We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Operations Manager to oversee and coordinate the planting activities of a mangrove reforestation project in Kenya. The position is based on-site in Kwale, Kenya. As an Operations Manager, you will be responsible for planning and implementing planting activities, managing training and mobilization of communities and workforce, scaling planting efforts, reporting to the project management, and collaborating with local stakeholders. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to environmental conservation and community development through sustainable reforestation efforts. Having unique exposure on the ground, you will be supported in your mission by the project’s development team, thereby evolving in an environment of passionate and dedicated people.
Responsibilities:
- Plan and implement mangrove planting activities, ensuring adherence to project goals, budget, timelines, and quality standards.
- Develop planting strategies, considering environmental factors, community needs, and available resources.
- Coordinate and manage the project planting team and other planting-related workforce on site.
- Coordinate and manage the training and mobilization of communities and other workforce involved in planting activities.
- Collaborate with project partners and local stakeholders to ensure effective engagement, participation, and cooperation throughout the project.
- Scale up planting efforts by identifying suitable areas for expansion, developing partnerships, and coordinating additional resources.
- Monitor and evaluate planting activities, collecting and analyzing data to assess progress and identify areas for improvement.
- Prepare regular reports on planting activities to project management and relevant stakeholders.
- Maintain accurate records and documentation related to planting activities, ensuring compliance with the project’s operational and financial requirements.
- Collaborate with researchers and environmental experts to incorporate best practices and innovative techniques into the project.
Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, forestry, natural resource management, or a related field.
- Proven experience in working with mangrove ecosystems, preferably managing mangrove reforestation projects.
- Strong knowledge of ecology, restoration techniques, and sustainable management practices.
- Excellent project management skills, including planning, budgeting, monitoring and team management.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
- Ability to work in challenging environments and remote locations.
- Ability to live in the project area during the planting season and visit the project area at least twice a week between planting seasons.
- Fluency in English and Kiswahili.
- Commitment to environmental conservation, sustainable development, and social equity.
- Experience in managing a carbon project will be an advantage.
About the project:
The Papariko project restores degraded mangrove areas in Kwale County in Kenya. To ensure the project’s long-term sustainability, it uses a community-based approach to provide skills and jobs for the people who depend on mangroves for their livelihoods, while supporting families and gender equality. By conducting continuous plantation maintenance, protection, and monitoring for the entire project period of 30 years, Papariko supports thousands of people residing in the project area.
Papariko is a carbon project registered at Verra, the leading international standard for the voluntary carbon market, and follows their mangrove reforestation methodology. The project is currently scaling up with the objective to restore 1500 hectares of degraded mangrove forests in the next 2 years.