Organisational details The Wild Bird Trust runs conservation projects which presently have operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola through the presence of local operating entities being The Wild Bird Trust in South Africa, The Botswana Wild Bird Trust and the Lisima Foundation in Angola. We also have a USA based 501c3 organisation, The Wild Bird Foundation of America.

The projects and operations of the Wild Bird Trust include:

• Exploration and Field Research expeditions to Angola, Namibia and Botswana;
• Fixed base research operations in South Africa and Botswana;
• Organising, implementing and supporting of community-based projects in South Africa, Botswana and Angola;
• Infrastructure development projects in Botswana and Angola;
• Organising events which support and advocate for the various causes linked to the projects.

On the establishment of the Lisima Foundation in Angola, the Wild Bird Trust is seeking to employ a suitably qualified and experienced individual for the position of General Director. The General Director will lead an already existing team of people with the possible future need for further expansion in order to achieve the goals of the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) in Angola.

The National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) has as its primary goal the long-term protection and sustainable management of the entire Okavango River Basin for the benefit of the people and wildlife who call it their home. The NGOWP uses scientific and survey work to build connections amongst governments, non-governmental organizations and local communities to help inform planning for the long-term goal of establishing sustainable management of the Okavango River Basin in general and in specific the Okavango Watershed’s source rivers with a view to protecting them forever, AND The Okavango Eternal (OE) is a partnership between De Beers and National Geographic to help protect the source waters of the Okavango Delta and falls within the scope of the NGOWP. This five-year partnership will expand the NGOWP’s existing work to protect the Okavango Basin, which spans Angola, Namibia and Botswana, from the growing risks of climate change, population density, water diversion and commercial agriculture further upstream. Okavango Eternal focuses on partnering with local communities and protecting this extraordinary natural wonder for future generations.

Reporting Lines The General Director will report directly to:

• Regional Director NGOWP.
• Fundação Lisima Board of Directors.

The General Director will be supported by the Senior Strategic Advisor NGOWP, Country Director NGOWP and Operations Director, with additional lines of communication with the NGOWP Project Office which will include finance, community development, impact and research.

Job Overview 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. Over the course of five years, De Beers will work together with the National Geographic Society by providing support and funding to expand and accelerate work already underway, helping to establish sustainable local livelihoods in harmony with the Okavango Basin’s conservation. The partnership will focus on both protecting the natural world and supporting communities across Angola, Botswana and Namibia. This includes the following aspirational goals:

Protecting the natural world:

• Providing long-term wildlife corridor protection for the movement and proliferation of endangered species
• Supporting local conservation research
  Supporting communities:
• Helping ensure water and food security for over one million people
• Developing livelihood opportunities for 10,000 people
• Enabling increased resilience to climate related impacts Raising awareness of the Okavango Delta and its benefits through storytelling:
• Facilitating access to the Delta for educators and youth
• Helping bring the wonder and importance of the Delta and its headwaters to a global audience

The General Director will be responsible for the day-to-day management of both the Lisima Foundation and the Lisima Group. They will oversee and manage the technical, administrative and operational execution of the project and lead the Implementation of programmes in-country. Reporting to the Regional Director of the NGOWP, the General Director will be pivotal in ensuring an integrated vision among different components and stakeholders with the focus on achieving the results defined in the project document and donor agreement. This position requires significant management of people, resources, operations and coordination skills, with a broad general and technical knowledge and experience in developing countries to ensure that both short-term and long-term regional objectives are achieved within given time lines. The General Director will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and have a proven track record of successful project management and / or having facilitated the effective change process in an organisation. The General Director will be based in Luanda with frequent travel across Angola and the SADC region.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive and provide overall leadership and vision for the Angolan region.
• Lead and manage the team that is being established to deliver on the goals of the Okavango Eternal Partnership.
• Work closely and directly with the Senior Strategic Advisor and the Country Director of the NGOWP in Angola to ensure the project follows strategic direction, vision and coordination.
• Ensure effective resource management and required supervision to accomplish strategic goals and objectives.
• Ensure delivery of superior quality products.
• Oversee all project staff and build local and institutional capacity, including managing and mentoring of relevant staff.
• Oversee the completion of all technical requirements, including project results and deliverables.
• Develop solutions to keep deliverables on track and to motivate staff and partners. Pursue those areas that require improvement and innovation.
• Direct the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual progress reports.
• Submit timely, accurate, and professional reports that meet donor requirements.
• Direct and oversee grant implementation, ensuring that all strategic objectives are met through proper design, staffing, implementation and quality assurance.
• With the assistance of WBT Central Support team, establish and maintain effective project reporting, evaluation and communication systems.
• Support the Project Operational Director in the coordination of project implementation activities by involving relevant line ministries, project site stakeholders, and Provincial Administrations.
• Provide technical support to the project, including the implementation of measures to address the challenges inherent in project implementation.
• Assist in the preparation of the detailed Annual Work Plan and Budget for approval by the NGOWP Strategic Leadership.
• Establish synergies with co-financing programmes and projects and other related projects and programmes around the project sites (e.g. Government, INGO, NGOs).
• Oversee the hiring of consultants and other experts for the project and assist in the review and sign-off on technical reports, on-the-ground activities implemented and other deliverables prepared by staff.
• Ensure that environmental and social safeguards are set up, implemented, monitored, and adhered to.

