Overview

Founded in 1858, the Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a non-profit international conservation organisation whose mission is to conserve wildlife and ecosystems, with a focus on protected areas and outstanding wild places.

The Africa Programme operates in six countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, Mozambique and Zimbabwe (www.fzs.org). The FZS office in Ethiopia established the Bale Mountains Conservation Programme (BMCP) in 2004.

The Bale Mountains National Park (BMNP), inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in September 2023, has benefited from more than 20 years of collaborative management between FZS and the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority, supporting key activities such as law enforcement, community livelihood development and ecological monitoring. More broadly, FZS supports the improvement and maintenance of the conservation and efficient management of BMNP, its buffer zone and the wider Bale Mountains Eco-Region.

The Bale Mountains National Park covers an area of 2150 km2 in the southeastern highlands of Ethiopia and is a spectacularly diverse mosaic of landscapes ranging from 1500 m to 4377 m in elevation, with markedly different ecosystems and biodiversity.

FZS Ethiopia is seeking a “Field Operations Manager (gn)” for the Bale Mountains Conservation Programme.

Purpose of the role

The FOM will primarily supervise and coordinate the Park Operations department, supporting all field operations/logistics, developing and implementing policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), and providing key day-to-day organisational leadership and management. S/he will provide regular updates on
operational activities to the Program Manager, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives. The FOM is both a manager and a technician, requiring a high degree of autonomy and the ability to live in a remote environment. The role is essential in driving and maximising high level support for all FZS and EWCA activities in the BMCP area. S/he will provide interim leadership in the absence of the Programme Manager.

Key Responsibilities

The FOM’s main responsibility is to manage the Park Operations department. In brief:

  • Manage the Park Operations Department teams: leadership, training, mentoring, recruitment, appraisals
  • Manage the day-to-day operations/logistics of the BMCP
  • Provide the required work plans, budgets and reports
  • Develop and ensure implementation of SOPs and rigorous follow-up
  • Managing the infrastructures, developing a 3-year maintenance plan and ensuring the supervision of works, road maintenance, solar systems installations, etc.
  • Oversee the procurement of field equipment and consumables
  • Manage stores, ensuring compliance with all procedures, monthly checks, inventories
  • Manage fuel usage
  • Manage the FZS BMCP fleet, ensuring inventory and follow-up of assets, supervision of vehicle movements and workshop work.
  • Managing Information Technology (IT) assets, ensuring that all IT equipment is properly monitored and operational.

Qualifications and Experience

  • Minimum five (5) years of experience in a similar role
  • A post-graduate degree in engineering, construction or related field
  • Competency in Microsoft Office, and software administration
  • Proven experience in project management
  • Proven experience in managing field operations
  • Excellent communication skills – both upstream and downstream
  • Strong leadership and decision making abilities
  • Proficient in English
  • Fluency in Amharic and/or Afan Oromo would be a benefit

Conditions and Benefits

The position is for a 2-year renewable contract and will be based at the BMNP Headquarters in Dinsho, Oromia Region, Bale Zone. Terms and conditions of employment, including salary and benefits, will be discussed during the recruitment process and formalised in the employment contract. In brief:

  • 2 year contract
  • Vehicle provided for work related duties
  • Medical insurance provided
  • 6 month probationary period
  • Office space and communications provided
  • Accommodation provided including water and electricity

APPLICATION PROCESS:

Only candidates who meet the above requirements should apply. ONLY a detailed curriculum vitae of no more than 5 pages and a cover letter detailing management experience and the names and email addresses of 3 contactable references are required. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Applications to be emailed to: jobs@fzs.org
Please use the subject line: Application – FOM
Closing date: 15th of November 2024. No applications will be accepted after this closing date.