Background

African Parks (AP) is a not-for-profit organization that secures a mandate to conserve through Public Private Partnerships with Governments and communities for the rehabilitation and long term management of protected areas in Africa, and here in Malawi, AP has secured this mandate for the management of Majete Wildlife Reserve, Liwonde National Park, Mangochi Forest Reserve and Nkhotakota Wildlife Reserve.

An opportunity has arisen for the post of Field Operations Manager tenable at Liwonde National Park in Liwonde

The Field Operations Manager will report directly to the Park Manager and will provide leadership and oversight of infrastructure, logistics, maintenance, and associated operational support services across Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve. Ensuring that critical systems, assets and facilities are effectively managed to support conservation and tourism objectives across Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve.

Responsibilities

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

• Lead the planning, implementation, supervision and completion of all infrastructure projects within Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve.
• Ensure all buildings, roads, bridges, staff housing, tourism facilities, workshops, airstrips and operational structures are completed according to approved plans, budgets and timelines.
• Develop and monitor annual and long-term infrastructure development plans in line with the Conservation Management Plan and strategic objectives.
• Oversee project handover processes and ensure all completed infrastructure is operational and maintained.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, suppliers and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.

LOGISTICS, STORES AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

• Manage and supervise stores, procurement support functions, logistics operations and inventory systems.
• Ensure effective stock control procedures are implemented and maintained.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure uninterrupted availability of operational supplies and equipment.
• Develop systems that improve accountability. transparency and efficiency in procurement and logistics processes.
• Ensure all stores and logistics records are accurate, up-to-date and audit ready.

FLEET, WORKSHOP AND MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT

• Supervise workshop operations, fleet management and maintenance personnel.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for vehicles, boats, generators, buildings, roads, fences and operational equipment.
• Ensure timely servicing and repair of vehicles, boats and machinery to minimize downtime.
• Monitor maintenance costs and promote cost-effective maintenance practices.
• Maintain comprehensive maintenance records and asset histories.

FIRE MANAGEMENT AND HABITAT PROTECTION

• Lead the implementation of approved fire management plans and annual fire strategies.
• Coordinate fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.
• Ensure firebreaks are established and maintained according to approved standards.
• Monitor fire incidents and implement corrective measures to reduce future occurrences.
• Support habitat restoration and ecological management initiatives through effective fire management practices.

CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN IMPLEMENTATION

• Support implementation of operational components of the General Management Plan and annual work plans.
• Coordinate operational activities across departments to ensure timely delivery of conservation objectives.
• Monitor progress against approved work plans and provide regular reports to the Park Manager.
• Participate in strategic planning and review processes to improve operational effectiveness.

TOURISM INFRASTRUCTURE AND SUPPORT SERVICES

• Ensure all tourism infrastructure, facilities, roads, campsites, and equipment are maintained to high operational standards.
• Support tourism concessionaires and partners by ensuring operational infrastructure remains functional and compliant.
• Coordinate maintenance and development projects that enhance visitor experiences and tourism growth.
• Respond promptly to infrastructure-related issues affecting tourism operations.

SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT, COST MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

• Identify and implement systems that improve operational efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
• Develop and monitor operational budgets and ensure prudent utilization of resources
• Introduce cost-saving initiatives without compromising operational effectiveness and safety.
• Establish performance monitoring systems for infrastructure, logistics and maintenance functions.
• Ensure operational data, reports and records support informed decision-making.

CONTRACTOR AND SERVICE PROVIDER MANAGEMENT

• Develop scopes of work, specifications and performance standards for contractors and service providers.
• Participate in contractor selection and procurement processes.
• Supervise contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, quality standards, safety requirements and project timelines.
• Review contractor deliverables and certify completed works where appropriate
• Manage contractor relationships and resolve operational issues effectively.

AVIATION OPERATIONS AND COMPLIANCE

• Oversee management of airstrips, aviation facilities and aviation-related infrastructure within the park.
• Ensure aviation assets are maintained in accordance with applicable regulations and operational standards.
• Coordinate inspections, audits and compliance requirements relating to aviation operations.
• Maintain aviation records and documentation to ensure audit readiness.
• Liaise with relevant aviation authorities and service providers as required.

HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Promote and maintain a strong culture of occupational health and safety across all operational activities.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures for infrastructure, maintenance, logistics and field operations.
• Ensure accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated, documented and corrective actions implemented.
• Coordinate safety training, awareness programs and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with African Parks policies, national legislation and industry safety standards.

ASSET MANAGEMENT

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date asset registers for all infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, tools and operational assets.
• Conduct periodic asset verification and condition assessments.
• Develop asset replacement and refurbishment plans.
• Ensure all assets are properly tracked, maintained and safeguarded.

STAFF LEADERSHIP, CAPACITY BUILDING AND SUCCESSION PLANNING

• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, mentoring and performance management for all staff under the Infrastructure and Logistics section.
• Develop training plans and facilitate skills development opportunities for staff.
• Identify and develop deputies and future leaders within operational departments.
• Implement succession planning initiatives for critical operational positions.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

• Maintain effective working relationships with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), local authorities, concessionaires, research partners and other stakeholders.
• Represent the park in meetings relating to infrastructure, operations, logistics, maintenance and development projects.
• Support collaborative initiatives that contribute to park management objectives.
• Ensure stakeholders are informed of operational developments affecting their activities within the park.

REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual operational reports for submission to the Park Manager.
• Monitor departmental performance indicators and report on progress against agreed targets.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, plans, contracts, permits and operational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with African Parks policies, procedures, financial controls and reporting requirements.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Park Manager that contribute to the effective management of Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve.

Qualifications and Experience

• A degree or equivalent qualification in operations management. engineering, construction, logistics, conservation, natural resource management or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in field operations, infrastructure management, logistics, maintenance or protected area management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing contractors, service providers and operational staff.
• Strong experience in planning, stock control, procurement, systems improvement and budget management.
• Working knowledge of health and safety management, risk control and maintenance operations in demanding field environments.
• Excellent organisational, reporting, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong computer literacy and the ability to maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inventory records.
• A valid driving licence and fluency in English are essential.
• Experience in remote conservation settings, infrastructure delivery, fleet or workshop oversight and practical problem-solving will be an added advantage.
• The successful candidate must be professional, resilient, hands-on and committed to delivering high operational standards in a remote environment.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated team leadership and mentorship capabilities.

Special Conditions

African Parks is an equal opportunity Employer.