Administration and Finance

• Overall management of a significant funding project and budget.
• Arrange regular meetings with finance to ensure financial control systems are in place and compliance with financial processes.
• Closely monitor costs and expenditure against plans and budgets.
• Ensure strict compliance with the donor funding source, managing all donor agreements, reporting and communications.
• Assist in the development of quarterly and annual implementation reports to required partners and stakeholders.
• Assist with the organization of Lisima Foundation meetings and prepare minutes in a timely manner.
• Carry out regular field visits to all intervention sites for project activities.
• Liaise with the Operations department to ensure operational objectives and standards of performance are understood by management and the support team.
• Carry out regular field visits to all intervention sites for overseeing project activities.

Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely and directly with the Senior Strategic Advisor and the Country Director of the NGOWP in Angola.
• Oversee and ensure effective coordination of project activities by other executing partners.
• Ensure the project coordinates and shares knowledge with key partners and other relevant initiatives.
• Serve as one of the primary NGOWP project representatives. Liaise with the donor and all internal and external stakeholders and build and maintain critical partnerships.
• Organize regular project leadership meetings, ensuring representation from all relevant government stakeholders and other executing partners.
• Initiate and participate in meetings between relevant ministries, local governments and CSOs involved in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, community development and climate change across Angola to clarify roles and responsibilities and communicate plans, policies, legal instruments, strategies and guiding principles for the management of conservation areas.
• Respond to partner requests. Keep all relevant stakeholders informed of developments in line with the region’s objectives.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• Build and manage an effective team for the region responsible for the execution of deliverables.
• Directly supervise senior management in Angola and indirectly supervise project staff and consultants.
• Assist in the identification, selection and recruitment of staff, consultants, partners and other experts as identified and required.
• Assist in the preparation of staff job descriptions, Terms of Reference for national and international consultants and any additional executing partners.
• Promote the creation of a diverse and positive working environment and ensure the implementation of policies in line with organisational policies and procedures, health & safety guidelines and regional legislation.
• Ensure clear communication to staff of roles, responsibilities and required activities.
• Ensure the staffing resources have the guidance required and are all moving in the same strategic direction to achieve goals and deliverables.
• Facilitate the training activities supported by the project at target sites.
• Oversee the bi-annual performance reviews of staff.

Working Conditions

• Regular travel to project sites and other locations.
• Comfortable working out of the office.
• Ability to work extended work hours to meet project deadlines.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience requirements for the role

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field although a Master’s degree is strongly preferred.
• An MBA is highly desirable.
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible work experience with multi-sector programs and relevant management skills.
• 5 or more years of management experience, including direct supervision of professional and support staff and assembling teams working on multi-faceted development programs.
• Proven leadership in the administration of similar activities with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision and budgeting.
• Experience and knowledge of relevant donor regulations, policies and procedures with demonstrated success managing international projects of similar scope and scale.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively and establish strong working relationships with senior representatives of national and local government; the private sector and civil society.
• Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program quality through donor-approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strong numerical, technical and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills and experience of working in a multilingual environment.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with written and oral Portuguese fluency required.
• Fluency in English is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.

Application Process If you believe that you have what it takes to fulfil this exciting new role, please send your confidential application to jobs@wildbirdtrust.com with “GENERAL DIRECTOR, ANGOLA” as the email subject line.

In addition your application is to include:

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

Please note:

1. Salary is commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
2. Applications close 15 December 2023.

The Wild Bird Trust is seeking to employ a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled Namibian citizen for the position of Project Manager.

