Project Operations Manager North Luangwa (gn)

About the Position

This exciting role offers the opportunity to support the overall supervision of a wide range of projects, to streamline processes and to drive project success across the North Luangwa Conservation Programme – one of Frankfurt Zoological Society’s flagship sites. The Project Operations Manager (POM) supports the Programme Manager in the planning, execution and completion of projects. They are dedicated to leveraging technical expertise and business acumen to drive project excellence. We are looking for a team player, passionate about collaboration and able to work with diverse teams to ensure impactful solutions are achieved whilst maintaining a positive organizational culture.

Your Tasks

• Work amongst the teams and act as the glue between them all and build their capacity
• Direct and prioritize activity plans for departments according to the mission and strategic pillars of North Luangwa National Park (NLCP)
• Conduct regular field assessments and adapt project strategies based on findings in collaboration with Senior Management team
• Prepare detailed reports for stakeholders, funders and the Senior Management Team
• Assist to manage budgets for near-real-time understanding of expenditure according to approved operational budgets
• Assist in the development of project plans, schedules and budgets
• Help to identify potential project risks and assist to develop mitigation strategies and tracking of risk management activities
• Maintain and organize all project documentation, including contracts, reports and correspondence
• Consolidate current processes and innovate for better efficiencies and outcomes that support the programme’s objectives
• Utilize evaluation strategies to monitor performance to determine potential for efficiencies and improvements
• Ensure compliance with environmental regulations and best practices in wildlife conservation
• Participate in strategic partnership-building/fundraising approach in collaboration with the Senior Management Team as appropriate
• Provide administrative support

Your Profile

• Bachelor’s Degree; ideally in an environmental / conservation field; additional university Master’s or degree and training in business management, communications or other related fields is a strong advantage
• More than 7 years of professional experience of which at least 4 years in a project management role, with demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary teams
• Proven experience in developing, leading and managing large-scale programmes and/or institutions and NGOs in conservation, natural resource management, international development, business management, communications and/or other related fields
• Good knowledge and understanding of conservation priorities and programmes in the sub-region, and in Zambia in particular
• Demonstrated skills in project planning, proposal writing, financial management, implementation, evaluation and experience working with donors
• An analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities
• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English (required); German (desired)
• Excellent capability in MS office and, preferably, management software

We Offer

• An opportunity to live in understand and have an impact in the integrated Luangwa Landscape
• Engaging and meaningful work with room for your own ideas and creativity
• Form part of a dynamic and motivated team in Zambia as well as the larger FZS Africa team
• Occupational pension scheme and 30 days’ vacation leave per year
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience