General Reserve Manager Akashinga West

Job Description

Akashinga is an innovative nature conservation organization that creates resilient ecosystems where nature, wildlife, and communities will thrive together for years. Established in 2017, Akashinga address social issues to provide conservation outcomes that protect millions of acres of rich biodiversity across Africa. We believe in gender equality, thriving local communities, and elevating those who have been traditionally excluded from frontline and leadership roles. The impact of our female-led conservation efforts reverberates throughout the community, igniting a cascade of positive impacts. From nurturing children’s education to bolstering healthcare, eradicating poverty, and boosting life expectancy, these ripple effects will leave a lasting legacy.

We are very excited to announce that a fantastic opportunity has arisen in our organization. We are looking for a suitably qualified General Reserve Manager for our Akashinga West camp. The camp overlooks Lake Kariba, which is a sight to behold, with different wildlife including elephant, waterbuck, hippo and crocodiles being a common sight. The role not only gives the successful candidate an opportunity to experience nature in its unadulterated form, but also provides an exceptional opportunity to make real contributions towards the protection of Zimbabwe’s wildlife and habitat.

Job Purpose

This is a role encompassing all aspects of Akashinga; and the Reserve Manager will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Camp, the management of relationships with the local and broader community and other key stakeholders, habitat protection and security, overseeing routine ecological monitoring and maintenance of ecological records.

Key Responsibilities

Oversee the departments on site and support their functioning:

• Operations:
  • Ensure security and effective anti-poaching operations in the area of responsibility.
• Habitat:
  • Development and implementation of the Akashinga habitat management plan, supporting ecological survey activities and maintaining records.
  • Overseeing ecological conservation activities including fire management, soil conservation, and GIS data capture.
  • Ensure routine repairs and maintenance of all property equipment and infrastructure to ensure staff and visitor safety and effective reserve operation.
• Community:
  • Ensure implementation of the community strategic plan to promote effective reserve management, advance conservation outcomes in the region, and build community relationships and participation in Akashinga’s work.
• Kitchen:
  • Ensure effective running of the kitchen, in terms of provision of healthy vegan food for staff members and the logistics involved.

Oversee daily running of the Akashinga West program:

• Compile monthly reports and incident reports as required.
• Development of close working relationships with neighboring conservation areas and stakeholders.
• Ensure camp is kept clean, tidy and orderly at all times.
• Ensure that Health, Safety & Environment requirements are met, including compliance with legislative requirements and the Akashinga Code of Conduct are incorporated into all activities;
• Human resources management in collaboration with the HR Manager, including performance interviews for key staff.
• Identify gaps in staff and organisational capacity and liaise with the Country Manager and HR Manager to address the issues.
• Implementation of incident response, search and rescue procedures, field worker safety and medical emergency procedures, and natural disaster contingency procedures.
• Oversee adherence to SOP’s, Code of Conduct & Ethics.
• Oversee petty cash and record keeping.
• Overseeing financial management of the Akashinga West operating budget based on department – including reporting on variances on a weekly basis to the Country Manager.
• Report and liaise with the Country Manager on a regular basis.

Requirements:

• Recognised qualification in Ecological, Environment or Wildlife Management.
• MBA or any relevant Master’s Degree.
• 10 Years experience in a similar position.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools and web-based applications is essential.
• Computer literacy.
• Clean driver’s license.

Competencies:

• High level of adaptation.
• Genuine interest in conservation and wildlife.
• Strong soft skills.
• High ethical standards and professionalism.
• Reliable and punctual.

All interested candidates should send CVs to [email protected] no later than the 13th of June 2024.

Akashinga believes in equal employment opportunity and is committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive environment.