Overview of the role

The Botswana Wild Bird Trust (BWBT) is expanding and seeks to employ a professional who has the relevant qualifications, skills and proven successful work experience in program implementation, operations and centre management to join the team. The position is based in Beetsha, Eastern Panhandle in the Okavango. The person will be responsible for leading the Beetsha Nkashi Knowledge Centre (BNKC) team and the implementation of BWBT activities. He/she will work closely with Managers of various streams in the organisation, which include Community Development, Science and Research, Conservation Education and others in planning and implementation of programs and projects.

The ideal candidate must have strong management and leadership skills, collaborative spirit, and an interdisciplinary background in issues which include social sciences, conservation and natural resource management and community/stakeholder engagement.

Background Okavango Eternal Project

Okavango Eternal aims to protect the source waters of the Okavango Delta and the lives and livelihoods they support. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s natural wonders, and the Okavango Basin in Angola and Namibia that feeds the Delta is the source of water for more than one million people. It also plays a key role for supporting wildlife and livelihoods, and it has the potential to play an even bigger role in southern Africa’s socio-economic development.

Since 2015, the National Geographic Society’s Okavango Wilderness Project has been working to help secure permanent, sustainable protection for the Okavango Basin. National Geographic has now been joined by De Beers to help secure protection for the Okavango Delta’s headwaters through the Okavango Eternal Project. The partnership will focus on both protecting the natural world and supporting communities across Angola, Botswana and Namibia. Beyond that, the project aims to promote gender equity by analysing the gender impact of ongoing activities and developing new activities to specifically promote increased equity.

Reporting lines

The Programs Implementation and Knowledge Center Manager will work under the overall supervision of the Managing Director (BWBT), with the guidance and support from team managers e.g. Community Development Manager, General Manager - Operations.

This position will have the following key responsibilities and goals:

Management, Human Resource, Finance and Admin

• Manage the day-to-day work of the Beetsha Nkashi Knowledge Center staff, approving vacation and other absences, travel, and expenses incurred by team members, conducting performance appraisals etc.
• Work with the BWBT team to co-develop, implement , manage Beetsha NKC and project budgets, ensuring that funds are utilised efficiently.
• Support the leadership of the organisation to identify Human Resource needs and hire staff and consultants to work and be based Beetsha NKC.
• Lead the Beetsha NCK based team, hold regular staff meetings ensuring that program activities are coordinated, conducted and reported on efficiently and effectively.
• Solve conflicts that may arise amongst teams, community and stakeholders, ensuring harmonious collaborations and partnerships.

Centre Management and Operations

• Oversee Beetsha NKC facility operations with guidance and support of the General Manager - Operations and the Managing Director.
• Oversee the use and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment at the Beetsha NKC.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of the Centre buildings and other infrastructural developments.
• Assist in the development and review of Center’s Standard of Operations, including the use by stakeholders.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact and effectiveness of BWBT and Beetsha NKC interventions in the area.
• Assist with the impact evaluation of the BWBT programs and support the development and maintenance of all databases.
• Ensure all metrics, indicators and reports are submitted as required.
• Ensure effective feedback loops are set up so that stakeholders are aware how information is being used and what impacts are being achieved across all programs.
• Work with the Communications and Marketing team to communicate progress and develop assets or collateral that helps connect with stakeholders and communicate the work of the project.
• Host weekly Traction meetings with the management team to report on activities calendar, team highlights, plans and budget.

Program design and implementation

• Assist the Community Development Manager in feasibility and needs assessment studies to guide strategic interventions for implementation of programs.
• Work with BWBT Management to equip the Beetsha NKC with the necessary resources for an enabling environment of support and training to local communities and implementation of other BWBT programs and projects.
• Assist BWBT Management with strengthening capacity building activities for staff and stakeholders; aligning with the utilisation of facilities.
• To co-develop participatory and inclusive community-based plans which support livelihoods and conservation and ensure ownership and benefit sharing with stakeholders.
• Work closely with stakeholders and maintain a good network with clear engagement strategy and feedback loops.
• Ensure that all projects are effectively implemented as planned in the Eastern Panhandle and across the Northern parts of the Delta.

Qualifications

Master degree (Preferred) or Bachelor degree in Development Studies, Natural Resources Management and Planning, Social Science, Community Development, Strategic Management, Sustainable Development, Business Development or a related field.

**Skills / Requirements for the role **

• At least 4 years of experience in leadership, operations and program management.
• Experience working in the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector.
• Demonstrated ability to implement programs with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program utilising monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, working on multi-faceted development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven experience in budget planning, management and financial reporting.
• Excellent written & oral communication skills in English and Setswana.
• Experience and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and is highly advantageous.
• Having a valid driving licence and experience to drive in rugged terrain in a 4 X 4 vehicle would be an advantage.
• A strongly developed sense of integrity, humility, and discretion, and poise, maturity, and a good sense of humour.
• Self-motivated, organised and proactive team player, able to work independently with excellent output.
• Practical community engagement experience with an understanding and passion for working with rural people.
• Willingness to work in remote communities with limited amenities.

Methodology

• Stay and work from the office at the Beetsha NKC.
• Visits to Maun NKC for strategic meetings and or events as needed.
• This is a full-time, permanent position that will require that the person works Monday to Friday for approximately 40 hours per week.
• Note that the inherent nature of the job will require that the person is both willing and able to occasionally work longer hours and over weekends to meet the operational and management requirements.

**Application Process ** If you believe that this role provides a potential opportunity for you to showcase your exceptional abilities and skills, please send your confidential application to jobs@nkashitrust.org.bw with “Programs Implementation and Knowledge Center Manager” as the email subject line.

In addition, your application is to include:

• Cover letter motivating and outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you should be considered for this potential opportunity.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae with relevant contact details and must include remuneration expectations.

**Please note: **Salary is commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• Applications close 20 October 2024.