high standards of professionalism and transparency in all operational functions, complementing the CFAO’s focus on financial and administrative compliance and governance.

· Support the CEO in fostering team spirit and unity within CLZ.

· Promote the ‘One Team’ Lower Zambezi culture, ensuring operational cohesion with partners and stakeholders.

· Innovate and refine operational systems to create capacity in support of future growth initiatives.

· Assist the CEO in developing operational policies and procedures, ensuring coordination with the CFAO on administrative and financial aspects, for CLZ board and EXCO approval.

Field Operations and Day-to-day Management

· Manage the daily operations, logistics and activities of CLZ, including support to the CFAO with administration, and personnel.

· Develop and implement operational policies and procedures to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

· Oversee the management of all facilities, equipment, and resources to support organisational activities.

· Oversee the planning, implementation, and evaluation of field operations, including CLZ’s support to Law Enforcement, wildlife and ecological monitoring, fisheries, education and community engagement programs.

· Ensure compliance with environmental, safety, and legal regulations in all field activities.

· Oversee the management and maintenance of CLZ’s operational assets, ensuring all assets are functional and compliant with safety standards.

· Develop and implement policies for the operational use of vehicles and other assets, complementing the CFAO’s oversight of asset management and compliance.

· Coordinate with relevant stakeholders, including government agencies, local communities, and partner organizations, to support conservation efforts.

Support to Departments, Projects, and Technical Areas

· Act as the day-to-day line manager for all operational department heads and technical support managers, ensuring clear communication and accountability.

· Provide operational and administrative support to ensure the successful execution of Annual Work Plans and Budgets, in collaboration with the CFAO for financial and administrative oversight.

· Ensure timely operational reporting, supporting the CFAO in financial reporting requirements.

· Support the development and oversee the implementation of CLZ’s Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning framework including monthly and quarterly reporting.

· Oversee and encourage training & capacity development of the management and junior employees.

· Oversee the implementation of CLZ policies and procedures, ensuring high standards in field operations and technical support.

· Conduct regular field visits to maintain an up-to-date understanding of all operations, building strong relationships with field staff and stakeholders.

Technical Support to Law Enforcement Efforts

· Oversee all technical support to law enforcement efforts, including the day-to-day management, planning, and execution of law enforcement activities in support of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

· Coordinate and support the technical advice and training by CLZ and partners in field operations and enhance the effectiveness of overall law enforcement initiatives.

· Collaborate with DNPW to plan and implement law enforcement activities in line with strategic plans.

Financial and Administrative Support

· Assist the CEO and CFAO in the preparation and management of the organisation’s budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

· In collaboration with the CFAO to monitor and report on financial performance, including expenditure tracking and variance analysis.

· Oversee the operational aspects of IT and data management, ensuring that systems support the organisation’s needs and align with the CFAO’s strategic IT planning.

· Provide operational oversight of HR functions, focusing on field staff management, in coordination with the CFAO’s HR strategy implementation.

· Ensure field teams are supported and managed effectively, aligning with CLZ’s human resource policies and the CFAO’s administrative oversight.

· Support the CFAO in regulatory compliance related to HR and ensure the operational well-being of staff, including safety and Duty of Care.

Income and Fundraising (Operational Support)

· In collaboration with the fund raiser and PR teams to support income generation and fundraising activities from an operational perspective, ensuring logistical and on-ground support.

· Collaborate with the CFAO and fund raising and PR team on operational planning for fundraising events and initiatives, ensuring effective execution.

Communications and Public Relations (Operational Role)

· Ensure operational departments contribute content for communications, supporting the CFAO’s strategic communication initiatives.

· Work with the CFAO to promote a unified message and public image for CLZ, focusing on operational achievements.

Donors, Partners, and Stakeholders (Operational Engagement)

· Maintain strong operational relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination with the CEO on donor reporting and compliance.

· Assist the CEO in engaging with donors and stakeholders, focusing on operational logistics and implementation.

Risk Mitigation (Operational Focus)

· Develop & implement risk mitigation strategies for operational activities, ensuring safety & compliance.

· Coordinate with the CFAO on comprehensive risk assessments, focusing on operational risks and safety protocols.

Qualifications and Experience

· A degree in environmental science, conservation, business administration, or a related field.

· At least 5-years experience in senior management, preferably in conservation or a related sector.

· Proven experience in managing field operations and large teams.

· Strong financial acumen and experience in budget management.

· Experience in working with Monitoring & Evaluation systems

· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and lead diverse, multi-stakeholder teams.

· Proficient in English

· Strong leadership and decision-making abilities.

Key Competencies

· Strong organisational and team leadership skills

· Strong analytical skills and ability to set up and implement robust Monitoring & Evaluation systems.

· Strategic thinking and planning skills.

· Problem-solving and analytical abilities.

· Strong organisational and time management skills.

· Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.

· Commitment to conservation and sustainable development principles.

Reporting and Accountability

The COO will report directly to the CEO of CLZ. Regular reports on operational performance, financial status, and strategic initiatives will be required.

Terms and Benefits

The role is a full-time position based at CLZ’s headquarters in the Lower Zambezi National Park. The terms of engagement, including salary and benefits, will be discussed during the recruitment process and formalised in the employment contract. In outline:

• Full time, permanent role
• Competitive benefits package

APPLICATION PROCESS: Only candidates who meet the specified requirements should apply with their detailed Curriculum Vitae of not more than 3 pages, a cover letter detailing management experience and names & email addresses of 3 contactable references . Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications to be emailed to: [email protected]

Please use the subject line: Application – COO

• Closing date: 27 ^th Sept 2024. No applications will be accepted after this closing date