Job Overview

The African Conservation Academy is hiring an Operations & Logistics Manager to oversee the development and daily operations of its new purpose-built campus within Akagera National Park, Rwanda. This is a high-level NGO job in Rwanda that perfectly blends infrastructure project management with large-scale operations and conservation logistics.

The Academy is a pioneering initiative designed to solve a critical problem in Africa: the shortage of skilled, confident leaders to manage protected areas. By providing hands-on, applied training to conservation professionals from across the continent, the Academy aims to secure the future of Africa's wildlife and ecosystems.

As the Operations & Logistics Manager, you will report to the Academy Director. Your role is highly dynamic. During the initial phase, you will act as the client-side project manager for the construction of the campus, overseeing contractors, architects, and budgets. Once the campus is built, you will transition into managing the day-to-day operations, logistics, fleet, facilities, and landscape management (including fire prevention).

If you are searching for the latest jobs in Rwanda and have a passion for conservation, this is an exceptional opportunity. It is best suited for a senior operations professional with over 10 years of experience in complex project management, logistics, and construction oversight, who is ready to work in a remote, dynamic, and highly rewarding environment.

Why This Opportunity Matters

This is not a standard desk job. It is a chance to build a legacy for African conservation while managing a state-of-the-art facility in one of Rwanda's most iconic national parks.

What makes this opportunity valuable:

• Dual-Phase Career Growth: You will gain elite experience in both client-side construction project management (managing budgets, contracts, and timelines) and large-scale facility operations. This hybrid skillset is incredibly rare and highly sought after globally.

• Direct Conservation Impact: Your work directly supports the training of the next generation of African conservation leaders. Every operational system you build and every facility you manage contributes to protecting the continent's natural heritage.

• Unique Working Environment: You will be based in the stunning Akagera National Park. For someone passionate about the environment, working directly within a functioning protected area is a unique lifestyle and career opportunity.

• High-Level Stakeholder Engagement: You will work closely with the Akagera National Park Management, the Rwandan Development Board, local authorities, and local communities.

• Stability and Focus: The initial contract is for three years, giving you the security and time needed to fully embed systems, complete the construction phase, and optimize the Academy's operations.

Application Tips

To stand out for this senior management role, you need to demonstrate that you can handle complex construction contracts and the harsh realities of remote logistics.

• Highlight your Client-Side Construction Experience: The job description specifically prefers experience managing construction projects from the client's perspective. Highlight your experience overseeing contractors, working with architects, and managing payment certificates, variations, and defects.

• Emphasize Contract Management Skills: Mention your familiarity with standard-form construction contracts. If you have experience monitoring progress, granting extensions of time, or managing disputes, make this clear in your CV.

• Showcase Remote/Rural Resilience: Working in Akagera National Park is highly rewarding, but it can be challenging. Emphasize your past experience working in remote, rural, or demanding field environments, and your willingness to relocate to the park.

• Demonstrate Financial Acumen: You will be managing budgets and cash flow. Highlight your experience with cost control, procurement, and stock control to prove you can handle the Academy's resources responsibly.

• Show your Collaborative Spirit: You will be working with local cooperatives, park management, and the community. Highlight your ability to engage with diverse stakeholders and navigate government relations.

• Prepare for the Portal: Ensure your CV and cover letter are tailored to the specific requirements of this role, and that you have a valid driving license (which is essential).

Responsibilities

As the Operations & Logistics Manager, your duties will span across construction, logistics, facilities, and risk management.

Infrastructure Development and Management

• Project manage the construction of the Academy campus, serving as the principal point of contact between the Academy, the contractor, and the architectural firm.

• Track construction progress, manage project budgets, issue payment certificates, and monitor contractor staffing.

• Monitor health, safety, environmental protection, and site security on behalf of the client.

Logistics, Stores, and Supply Chain Management

• Coordinate operations across the Academy and with the Akagera Management Team.

• Manage stores, procurement, logistics operations, and inventory systems to ensure stock control and uninterrupted supply of equipment.

Fleet, Asset, and Facilities Management

• Supervise workshop operations, fleet management, maintenance personnel, and vehicle drivers.

• Develop and implement maintenance schedules for buildings, vehicles, and operational equipment.

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date asset registers for all infrastructure.

Landscape and Fire Management

• Work with the Akagera Management Team to implement a landscape restoration and ecological management plan.

• Lead the implementation of fire management plans (prevention, preparedness, response, and recovery) for the Academy plot.

Contractor and Risk Management

• Develop scopes of work and performance standards for contractors and service providers.

• Promote a strong culture of occupational health and safety, conducting risk assessments and ensuring compliance with national legislation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Maintain effective working relationships with the Rwandan Development Board, local authorities, and local communities to support Academy operations.

Requirements

Education

• A relevant tertiary qualification in operations management, project management, logistics, conservation, natural resource management, or a related field.

• Equivalent practical experience will also be considered.

Experience

• A minimum of 10 years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in large-scale project or operations and logistics management.

• Demonstrated client-side experience with building or infrastructure construction projects, working with contractors and architects.

• Proven ability to manage multiple complex projects involving multidisciplinary teams.

Skills

• Working knowledge of standard-form construction contracts and their administration (programme monitoring, payment certification, variations).

• Sound financial management skills (budgeting, cost control, procurement).

• Strong knowledge of health and safety management and maintenance operations in remote field environments.

• Excellent organisational, reporting, and stakeholder engagement skills.

• Proficiency in computer literacy and maintaining operational records.

• Excellent oral and written communication skills in English.

• Valid driving licence.

Other Requirements

• Proven experience working effectively in remote, rural, and multicultural environments.

• Willingness to relocate to Akagera National Park.

• High levels of integrity, professionalism, self-discipline, and resilience.

How to Apply

1. Prepare your application: Update your CV and draft a cover letter that specifically addresses your experience with construction project management and remote logistics.

2. Highlight key achievements: Ensure your application clearly demonstrates your 10+ years of experience and your ability to handle complex contracts.

3. Apply via the official portal: Click the “Apply” button provided in the official job announcement to complete your application online.

4. Submit before the deadline: Ensure your application is received no later than 30th October 2026.