Operation manager / Project director ALBIA

Organization

SaharaConservation is a pioneering international conservation organization working at the forefront of efforts to save the threatened wildlife of the Sahara and Sahel. Since its inception in 2004, SaharaConservation has helped protect and restore unique desert antelopes such as addax (Addax nasomaculatus) and scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah), established one of the world's largest protected areas in Niger, implemented a recovery program for the world's largest bird, the North African ostrich, and put Saharan wildlife on the global conservation agenda through a combination of fieldwork, communication, and advocacy.

Almost 20 years after its inception, SaharaConservation is at a transition point in its development. It has a growing portfolio of initiatives focused on threatened species conservation and landscape management, including a major new project in Chad, ALBIÄ, funded by the World Bank, and a series of expanding partnerships. A new strategic plan has been developed, setting ambitious targets to advance the restoration of key target species across the Sahara and Sahel and improve the management of the ecosystems on which they depend.

ALBIÄ is a local development and adaptation project of the Government of Chad, implemented by the Ministry in charge of the Environment, funded by the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility. As part of this project, SaharaConservation has signed an agreement to implement activities to improve the infrastructure, management and conservation of the vast Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Wildlife Reserve (RFOROA), located in central Chad and covering an area of 77 950 km².

Purpose of Position

SaharaConservation is looking for an Operations Manager/ ALBIA Project Director with relevant experience in the management and implementation of internationally funded projects. He/she will be responsible for the management of the ALBIA Project, including the implementation, planning and monitoring of the project budget, as well as the supervision of suppliers to ensure the implementation of activities in accordance with donor standards.

Duties & Key Responsibilities

• Maintain close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit of the Ministry of Environment, Fisheries and Sustainable Development of Chad and ensure that all monthly, quarterly and annual reports are submitted according to the reporting schedule.
• Oversee procurement, logistics and import, including tax exemption, in accordance with World Bank procedures.
• Oversee all procurement procedures in close collaboration with the Project Procurement Specialist.
• Maintain close liaison with NGOs and other agencies implementing the complementary component around RFOROA.
• Develop terms of reference for consultants and monitor the work of consultants to ensure that the expected outputs are delivered.
• Participate in the recruitment, selection and supervision of staff required for the implementation of the project, and contribute to the development of national talents.
• Manage contract staff and their day-to-day work organization, leave and performance evaluation.
• Produce reports and communication materials illustrating the progress of project activities.
• Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards for all construction and works carried out, in accordance with the World Bank's environmental and social safeguards.
• Promote and maintain good working relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including suppliers and service providers, national and local government, local communities, donors and other conservation partners.
• Create awareness and visibility of the project and facilitate the dissemination of project results and lessons.
• Contribute to raising the profile of SaharaConservation in Chad.
• Submit regular progress reports to the Permanent Secretariat for Non-Governmental Organisations and Humanitarian Affairs.
• Contribute to the communication needs of the organisation, including the newsletter and monthly flash reports.

Candidates profile

• University degree (minimum Bachelor) in project management, environment, public works or rural engineering.
• Proven experience in managing projects financed by international public donors (primarily the World Bank, the European Union or the French Development Agency)
• Solid experience in Africa with at least 7 years of experience in project management, construction and logistics.
• Strong track record in managing large-scale sustainable development or conservation projects, with the required skills in operational, project, grant and financial management.
• Strong willingness to live in a remote environment and with previous experience of living in remote locations, ideally in Central Africa.
• Very good technical knowledge of infrastructure development and fleet management.
• Strong commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development.
• Proven leadership and people management skills.
• Proven experience of managing and working in partnership with other organisations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to manage institutional relationships.
• Excellent spoken and written French. Knowledge of English is an asset.
• Excellent computer skills, particularly in MS Office.
• Excellent report writing skills.
• Good team player and experience in managing multicultural teams in difficult conditions.
• Ideally, previous experience in the field of nature conservation.

How to apply

This job announcement is being reposted. Previous applicants need not apply.

If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and a cover letter in French including three references to: jobs@saharaconservation.org before 10 April 2023. No applications will be accepted by phone.

SaharaConservation reserves the right to contact candidates matching the profile before the deadline. Only candidates pre-selected for an interview will be contacted by email.