Project Director, Born Free Foundation Ethiopia and BFF Country Representative

Reporting to: Programmes Director, Born Free Foundation (BFF), Head Office, UK

Job Objectives: Born Free Foundation has been supporting projects in Ethiopia since 1995.  In 2006 our involvement expanded when we took on the exciting and groundbreaking opportunity to establish the country’s first Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre in response to a recognised need and to further BFF’s aims of promoting compassion for individual captive wild animals alongside the promotion of compassionate conservation and environmental education.   This has resulted in us securing the lease on a 77 hectare area of land near the town of Holeta, 23km from Addis Ababa, on which we will construct the Centre.  With the land secured and a Masterplan in development, we are now moving onto the next stage of the project which will be the implementation of the Masterplan, with phased construction as part of a modular approach, with the simultaneous care of those wild animals already rescued and currently held on site in temporary facilities*.  The project is a joint initiative with the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA).

BFF is now looking for a Project Director to develop and manage the activities associated with the construction of the Centre.  Reporting to the Born Free Foundation Programmes Director in the UK, the Project Director will manage the current team of 25 and develop new positions as required; oversee care of the captive wild animals and liaise with all the relevant parties including our project partner, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation (EWCA) and top-level government representatives.  The Project Director will also be required to further develop the wildlife rescue programme, oversee and control the Centre’s operating budgets, assist in the development of a business plan for the Centre and ensure the Centre and its development adheres to the Born Free Foundation philosophy.

The Project Document can be found here – http://www.bornfree.org.uk/ethiopiaproposal/

Core Responsibilities:

1. Liaison with Architects and Born Free consultants to develop the various building projects on the site including spacious, natural enclosures for rescued wild animals (including large carnivores, primates and herbivores etc.) and associated infrastructure.
2. Liaison with and supervision of suppliers in Ethiopia to ensure good quality of build and service.
3. Liaison with EWCA on the development of the wild animal rescue programme (linked closely to EWCA activities in implementing confiscation of illegally held wild animals) in accordance with agreed Terms of Reference in the Project MoU and adhering to a strict animal admittance procedure.
4. Development of and detailed management with BFF, the Centre’s annual operating budgets (income & expenditure) and assistance in identifying income streams.
5. Development and implementation of the Centre's Business Plan with a view to attaining financial sustainability.
6. Ensuring, along with all staff members, that all Centre activities and outputs uphold and promote the philosophy of the Born Free Foundation and ensure excellence in the areas of animal welfare, education, marketing, finances and in delivering a responsible and appropriate visitor experience.
7. Overseeing the delivery of robust monthly accounts and business plan reconciliation reporting systems and ensuring prompt delivery of audited annual accounts.
8. Administration of Born Free Foundation Ethiopia which has a Board of Trustees.
9. The effective management and training of the Centre's team (including English-speaking Ethiopian Site Construction Supervisor) – proven ability of previous effective management.

Core Competencies:
Experience of working and living in Africa, preferably Ethiopia.
Excellent and proven Project Management skills.
Experience and understanding of construction (animal enclosures / rescue centre construction an advantage).
An interest in and / or understanding of captive wild animal management (ideally sanctuary management experience).
Ability to liaise with all levels of stake holder from the EWCA and top-level government, to national and international sponsors, construction sub-contractors, local community members and the general public.
Good written, verbal and presentation skills.
Extraordinarily self-motivated with a flair for creativity and problem solving.
Budget development and  comprehensive financial management.
An interest in and understanding of the Centre’s philosophy.
Capability and patience to deal with protracted bureaucracy.
Attention to detail.
Full driving licence.

*This will be a two-year contract starting on August 1^st 2010 with the opportunity to renew.  The person will join the project at a time when the Masterplan for the site is complete or nearing completion.

There is a 24 hour security team in place on site, plus an accountant, local Construction Supervisor and animal carers.

Accommodation and office in Addis Ababa / basic accommodation and office in Holeta will be provided

Although this job is for an individual, a joint application for couples may be considered.

Salary and benefits; Negotiable according to relevant skills and experience.  Will include Medivac Health Insurance.

Start Date: August 1st 2010.

Application Process: Please send a cover letter, quoting reference:  PDEthiopia/Stopdodo, summarising your interest and relevant skills and experience for this role, along with your CV including the names and contact details of 2 referees (one to be your current employer, the other someone familiar with your work) to Andrina Murrell, andrina@bornfree.org.uk.

Closing Date for Applications:  12 noon Wednesday 7th July 2010.

For further information, please see www.bornfree.org.uk and http://www.bornfree.org.uk/ethiopiaproposal/