Organisation: Simalaha Community Conservancy

Duration: 3 years

Location: Mwandi

BACKGROUND

The Sesheke and Sekute Chiefdoms have agreed to jointly establish the Simalaha Community Conservancy to promote conservation and development through a wildlife economy. The Conservancy is pioneering a model of development led by the communities, based on the sound management and conservation of their natural resources.

The Conservancy was registered as a Trust in 2019 under the Land Act. As a body corporate, it is governed by a Board of Trustees providing strategic guidance and relies on a Conservancy Management Unit to manage the Conservancy and implement its long-term vision.

Peace Parks Foundation has been a strategic partner supporting the the Conservancy for over 12 years. Together, Peace Parks and the Conservancy have signed a Memorandum of Agreement that specifically guides the joint recruitment process for senior management positions within the Simalaha Community Conservancy Management Unit.

PURPOSE OF THE JOB

The Trust is seeking a dynamic and experienced Conservancy Manager to lead the Conservancy Management Unit and report to the Board of the Simalaha Community Conservancy Trust . Under the strategic guidance of the Board, the Conservancy Manager will be responsible for developing and leading the Trust towards excellence and sustainability.

The Conservancy Manager will:

Assume responsibility for the staff, operations and representation of the Trust, under the strategic guidance and supervision of the Board.

Be responsible for the Trust achieving its goals, performing at the standards required and moving towards long-term financial sustainability.

Foster a positive, inspiring, and collaborative work environment that empowers employees to actively work toward organisation-wide goals.

Ensure the Trust operates with strong stakeholder engagement and fosters an inclusive environment.

Represent the Trust to stakeholders, partners, and the public.
With the support of the Head of Operations and Development, lead the operational relationship with Peace Parks Foundation (the Trust, building capacity and leading fundraising initiatives, with Peace Parks’ oversight)
Develop fundraising for the Trust.
Key Performance Aeas:

Governance and board relations

Provide regular updates and reports to the Board on the Trust ‘s activities and financial performance.
Submit technical and financial progress reports to the Board on a quarterly and annual basis.
In collaboration with the Board secretariat, prepare the agenda and discussion documents for the Board meetings.
Provide oversight of auditable performance and financial information.
Strategic planning and management:

Develop and implement the Trust’s strategic business plan and management plan.
Provide oversight for project proposals and report writing for donors and hosting of potential donors.
Ensure that the Trust’s mission and values are developed and reflected in all activities and initiatives.
Steer the Conservancy Management Unit to ensure programme effectiveness and alignment with the Trust’s mission.
Guide the development of policies, procedures and standard operation procedures in relation to human resources, finance, procurement, risk and compliance, community engagement, tourism development and counter poaching, amongst others.
Lead, with the support of the Head of Operations and Development, the operational relationship with Peace Parks (the Trust’s capacity building and fundraising initiatives, with Peace Parks’ oversight).
Team leadership:

Foster a positive, inspiring, and collaborative work environment that empowers employees to actively work toward organisation-wide goals.
Recruit, develop, and manage the Conservancy Management Unit as a high-performing team of professionals.Be responsible of all staff and foster a collaborative and inclusive work culture that promotes innovation and excellence.
Programme development and implementation:

Monitor the overall performance of the Trust (planning, implementation, financial management, Human Resources management, risk and compliance).
Ensure a rolling five-year work plan and budget, derived from the Strategic Business plan, are prepared and submitted to the Board for approval.
Ensure an annual work plan and budget are prepared and submitted to the Board for approval.
Ensure activities are implemented as outlined in these work plans and budgets.
Financial management:

Ensure that the Trust follows international best practices in terms of management of funds.
Directly supervise the Conservancy Management Unit Accountant and be answerable to the Board regarding financial management.
Be part of mandatory signatories to the the Trust’s operational funds.
Fundraising

Lead the development of the Trust’s fundraising initiatives in addition to Peace Parks’ fundraising efforts.
Communities

Ensure that the Conservancy Management Unit continuously and proactively engages and informs the communities present in the Simalaha Community Conservancy about the Trust’s activities. The Conservancy Manager will ensure that the Trust unlocks benefits for these communities, stems deforestation and fosters human-wildlife co-existence.
Stakeholder engagement:

The Conservancy Manager will endorse the primary responsibility of stakeholder engagement and relationships for the Trust, both within and outside the Simalaha Community Conservancy.
Tourism

The Conservancy Manager will ensure that tourism initiatives align with the Trust’s conservation and development goals, as outlined in the Strategic Business Plan and other relevant documents. The Conservancy Manager will lead the relationship with concessionaires.
Risk compliance and management

Steer the Trust towards international best practices in term of risks and compliance.
Ensure that all risks and safeguard management plans are developed, resourced and adhered to.
Ensure the establishment and effective operation of Grievance Mechanism and Stakeholder Engagement Plans within the Trust, aligning with the expectations and standards set forth by international donors.
Ensure compliance with all relevant laws, regulations, and reporting requirements.
Address any legal or compliance issues promptly and effectively.
REQUIREMENTS

A Bachelor’s degree (minimum) or a Master’s degree (preferred) in a field related to wildlife conservation or natural resources management, environmental science or sustainable development, community development or rural development, business administration or non-profit management, with a focus on conservation or community projects.
At least 10 years of professional experience, with a minimum of 5 years in a managerial role within a conservation, community-based, or non-profit organisation.
Leadership and communication: Inspiring leadership style, strong communicator adept at conveying complex information to diverse stakeholders.
Strategic planning: Ability to create and execute a long-term strategic vision aligned with the Conservancy’s mission.
Community engagement: Skilled in community consultation, relationship-building, and fostering inclusive partnerships.
Fundraising and partnerships: Demonstrated success in fundraising and developing partnerships to advance conservation and community goals.
Project and financial management: Strong project management, budgeting, and resource allocation skills, with an understanding of fund management.
Risk and compliance: Proficiency in risk management, compliance with legal and donor standards, and conflict resolution.
Cultural sensitivity and community focus: Deep understanding of local cultural and economic contexts, with a commitment to community benefit and sustainable development.
The Conservancy Manager is expected to be an achiever who has already made a mark in the conservation/community development arena in Zambia and/or Southern Africa and is expected to be a dynamic and innovative manager with strong skills in organising, public relations, strategic management and leadership.