Job Title Project Manager, Kavango Wilderness Project (KWP)

Wild Bird Trust organisation The Wild Bird Trust (WBT) organisation runs conservation projects which presently have operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola through the presence of local operating entities. These entities in addition to the USA based, Wild Bird Foundation of America are collectively referred to as the Wild Bird Trust family. The WBT has a collaboration agreement with the National Geographic Society for the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) with a specific focus on the following: ● Exploration and field research expeditions to Angola, Namibia and Botswana; ● Fixed-base research; ● Organizing, implementing and supporting community-based projects; ● Infrastructure development projects; ● Developing engaging conservation media relevant to local and global audiences; ● Organizing events which support and advocate for the various causes linked to the project.

The WBT is in addition, named as the implementing partner under a partnership agreement between the National Geographic Society and De Beers Limited UK which is called Okavango Eternal (OE). This Partnership aims to support both the existing NGOWP and its critical next phase.

**Overview of the role ** The role of Project Manager, KWP is a full time, remote working, permanent position based in Namibia.

Purpose: The Project Manager, KWP will be responsible for developing, managing and overseeing measures to counter any threats to the health and status of the Okavango River Basin in Namibia as discovered by the NGOWP research expeditions. The level of restoration versus protection that will be required for the long term protection of the Kavango River will still be established, but it is clear that a multi-stakeholder approach will be required.

The Project Manager will be required to implement and evaluate a variety of initiatives and activities to promote stakeholder engagement and participation on all levels, as well as measurable behavioural and social change or mobilisation. This person will in addition, also provide backup, technical and operational support to the project and the Country Director Namibia.

Lines of Communication:

1. The Project Manager KWP reports to the:

• Board of Directors of the KWP for compliance and guidance.
• Regional Director NGOWP for deliverables and accountabilities.

2. Additional lines of reporting relating to impact will be to the Country Director, Namibia and Impact Director WBT.
3. The Project Manager KWP will working closely with the WBT Central Support team.

Key Functions /Accountabilities:

1. Project Management:

• Develop and oversee a stakeholder driven Community Based / Conservation Development Node or protection project.
• Based on research outputs and stakeholder engagement, determine the required level of rehabilitation required for key areas of the Kavango River System.
• Based on threats identified by research and symposium discussions, determine sustainable resource management measures or protection.
• Put together a stakeholder-driven plan of action to achieve required levels of restoration and on-going protection.
• Assess and recommend potential contacts, networks, resources and tools to support maximum impact.

2. Stakeholder Management

• Advocacy, networking and partnership building specifically related to Impact and Behavioural Change that is required to achieve the goals and objectives of the NGOWP in Namibia.
• Research and/or participate in conducting comprehensive situation analysis of social, communication, cultural, economic and political issues in the country - stakeholder mapping and engagement plan.
• Conduct baseline surveys and visioning workshops to ensure a clear understanding of the local conditions and stakeholder needs.
• Collect and synthesise qualitative and quantitative information and data to support the establishment of comprehensive and evidence-based information for developing and planning the Impact and Behavioural Change component of the Namibian portion of the NGOWP/OE; determine the level of advocacy needed to effect necessary change.
• Identify, establish, build and maintain beneficial partnerships through networking and proactive collaboration with national and international civil society organisations, community groups, leaders and other critical partners in the community and civil society. This is required to reinforce cooperation through engagement, capacity sharing and to pursue opportunities for greater advocacy to promote NGOWP goals.
• Collaborate with partners to harmonise, link and/or coordinate messaging to enhance the project outreach and contribution to programmatic outcomes.
• Collaborate and/or consult with stakeholders on all levels to provide operational and technical support to research, and community engagement activities.
• Identify, organise and manage potential event and activity related opportunities to ensure community engagement and participation, and thus ensure maximum outreach and impact on behavioural and social change.

3. Impact Prioritisation:

• Determine opportunity costs of various plans and assign resources to the most impactful interventions.
• Work with the Impact Director to understand potential benefits and lost-opportunity costs and thus prioritise activities.
• Recommend operational strategies, approaches, plans, methods and procedures to ensure stakeholder engagement and participation with optimum outreach and impact.
• Monitor and assess the impact of project strategies and activities to achieve measurable behavioural and social change resulting in the protection of the water of the Okavango Basin.
• Submit qualitative reports/synthesis of results, for development planning and improvement at least every quarter or after a significant event or expedition. Impact of Results: The efficient and effective technical, administrative and operational support provided to the development and implementation of project advocacy initiatives and products directly impact on the ability of KWP to promote social, political and economic action and changes in behaviours, social attitudes, beliefs and actions by stakeholders related to the protection of water and ecosystems of the Okavango Basin. This in turn contributes to enhancing the ability of NOWP to fulfil its mission to achieve sustainable, locally-owned and concrete results in improving the protection, management and long term resilience of cross border water systems.

