Operations & Logistics Manager

Senior (5+ years of experience)

Terms of Reference (TOR) – Operations & Logistics Manager

Position: Operations & Logistics Manager

Reports to: Academy Director

Key Relationships: Academy Finance Manager, Educational Program Coordinator, Akagera National Park Management, appointed construction contractor and supervising architect

Location: African Conservation Academy - Akagera National Park

Contract: Fixed-term – 3 years. 

Start date: Estimated Mid-Late November 2026 

Background

The African Conservation Academy (hereafter referred to as the Academy) is a pioneering initiative that aims to address one of the most pressing challenges for conservation in Africa - the shortage of skilled, confident leaders to manage protected areas effectively. 

A purpose-built campus is to be developed for the Academy within Akagera National Park. Designed as a hands-on, applied training hub, the African Conservation Academy will deliver relevant, accessible training and development programmes for professionals from state, community, NGO, and privately managed protected areas from across the continent. Based in Akagera National Park, Rwanda, the Academy will immerse participants in the realities of conservation management - learning directly from a functioning yet evolving protected area.

Position Purpose

We are seeking an Operations and Logistics Manager who is committed to building Africa’s conservation talent. The role will ensure the smooth running of Academy operations and logistics by managing operational systems, resources, and personnel effectively in support of the Academy’s objectives. The role will also ensure a high degree of logistical and operational collaboration and alignment between the Academy and Akagera National Park. 

Additionally, during the construction of the campus, the Operations & Logistics Manager will oversee, with support of architectural supervision, the construction company contracted to carry out the build. 

Duties and responsibilities include:

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT AND MANAGEMENT

• Project manage the construction of the Academy campus, representing the Academy on site and serving as the principal point of contact between the Academy, the construction contractor and the architectural firm.
• Track construction progress, reviewing the programme, monitoring progress against it, assessing delay events and granting or refusing extensions of time.
• Manage the project budget, cash flow and payment of certified amounts within the periods set by the contract. Issue the Interim and Final Payment Certificates and the release of retention. 
• Monitor the contractor’s staffing, working hours and labour records, and make recommendations to the supervising architect where consent to key personnel, or the removal of personnel, is required. Manage consent to subcontractors, including any nominated subcontractors, and confirm evidence of payments down the supply chain.
• Monitor health, safety, environmental protection and site security on the client’s behalf throughout construction, recognising that these remain the contractor’s obligations under the contract.
• Support the supervising engineer through any dispute arising under the construction contract, through final tests on completion of the construction, and manage the transition from construction into operation.
• Lead the planning, implementation, supervision and completion of infrastructure development and maintenance necessary post campus construction. 

LOGISTICS, STORES AND SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT

• Support the effective management, development, and operational readiness of the Academy and the day to day running of the facility, including but not limited to ensuring appropriate logistical support, equipment, and operational resources are available.
• Coordinate operations across the Academy and coordinate with Akagera Management Team to plan and implement those activities involving the park operations. 
• Manage and supervise stores, procurement support functions, logistics operations and inventory systems, to ensure effective stock control procedures and uninterrupted availability of necessary supplies and equipment. 
• Develop and manage systems that ensure accurate recording, accountability, transparency and efficiency in procurement and logistics processes.

WORKSHOP, FLEET AND ASSET MANAGEMENT

• Supervise workshop operations, fleet management, maintenance personnel and vehicle drivers.
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules for vehicles and operational equipment, ensuring cost-effective practices are upheld. Maintain comprehensive maintenance records. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date asset registers and management plans are in places for all vehicles, equipment, tools and operational assets.

FACILITIES AND BUILDING MANAGEMENT

• Supervise facility operations and back of house personnel
• Develop and implement maintenance schedules for buildings, ensuring cost-effective practices are upheld. Maintain comprehensive maintenance records. 

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date asset registers and management plans are in places for all infrastructure and associated assets.

SYSTEMS IMPROVEMENT, COST MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONAL EFFICIENCY

• Develop and monitor operational budgets and ensure prudent utilization of resources. 
• Identify and implement systems that improve operational efficiency, accountability and service delivery, without compromising operational effectiveness and safety.
• Establish performance monitoring systems for infrastructure, logistics and maintenance functions, Ensuring operational data, reports and records support informed decision-making.

LANDSCAPE AND FIRE MANAGEMENT 

• Work with Akagera Management Team to plan and implement a landscape restoration and ecological management plan for the Academy plot, integrating it into the park buffer zone. 
• Lead the implementation of approved fire management plans and annual fire strategies for the Academy plot in partnership with Akagera Management Team, including fire prevention, preparedness, response and recovery activities.

CONTRACTOR AND SERVICE PROVIDER MANAGEMENT

• Develop scopes of work, specifications and performance standards for contractors and service providers, with a focus on service delivery by local cooperatives where appropriate. 
• Manage contractor performance to ensure compliance with contractual obligations, quality standards, safety requirements and project timelines, resolving any issues effectively. 

HEALTH, SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT

• Promote and maintain a strong culture of occupational health and safety across all operational activities.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy’s policies, national legislation and industry safety standards.
• Conduct risk assessments and implement mitigation measures for all operations and logistics activities. 
• Coordinate safety training, awareness programs and emergency preparedness initiatives.
• Ensure accidents, incidents and near misses are investigated, documented and corrective actions implemented.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT AND COORDINATION

• Maintain effective working relationships with the Rwandan Development Board, local authorities, local communities, and other stakeholders in relation to operations and logistical activities for the Academy. 
• Maintain close and effective relations with Akagera National Park in relation to operations and logistical activities for the Academy.

REPORTING AND ADMINISTRATIVE RESPONSIBILITIES

• Prepare operations and logistics reports for submission to the Academy Director, as required.
• Monitor operational performance indicators and report on progress against agreed targets.
• Maintain accurate records, databases, plans, contracts, permits and operational documentation.
• Ensure compliance with the Academy’s policies, procedures, financial controls and reporting requirements.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Academy Director that contribute to the effective management of the Academy. 

 REQUIREMENTS

• A relevant tertiary qualification, or equivalent, in operations management, project management, logistics, conservation, natural resource management or a related field. Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.
• A minimum of 10 years' progressively responsible experience, preferably in large-scale project or operations and logistics management. Demonstrated client-side experience of building or infrastructure construction projects, working with contractors, architects and supervising engineers from design through to handover, is preferred. 
• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects involving multidisciplinary teams as well as contractors and service providers.
• Working knowledge of standard-form construction contracts and their administration, including programme and progress monitoring, payment certification, variations, claims and defects management.
• Sound financial management skills, including budgeting, cost control, resource planning, stock control, and procurement.
• Working knowledge of health and safety management, risk control and maintenance operations in demanding field environments.
• Excellent organisational, reporting, communication and stakeholder engagement skills. Demonstrated experience in engaging with government agencies, local communities, and a range of service providers.
• Strong computer literacy and the ability to maintain accurate operational, maintenance and inventory records.
• A valid driving licence and fluency in English are essential.
• Proven experience working effectively in remote, rural, and multicultural environments.
• Willingness to relocate to Akagera National Park.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively under pressure in a dynamic and challenging environment. Excellent decision-making and tactical judgement in complex, and changeable situations with tight deadlines. 
• High levels of integrity, professionalism, self-discipline and resilience.

How to Apply

Interested candidate should submit their application no later than 30th October 2026. Please click on the “Apply” button to complete your application.