Frankfurt Zoological Society

North Luangwa Conservation Programme

Technical Services Manager: Engineering-Infrastructure-Fleet

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation conserving wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas and outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long-term programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Africa Programme is active in five focal countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe (www.fzs.org).

FZS Zambia (FZS-Z) has been in partnership with the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) the North Luangwa landscape since 1986 and in Nsumbu since 2017.

The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) supports effective and efficient protected area (National Park) management, with a wider focus on empowering communities to manage natural resources in the Game Management Areas adjacent to the North Luangwa National Park (NLNP) through its mission of ‘Linking Livelihoods and Landscape’. NLCP employs the following strategies:

1.     Secure=Safeguard=Sustain – This aims to implement robust and adaptive large landscape enforcement tactics and capability to secure, safeguard, and sustain wildlife habitats and ecological services.

2.     Empower=Educate=Enterprise – This aims to implement creative and beneficial initiatives to empower, educate and deliver enterprise opportunities for neighbouring communities and wider Zambian society.

3.     Communicate=Connect=Change – This aims to implement focused messaging to communicate and connect with stakeholders and partners for effective and positive change; and

4.     Structure=Systems=Support – This aims to implement a clear and enduring organisation and financial structure with efficient systems to support a mentally and physically healthy team.

Learn more at https://northluangwa.org/

NLCP has an opportunity for a Technical Services Manager – Engineering/Infrastructure/Fleet to lead the overall NLCP works and maintenance operations, excluding building construction. The role will support organisational maintenance regimes and ensure adequate technical expertise, manpower and operating resource requirements are met; and additionally, will lead process initiatives and reviews for maintenance, operations and safety audits to make informed decisions for improvements and capacity building of team members. S/he will have excellent leadership and managerial skills and be analytical and resourceful in managing diverse technical workshop operations, fleet maintenance, solar power installations and maintenance, road construction and maintenance.

Name of position
Technical Services Manager
Reporting to
Programme Director
Works closely with
Resident Engineer; Workshop Manager; DNPW Area Warden; Stores Supervisor
Location
North Luangwa National Park; accommodation provided
Salary
Competitive based on qualifications + experience
Start date
As soon as possible

Purpose

Transition the deep bush-based workshop to a new purpose-built workshop on the park boundary.

Coordinate and oversee all technical activities (vehicle and machinery workshop, solar power installations and infrastructure maintenance, road construction and maintenance) within the North Luangwa Landscape (125 vehicles and machinery, including Land-Cruisers, Hiluxs, Prados, tractors, trucks, excavator, TLBs, compactors, boats, trailers and motorbikes) and a smaller fleet in Lusaka.

Supervise technical services stores systems, processes and procedures for procurement and stock management of spare parts and hardware.

Provide input and data for department related Asset Register records and appropriate replacement and disposal plan for these assets.

To lead and contribute to the development of the teams for the vehicle and machinery workshop, solar power installations, infrastructure maintenance, road construction and maintenance, through hands on training and mentorship.

Consolidate and manage an efficient team and to support their growth and development through two-way strategic planning, implementation and targeted delivery.

Develop the workshop team and establish consistent motivation levels comparable to other departments.

Review and develop clear team organogram and devise strategies to ensure optimal staffing, including sourcing and selection methods.

Establish a comprehensive career progression map for the team, including defined criteria for position selection based on experience and minimum skills.

Develop and action lean and agile systems and procedures.

Stay up to date with technological advances in vehicle servicing, maintenance, procurement and management to ensure the large fleet is managed for optimum performance.

Ensure power generation is managed efficiently with clear replacement / maintenance, increased generation and development mitigation plans.

Develop and implement the Road Construction and Maintenance Plan for North Luangwa National Park including road construction (new) and maintenance (existing) by implementing measures such as laterite application, miter drains, cambering, etc.

Coordinate annual road opening (slash and harrow) maintenance efforts for road network approximately 1,500 km.

Oversee and manage solar infrastructure, including installations, maintenance and repairs.

Develop, establish, and maintain relationships with suppliers.

Coordinate delivery logistics for spare parts, fuel, and personnel

Develop, refine, and implement standardised operating procedures (SOPs) including waste management, OHS and associated risk mitigation.

Contribute to preparation of expenditure and activity reports for donors.

Provide monthly reports to the NLCP Programme Director

Effectively manage the budget allocated for technical service operations.

Provide accurate feedback and management instructions to department heads for their fleet use and budgeting.Contribute to overall NLCP annual budget development with specific details for the workshop, road construction.

Diagnose faults and assign repairs as needed.

Establish and implement a Rescue and Repair protocol.

Facilitate driver training, including off-road 4WD driving.

Supervise metal fabrication projects, such as roll cages, fender bars, solar panel stands, and water towers.

Oversee carpentry activities, including timber procurement and tool management.

Handle stock management and conduct monthly fuel consumption analysis.

Analyse and invoice departmental internal cost centers

Lead the implementation of the relevant sections of the Environmental Social Management System as it pertains to health and safety within the workshop and stores premises and emergency procedures and daily toolbox talks and the ongoing development of its administration.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or relevant disciplinPost graduate degree will be an added advantage.
• 10 years practical work experience, preferably in a similar position
• Strong knowledge and practical experience in road construction
• Strong knowledge of motor vehicle and heavy equipment repairs

Other attributes:

• Self-motivated, disciplined and determined to work within the flexibility nature of the work.
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a rural setting.
• Ability to work as team.
• Ability to adhere to work ethics.
• Willingness to support our implementing rural teams with their needs.