• Lead the planning, implementation, supervision and completion of all infrastructure projects within Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve.
• Ensure all buildings, roads, bridges, staff housing, tourism facilities, workshops, airstrips and operational structures are completed according to approved plans, budgets and timelines.
• Develop and monitor annual and long-term infrastructure development plans in line with the Conservation Management Plan and strategic objectives.
• Oversee project handover processes and ensure all completed infrastructure is operational and maintained.
• Coordinate with contractors, consultants, suppliers and relevant stakeholders to ensure compliance with specifications and quality standards.
• Manage and supervise stores, procurement support functions, logistics operations and inventory systems.
• Ensure effective stock control procedures are implemented and maintained.
• Monitor inventory levels and ensure uninterrupted availability of operational supplies and equipment.
• Develop systems that improve accountability. transparency and efficiency in procurement and logistics processes.
• Ensure all stores and logistics records are accurate, up-to-date and audit ready.
• Supervise workshop operations, fleet management and maintenance personnel.
• Develop and implement preventive maintenance schedules for vehicles, boats, generators, buildings, roads, fences and operational equipment.
• Ensure timely servicing and repair of vehicles, boats and machinery to minimize downtime.
• Monitor maintenance costs and promote cost-effective maintenance practices.
• Maintain comprehensive maintenance records and asset histories.
• Lead the implementation of approved fire management plans and annual fire strategies.
• Coordinate fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.
• Ensure firebreaks are established and maintained according to approved standards.
• Monitor fire incidents and implement corrective measures to reduce future occurrences.
• Support habitat restoration and ecological management initiatives through effective fire management practices.
• Support implementation of operational components of the General Management Plan and annual work plans.
• Coordinate operational activities across departments to ensure timely delivery of conservation objectives.
• Monitor progress against approved work plans and provide regular reports to the Park Manager.
• Participate in strategic planning and review processes to improve operational effectiveness.
• Ensure all tourism infrastructure, facilities, roads, campsites, and equipment are maintained to high operational standards.
• Support tourism concessionaires and partners by ensuring operational infrastructure remains functional and compliant.
• Coordinate maintenance and development projects that enhance visitor experiences and tourism growth.
• Respond promptly to infrastructure-related issues affecting tourism operations.
• Identify and implement systems that improve operational efficiency, accountability and service delivery.
• Develop and monitor operational budgets and ensure prudent utilization of resources
• Introduce cost-saving initiatives without compromising operational effectiveness and safety.
• Establish performance monitoring systems for infrastructure, logistics and maintenance functions.
• Ensure operational data, reports and records support informed decision-making.
• Develop scopes of work, specifications and performance standards for contractors and service providers.
• Participate in contractor selection and procurement processes.
• Supervise contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, quality standards, safety requirements and project timelines.
• Review contractor deliverables and certify completed works where appropriate
• Manage contractor relationships and resolve operational issues effectively.
• Oversee management of airstrips, aviation facilities and aviation-related infrastructure within the park.
• Ensure aviation assets are maintained in accordance with applicable regulations and operational standards.
• Coordinate inspections, audits and compliance requirements relating to aviation operations.
• Maintain aviation records and documentation to ensure audit readiness.
• Liaise with relevant aviation authorities and service providers as required.
• Promote and maintain a strong culture of occupational health and safety across all operational activities.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures for infrastructure, maintenance, logistics and field operations.
• Ensure accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated, documented and corrective actions implemented.
• Coordinate safety training, awareness programs and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Ensure compliance with African Parks policies, national legislation and industry safety standards.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date asset registers for all infrastructure, vehicles, equipment, tools and operational assets.
• Conduct periodic asset verification and condition assessments.
• Develop asset replacement and refurbishment plans.
• Ensure all assets are properly tracked, maintained and safeguarded.
• Provide leadership, supervision, coaching, mentoring and performance management for all staff under the Infrastructure and Logistics section.
• Develop training plans and facilitate skills development opportunities for staff.
• Identify and develop deputies and future leaders within operational departments.
• Implement succession planning initiatives for critical operational positions.
• Foster teamwork, accountability, professionalism and continuous improvement.
• Maintain effective working relationships with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), local authorities, concessionaires, research partners and other stakeholders.
• Represent the park in meetings relating to infrastructure, operations, logistics, maintenance and development projects.
• Support collaborative initiatives that contribute to park management objectives.
• Ensure stakeholders are informed of operational developments affecting their activities within the park.
• Prepare monthly, quarterly and annual operational reports for submission to the Park Manager.
• Monitor departmental performance indicators and report on progress against agreed targets.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, plans, contracts, permits and operational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with African Parks policies, procedures, financial controls and reporting requirements.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Park Manager that contribute to the effective management of Liwonde National Park and Mangochi Forest Reserve.

• Strong experience in planning, stock control, procurement, systems improvement and budget management.
• Working knowledge of health and safety management, risk control and maintenance operations in demanding field environments.
• Excellent organisational, reporting, communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Strong computer literacy and the ability to maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inventory records.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under tight deadlines.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated team leadership and mentorship capabilities.

• A degree or equivalent qualification in operations management. engineering, construction, logistics, conservation, natural resource management or a related field.
• A minimum of 10 years’ relevant experience in field operations, infrastructure management, logistics, maintenance or protected area management.
• Demonstrated experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing contractors, service providers and operational staff.
• Experience in remote conservation settings, infrastructure delivery, fleet or workshop oversight and practical problem-solving will be an added advantage.