Sahara Conservation recruits an Operations Manager in Chad

Sahara Conservation is a pioneering international conservation organisation working at the forefront of efforts to save the threatened wildlife of the Sahara and Sahel. Since its inception in 2004, Sahara Conservation has helped protect and restore unique desert antelopes such as the addax and scimitar-horned oryx, established one of the world’s largest protected areas in Niger, implemented a recovery program for the world’s largest bird, the North African ostrich, and put Saharan wildlife on the global conservation agenda through a combination of fieldwork, communication, and advocacy.

More than 15 years after its founding, Sahara Conservation is at a transition point in its development. It has a growing portfolio of initiatives focused on species and landscape management, including a major new project, ALBIÄ, funded by the World Bank and the Global Environment Facility in Chad, and a series of expanding partnerships. A new 2025 strategic plan has been developed that sets ambitious goals for advancing the restoration of key target species across the Sahara and Sahel and improving the management of the ecosystems on which they depend.

ALBIÄ is a $54.45 million local development and adaptation project of the Government of Chad, implemented by the Ministry in charge of the Environment. Under this project, Sahara Conservation has signed an agreement to implement activities to improve the infrastructure, management and conservation of the vast 77,950 km2 Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Wildlife Reserve (RFOROA).

Job Description:

Sahara Conservation is looking for an Operations Manager with relevant experience in the field of World Bank funded projects management, sustainable infrastructure and construction, team management and logistics, given the importance of infrastructure development in a remote location for this project. The design of the infrastructure must adapt to the sometimes difficult conditions and apply the latest alternative construction techniques to reduce the environmental impact of the construction. This includes the use of Hydraform bricks, rammed earth walls and other environmentally friendly construction techniques to avoid the use of wood-fired bricks.

French is a key requirement for this position.

Specific Tasks:

  • Maintain close collaboration with the Project Coordination Unit of the Chadian Ministry of Environment and ensure that all monthly, quarterly and annual reports are submitted in accordance with the reporting schedule.
  • Oversee procurement, logistics, and importation, including tax exemption, in accordance with World Bank procedures.
  • Oversee all procurement procedures in close collaboration with the Project Procurement Specialist.
  • Maintain close liaison with the SOS Sahel NGO team implementing the complementary component around RFOROA.
  • Develop terms of reference for consultants and monitor the work of consultants to ensure that deliverables are met.
  • Participate in the recruitment, selection, and supervision of staff required for project implementation, and develop the talent of the national workforce.
  • Manage contract staff and their day-to-day work organisation, leave and performance evaluation.
  • Produce communication materials to illustrate the progress of project activities.
  • Ensure compliance with quality and safety standards for all construction and work performed, in accordance with the World Bank’s environmental and social safeguards.
  • Promote and maintain good working relationships with all relevant stakeholders, including suppliers and service providers, national and local government, local communities, donors and other conservation partners.
  • Create awareness and visibility of the project, and facilitate the dissemination of project results and lessons.
  • Contribute to raising the profile of Sahara Conservation in Chad.

Qualifications and skills required:

  • University degree or equivalent academic background in project management, environment, public works or rural engineering.
  • Proven experience in managing projects funded by public donors (World Bank in priority, European Union, French Development Agency)
  • Solid experience in Africa with at least 10 years of experience in project management, construction and logistics.
  • Strong background in managing large-scale sustainable development or conservation projects, with the requisite operational, project, grant and financial management skills.
  • Strong willingness to live in a remote environment and with prior experience living in remote locations, ideally in Central Africa.
  • Very good technical knowledge of infrastructure development and fleet management.
  • Strong commitment to nature conservation and sustainable development.
  • Proven leadership and people management skills.
  • Proven experience managing and working in partnership with other organisations.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills
  • Ability to manage institutional relationships
  • Excellent language skills, both spoken and written, in French and English
  • Excellent computer skills, particularly in MS Office.
  • Excellent report writing skills.
  • Good team player with experience in managing multicultural teams in challenging conditions.
  • Ideally, previous experience in the field of nature conservation.

How to apply
If you are interested in this position, please send a CV and a cover letter in French including 3 references to: jobs@saharaconservation.org before September 30, 2022.

No applications will be accepted by phone.

Only candidates pre-selected for an interview will be contacted by email.

Equality Statement
Equality and diversity are at the heart of Sahara Conservation’s values. Staff are expected to work collectively and individually to promote a constructive and sensitive approach to others from different backgrounds, where the work of others is valued and respected.