Job Description
Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) is one of Malawi’s leading conservation charities, working across five main programme areas: wildlife rescue and welfare; biodiversity research; conservation justice; environmental education; and campaigning. We are looking for a dynamic leader to become the new General Manager (GM) of one of our flagship projects, Lilongwe Wildlife Centre (LWC).
LWC is a protected nature reserve run by LWT under concession from the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). As well as hosting the country’s only wildlife sanctuary, the site is also a key eco-tourism destination, offering a range of nature-based attractions and experiences for local and international audiences. It is also home to LWT’s environmental education centre, which offers experiential learning for Malawian youth of all ages from the heart of a protected forest. LWC also hosts international volunteers who undertake placements with our sanctuary and veterinary team. Over the last few years we have undertaken significant development work to improve the infrastructure and facilities for our wildlife rescue, education and eco-tourism work at LWC. We are now looking for a senior manager to build on this work and support LWC to fulfil its mission as a critical eco-tourism site and thriving nature reserve.
Reporting to the Director of Operations, the GM will be responsible for overseeing the broad portfolio of
programmes that operate from the LWC site. A critical part of the role will be implementing an ambitious new three-year business plan, a key focus of which is ensuring financial sustainability for LWC through the development of a range of income-generating activities. A proactive and problem-solving approach to the challenges of running a busy, multi-purpose site is of paramount importance in this role and the GM will be required to work closely with multiple areas of the organisation to achieve success. This is an exciting opportunity for a skilled manager and strategic thinker to put their expertise to use in a unique setting for a
small but high-impact conservation organisation.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
LWC Business Plan implementation
• Lead on the implementation of a three-year Business Plan for LWC to maximise income generating activities in line with LWT’s mission and LWC’s objectives, with the aim of ensuring that LWC breaks even within three years
• Foster a spirit of positivity and collaboration between LWC and all other LWT projects, ensuring that LWC is aligned and engaged with other LWT projects and the overall strategic plan of LWT • Develop and manage evaluation frameworks to assess LWC’s activities, budgets, staff and determine performance and progress towards LWC’s objectives
Education and Work Experience Requirements:
Essential:
• At least five years’ demonstrable experience in a similar management role, ideally in an accredited wildlife sanctuary or nature conservation project which included animal management and a schools/visitor programme
• Passion for nature conservation
• Demonstrable leadership and people management skills; experience of working in diverse teams and proactively supporting team members to reach their potential
• Demonstrable experience in financial management (with budgets of up to $200,000 / year)
• Proven experience of working independently and carrying out assignments to a high standard within budget and timelines
• Excellent verbal communication and writing skills
• Ability to work well under pressure, juggle competing priorities and meet deadlines
• Experience of living and working in a low-income country
• Excellent computer proficiency (Microsoft Office Professional including Excel)
• Fluent English (written and spoken)
• Physically fit
• Full clean driving licence