Chief Executive Officer: Nyika Vwaza Co-Management Trust – Peace Parks Foundation

in Environmental Sciences, Project Management
Full Time
Rumphi
August 7, 2024
Application deadline closed.

Job Description

Duration: Five-year contract

Reporting to: Board of Trustees

Location: Thazima, Malawi

BACKGROUND

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year Co-Management Agreement (CMA) for the sustainable development and management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, forming the Nyika Vwaza Complex, which is an integral component of the Malawi-Zambia (MAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). These two protected areas collectively cover over 4,000 km2 of land.

Under this agreement, a special non-profit and efficient legal entity, the Nyika-Vwaza Co-management Trust (Trust) was established in Malawi. The Trust will be responsible for the management and development of the Nyika-Vwaza complex. It will be overseen by a Board of Trustees (Board) appointed by DNPW and Peace Parks in accordance with the CMA provisions and the Trust’s Constitution.

A Park Management Unit (PMU) will be formed within the Trust to implement the Strategic Business Plan (SBP). The PMU will be led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointed by the Board.

DNPW is an agency of the Government of Malawi responsible for managing protected areas within and outside the protected areas, as mandated by the National Parks and Wildlife Act (CAP 66.07).

Peace Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation specialising in large-scale conservation through the development of TFCA and the long-term management of key protected areas in partnership with government conservation agencies and local communities.

While the Trust is being established and capacitated, DNPW and Peace Parks will lead the recruitment of the CEO. Peace Parks will also serve as the interim employer for the CEO and the senior management team of the PMU. Once the Trust becomes operational, the employment contracts will be transferred to the Trust.

JOB PURPOSE

The CEO is expected to be an achiever who has already made a mark in the conservation or business management arena of southern Africa and is expected to be a dynamic and innovative manager with good organising, public relations, strategic management and leadership skills.

The performance of the CEO will be reviewed annually by the Board.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Please refer to the Peace Parks Foundation Website for further details on duties and responsibilities: Careers – Peace Parks Foundation.

  • Strategic leadership
  • Programme development and implementation
  • Conservation management
  • Engage the neighbouring communities over related conservation and livelihood activities.
  • Ensure that tourism initiatives align with the Trust’s conservation goals
  • Provide oversight to the financial management of the Trust, including budgeting, fundraising, and fiscal management.
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Team leadership
  • Governance and board relations
  • Ensure compliance on legal matters
  • Public Relations and Communications
  • Development of the MAZA TFCA

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

  • A higher degree in natural sciences, project management or business management fields.
  • A minimum of 15 years of senior leadership experience in conservation, environmental protection in southern Africa; knowledge and experience in Malawi.
  • Knowledge and experience in working with the local communities in and around protected areas in Malawi will be an added advantage.
  • Proven experience in the following types of programmes:
  • Planning and development of conservation areas.
  • Management of large protected area/s, including conservation programmes.
  • Working with rural communities in the field of governance, resource use and livelihood programmes and projects.
  • Strong financial management and fundraising skills.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead, inspire, and manage a diverse team.
  • Proven track record in strategic planning and execution.
  • Skills in negotiating, excellent interpersonal communication and programme management are essential.
  • Track record, ability and willingness to live and work in remote conditions are highly advantageous.
  • Experience in management, liaison, monitoring and evaluation, compliance and reporting on large development partner donor programmes.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their interest in and suitability for the position and a curriculum vitae with full address, telephone number, email address and contact details of at least three contactable references. These should be submitted by 23 August 2024.

A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.

Applications should be submitted to Human Resources.

Email: zamapplications@peaceparks.org

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be contacted to attend an interview.

  • Should you not hear from us within two weeks from the closing date, your application was unsuccess

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