Assistant Special Projects Manager

Job description

Reference Number
AP-270
Description

Background

African Parks (AP) is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. AP manages 23 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Position Title:                Assistant Special Projects Manager

Reports to:                    Park Manager

Location:                       Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP)

Type of contract:          Fixed Term 

Number required:         One

Job Overview

Liuwa is currently seeking to employ a suitably qualified Assistant Special Projects Manager. The position is complex and diverse and requires a “tech savvy” adaptable person to fulfil the role. Primarily, the role is a support function to the Park Manager, with a focus on Technology Management and Data Analysis. However, the position requires that the incumbent be involved in all aspects of operations.

The Assistant Special Projects Manager (ASPM) is a key member of the Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP) team. The ASPM acts as a support function to the Park Manager (PM). The roles functions are diverse and are generally related to Park specific goals. Currently, the focal areas include DAS, SMART and GIS Technology Management.  The positions’ responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

Technology Management

SMART Data Management by ensuring data is downloaded, corrected and stored accurately, providing clean data to the FOM and Park Ranger for law enforcement and conservation management
Data analysis using SMART data according to Law Enforcement needs (current and historical).
Provide CyberTracker and SMART training to Scouts and Park Ranger
Ensure that all CyberTracker handheld’s software is current, and functional
The establishment of GeoSuite intelligence software and the management thereof.
Responsible for intelligence data entry and analysis in the current WCPP database.
Responsible for the implementation of the DAS system, including data management, and ensuring that it functions optimally.
Providing up-to-date mapping for the park related to all aspects of management

Conservation Management

Support the implementation of all conservation goals of LPNP
Responsible for all mapping exercises relating to conservation and habitat management (e.g. Game Movements, fire, land use etc.)
Providing hands-on logistical support for the annual aerial census and provide data analysis of the results
Provide logistical and administrative support to conservation projects including wildlife introductions
Administration related to Environment Impact Assessments for new facilities in the park.

Park and Operational Management:

Provide administrative support to the Park Manager
Assist with procurement for the Operations Department
Logistically assist with the Health and Safety of LPNP including the management of emergency and medical evacuation equipment, as well as arranging first aid training for LPNP staff.
Responsible for work-related travel and hospitality arrangements for LPNP Staff, APN Staff, Visiting Donors, Stakeholders, Film Crews, and Photographers Logistically support film crews and photographers visiting LPNP.
Implementation of special projects according to annual goals and the LPNP Business Plan

Staff Management and Supervision

Day-to-day management of staff under your supervision, setting tasks and overseeing these, ensuring exemplary work standards, maintaining staff discipline through the company’s code of conduct and conditions of service, and overseeing general staff related administration
Identifying training needs and implementing in-house training

Key measures and targets

High standard of Technological Management
SMART, GIS, DAS, and Geosuite Operational and functioning optimally
Conservation and Law Enforcement Data is well managed and provide direction for management
GIS Mapping up to date and accurate
Special Projects implemented and operational within a time scale
Travel Arrangements and logistical arrangements achieved
Administration completed to a high standard
Requirements

Capabilities, competencies and experience needed for the job

A 3-year Degree, preferably in Conservation Sciences
Demonstrable experience of at least 3 years
Good working knowledge of SMART and GIS Software
Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage several tasks at one time
Thrive under pressure and can work towards strict deadlines
Strong disciplined character, willing to work long hours in a remote environment, with limited resources
Ability to solve problems, make do with what one has, to solve often complicated problems
Fluent English (written and spoken)
Good team player and experience in managing teams
Knowledge of wildlife industry and standards