4. Implementation Support:

• Support the implementation of activities relating to administration, logistics and operations.
• Localisation: work with the WBT Central Support and build a qualified local team to ensure required resources, skills and expertise are in place for achieving optimum impact, scale and sustainability of achievements/results.
• Provide technical, administrative and logistical support and background materials to carry out project strategies and activities.
• Work with the NGOWP Communications team and follow up and monitor the production of collateral and materials to ensure technical quality, consistency and relevancy of communication materials that are developed, produced and disseminated to target audiences.
• Work with the WBT Finance team to provide budget planning and management of project funds. Prepare documentation and related materials for financial planning.
• Work with WBT Operations team to monitor/track the use of resources as planned and verify compliance with organisational guidelines, rules and regulations and standards of ethics and transparency.

5. Capacity Building

• Share best practices and knowledge with local partners and stakeholders to build capacity, and disseminate products to key audiences including partners and donors.
• Support the organisation, administration and implementation of capacity building initiatives, including partnerships with training and academic institutions, to enhance the competencies of stakeholders.
• Support and mentor higher learning students in the field
• Develop training materials for training activities, and revise and update them as necessary.

Requirements for the role

• A minimum of a university degree in one of the following fields: science, management, social and behavioural science, sociology, anthropology, psychology, education, communication, public relations or another relevant technical field.
• A minimum of ten years of professional experience in one or more of the following areas: management, social development programme planning, communication for development, public advocacy or another related area.
• Experience and proven success in managing and implementing at least one Community Conservation Project or a Multi-stakeholder Restoration Project.
• Existing and strong relevant networks, contacts, resources and business relationships within high-level stakeholder groups in Namibia.
• Fluency in English with excellent presentation and written/oral communication skills is required.
• Knowledge of another local language is an asset.
• Fully computer literate with Google Suite knowledge is preferable.
• Suitable home office set up to support optimal and efficient work output. Although based in Namibia, you will need to periodically travel when required in southern Africa.

**Competencies **

• Demonstrates self-awareness and ethical awareness.
• Works collaboratively with others.
• Builds and maintains successful and beneficial partnerships.
• Innovates and embraces change.
• Thinks and acts strategically.
• Ability to independently initiate, structure, and manage a project.
• Driven to achieve impactful results.
• Manages ambiguity and complexity.
• Organised, professional with a high attention to detail.

Application Process If you think you have what it takes to make a success of this role, please send the following to jobs@wildbirdtrust.com and use “PROJECT MANAGER KWP” as the email subject line:

1. Cover letter motivating and outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you should be considered for this potential opportunity. Your cover letter must also include your salary expectations.
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae which must include:

• Contact information.
• Three role related contactable references.

Please note:

1. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience & only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
2. Applications close 05 December 2023.

Job Overview The MD, BWBT will be based in Maun, Botswana and will be required to occasionally travel both regionally and internationally. This person has the overall responsibility of the technical and operational execution of the project for the Botswana region and will provide the strategic leadership required for the implementation and consistent, successful delivery of all programmes in the country. The MD will be pivotal in ensuring an integrated vision among different components and stakeholders with the focus on achieving the results as defined in the project document and donor agreement. This position requires significant management of people, resources, operations and coordination skills, with a broad general and technical knowledge and experience in developing countries to ensure that both short-term and long-term regional objectives are achieved within given time lines. The MD will demonstrate exceptional leadership skills and have a proven track record of successful project management and / or having facilitated the effective change process in an organisation.

**Key Responsibilities **

• Drive and provide overall leadership and vision for the Botswana region.
• Work closely and directly with the Country Director NGOWP in Botswana to ensure the project follows strategic direction, vision and coordination.
• Lead and manage the team that is being established to deliver on the goals of the Okavango Eternal Partnership.
• Ensure resource management and relevant supervision required to accomplish strategic goals and objectives.
• Ensure delivery of superior quality products with the required legislative and organisational process adherence.
• Oversee all project staff and build local and institutional capacity, including the engagement, managing and mentoring of staff.
• Oversee the completion of all technical requirements, including project results and deliverables.
• Develop solutions and new ideas to keep deliverables on track and to motivate staff and partners. Pursue those areas that require improvement and innovation.
• Direct the preparation of the annual work plans, budgets, and annual progress reports.
• Submit timely, accurate, and professional reports that meet donor requirements.
• Direct and oversee grant implementation, ensuring that all strategic objectives are met through proper design, staffing, implementation, and quality assurance.
• With the assistance of WBT Central Support team, establish and maintain effective project reporting, evaluation, and communication systems.
• Support the Operations Director in the coordination of project implementation activities by involving relevant line ministries, project site stakeholders and national administrations
• Provide technical support to the project, including the implementation of measures to address the challenges inherent in project implementation.
• Assist in the preparation of the detailed Annual Work Plan and Budget for approval by the NGOWP Strategic Leadership.
• Establish synergies with co-financing programmes and projects and other related projects and programmes around the project sites (e.g. Government, INGO, NGOs).
• Oversee the hiring of consultants and other experts for the project and assist in the review and sign-off on technical reports, on-the-ground activities implemented, and other deliverables prepared by staff.
• Ensure that environmental and social safeguards are set up, implemented, monitored, and adhered to.
• Perform other duties as required.

