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COO Vacancy
Chief Operating Officer at Lion Landscapes
Lion Landscapes is a young and dynamic large carnivore conservation and research organisation that works with local communities and other conservation stakeholders to develop programmes that support lions, their prey, their habitat, and local people. Lion Landscapes is affiliated with Oxford University’s Wildlife Conservation Research Unit (WildCRU) but operates independent programmes in Kenya and Tanzania.
Job description
We are a growing team of passionate conservationists, currently working across 3 large landscapes in East Africa. We want to maintain our inclusive, grassroots approach and nurturing and collaborative working culture whilst continuing to grow our conservation impacts in the landscapes where we already work and beyond. To do this, we need a COO to play a pivotal role in driving operational excellence, ensuring financial sustainability, and maintaining high standards of compliance, governance, and team performance. You will work closely with the CEOs and leadership team to implement our strategic mission and vision while streamlining processes to maximise impact.
Main responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Support the CEOs in executing Lion Landscapes’ strategic plan, ensuring operational alignment with conservation goals and financial sustainability.
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Operations & Compliance: Oversee operational activities across Kenya, Tanzania, and the UK, ensuring compliance with regional legal and regulatory requirements.
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Financial Management: Work with the finance team to oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
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HR & Team Development: Provide leadership in talent acquisition, team management, and staff development to build a high-performing, motivated workforce.
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Risk Management: Identify and mitigate organisational risks, ensuring strong governance and accountability frameworks are in place.
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Stakeholder Engagement: Support the senior leadership team to build strong relationships with donors, partners, and governmental bodies to enhance collaboration and fundraising efforts.
Experience and Skills
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Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably in the non-profit, conservation, or international development sectors.
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Strong financial management skills, including experience with budgeting, grants management, and financial reporting.
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Understanding and experience working with compliance and governance structures in Africa and the UK.
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Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and implement organisational policies effectively.
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Excellent strategic planning, problem-solving, and project management skills.
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Passion for conservation and a commitment to the mission and values of Lion Landscapes.
Why join us?
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Be part of a growing organisation at the forefront of large carnivore conservation, and help ensure healthy ecosystems that support thriving people and wildlife into the future.
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Work with passionate, mission-driven teams across multiple landscapes in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
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Competitive salary and opportunities for professional growth.
Position details
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As a guide, we anticipate a salary of £45,000–£55,000 annually, dependent on experience.
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Full-time position.
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Reports to: Joint CEOs.
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Remote - based in Africa or Europe and willing to travel.
Apply now
To apply, please complete the form below by 7 May 2025. In your cover letter, clearly highlight why you are the ideal candidate for this role. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.