Administration and Finance

• Overall management of a significant funding project and budget.
• Ensure strict compliance with the donor funding source, managing all donor agreements, reporting, and communications.
• Assist in the development of quarterly and annual implementation reports to required partners and stakeholders.
• Assist with the organisation of BWBT meetings and prepare minutes in a timely manner.
• Arrange weekly and monthly meetings with finance to ensure financial control systems are in place and compliance with financial processes.
• Closely monitor costs and expenditure against plans and budgets.
• Liaise with the Operations department to ensure operational objectives and standards of performance are understood by management and the support team.
• Carry out regular field visits to all intervention sites for overseeing project activities.

  Partnerships and Stakeholder Engagement

• Keep all relevant stakeholders informed of developments in line with the region’s objectives.
• Work closely and directly to ensure project alignment with the Senior Strategic Advisor and the Country Director of the NGOWP in Botswana.
• Ensure the development of strategic operating plans that reflect the longer-term objectives and priorities established by the board.
• Oversee and ensure the effective coordination of project activities by other executing partners.
• Ensure the project coordinates and shares knowledge with key partners and other relevant initiatives.
• Serve as one of the primary NGOWP project representatives. Liaise with the donor and all internal and external stakeholders and build and maintain critical partnerships.
• Organize regular project leadership meetings, ensuring representation from all relevant government stakeholders and other executing partners.
• Initiate and participate in meetings between relevant ministries, local governments, and CSOs involved in biodiversity conservation, ecosystem protection, community development and climate change to clarify roles and responsibilities and communicate plans, policies, legal instruments, strategies, and guiding principles for the management of conservation areas.
• Respond to partner requests.

People and Resource Management Responsibilities

• Build and manage an effective team for the region responsible for the execution of deliverables.
• Directly manage the General Manager BWBT and oversees the management of the entire Botswana staff team which will include support and project teams as well as contractors and consultants.
• Promote the creation of a diverse and positive working environment and ensure the implementation of policies in line with organisational policies and procedures, health & safety guidelines and regional legislation.
• Assist in the identification, selection, and recruitment of staff, consultants, partners, and other experts as identified and required.
• Assist in the preparation of staff job descriptions, Terms of Reference for national and international consultants and any additional executing partners.
• Ensure clear communication to staff of roles, responsibilities and required activities.
• Ensure the staffing resources have the guidance required and are all moving in the same strategic direction to achieve goals and deliverables.
• Facilitate the training activities supported by the project at target sites.
• Oversee the bi-annual performance reviews of BWBT staff.

Working Conditions

• This position will be based full time at the Botswana Wild Bird Trust’s, Nkashi Knowledge Centre in Maun.
• Regular travel is required to project sites and other locations when not based at the office.
• Extended work hours will be required to meet project deadlines.
• Guidance on flexible work arrangements will be shared during the interview process.

Qualifications / Skills / Experience requirements for the role

• A Post Graduate Degree in Business Management/Administration or Commerce or a field related to the objectives of the project.
• An MBA would be an added advantage.
• 10 or more years of progressively responsible work experience with multi-sector programs, project management and the relevant management skills.
• A minimum of 5 years of senior management experience working in an operational leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience to have included direct supervision of professional and support staff and assembling teams working on multi-faceted development programs.
• Proven leadership in the administration of similar activities with skills in strategic planning, management, supervision, and budgeting.
• Experience and knowledge of relevant donor regulations, policies, and procedures with demonstrated success managing international projects of similar scope and scale.
• Proven ability to engage and collaborate effectively and establish strong working relationships with senior representatives of national and local government, the private sector, and civil society
• Demonstrated ability to implement projects with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program quality through donor-approved monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strong numerical, technical and analytical skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with written and oral English fluency required. Fluency in Setswana would be an added advantage.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

Application Process If you believe that the role of MD is a potential opportunity that will allow you to prove your excellence, innovation and success, please send your confidential application to jobs@wildbirdtrust.com with “MANAGING DIRECTOR, BWBT” 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 15 December 2023.