Biodiversity Conservation, Wildlife Conservation

Position: Manager, Conservation Operations - Ghana
Organization: Wilder Institute
Location: Accra, Ghana, Africa (on-site)

Join our team to advance meaningful conservation efforts that drive lasting impact for wildlife! The Wilder Institute is seeking a Manager, Conservation Operations - Ghana who will provide leadership and expertise in operational aspects of the Wilder Institute’s conservation program in Ghana, West Africa. The Manager will work together with other Wilder Institute staff as well as local and government partners to realize an inclusive conservation plan that aims to enhance the sustainability of biodiversity and livelihoods for communities in the Wechiau Community Hippo Sanctuary and the Avu Lagoon Community Protected Area.

While managing an in-country team and working collaboratively with community-based implementation staff, the Manager will train and mentor others, have oversight of the operations of the Wilder Institute Ghana office, and enforce policies and procedures. They will also provide project management expertise including completing reports and contracts, overseeing program health and safety, and identifying operational efficiencies and improvements within their programs. This position will also work collaboratively with Canada-based staff to deliver program outcomes.

Our Purpose | We act for wildlife; saving species and inspiring people to join us.

Our Core Values | Drive impact, nurture connection, cultivate hope, and be bold.

Location:

• Up until 2029, the Manager will live and work in Accra, Ghana. They will lead the Wilder Institute's office in Ghana and travel to field sites as needed. After these first four years, the main work location may change depending on future funding. While the Manager is based in Ghana, the Wilder Institute (Canada) will cover eligible living expenses and pay for travel to the Canadian office in Calgary, Alberta twice a year.

What you will do:

• Manage a team of 3 direct reports and 1 indirect report, including hiring, directing workplans, approving timesheets, training and coaching, workload management, evaluations, and performance management.
• Oversee communications and interactions with local communities, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and other partners across both sites
• Provide strategic direction and management support to staff responsible for equipment and supply purchasing, office and equipment maintenance, storage, field vehicle needs; as well as timesheets and administrative needs of the Wilder Institute-Ghana staff team.
• Identify and implement efficiencies in Ghana program operations in coordination with the Calgary-based team
• Mentor and build the capacity of one or more Ghanians into the Manager, Conservation Operations - Ghana role by the completion of the deployment term in Ghana.
• Collaborate with Project Coordinators to write regular progress reports and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning reports on the Ghana program as required by Global Affairs Canada, Donors, Wilder Institute’s Executive Team and/or Board of Directors, and others as required
• Develop and implement health and safety protocols at Ghana field program sites in coordination with the Calgary-based team
• Monitor and enforce requirements of contracts and agreements by program staff, partners, and contractors, and update contracts and agreements as required
• Train Ghanian office program staff and partners on project management techniques and tools
• Manage operational program budget and work closely with the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Senior Accountant to coordinate the flow of funding between the Canadian office, Ghana office, and program partners
• Provide mentorship and oversight to the Bookkeeper based in Ghana.
• Provide oversight and experiential support to staff responsible for program supply purchasing and equipment/materials inventory, ensuring adherence to procurement processes.
• Ensure adherence to policies and procedures by all staff and collaborating partners.
• Collaborate with Project Coordinators to make recommendations to the project Executive Director and Board based on Steering Committee meetings

What you will bring:

• Bachelor’s degree in conservation, biology, ecology, international development, business, or other relevant programs is required
• Master’s degree in science, arts business, or other programs is preferred; equivalent combinations of education or work experience will be considered
• At least 5 years of progressive experience in conservation science, conservation research, natural sciences, or other related experience; including experience supervising and mentoring a team of staff
• Experience coordinating projects with international teams, working with remotely based colleagues across time zones
• Experience in writing reports for major grants or donors is required
• Experience developing and implementing health and safety protocols at field program sites is preferred
• Experience working in the conservation or non-profit sector is an asset but not required
• Experience working on projects funded by Global Affairs Canada is an asset
• Project management experience (via training or practice) and associated tools is preferred
• Knowledge and/or experience in environmental or international development field work is preferred
• Demonstrated experience collaboratively developing and implementing logistical processes for both office and field-based work
• Cultural sensitivity of working in the Global South is required; experience living or working in West/Central Africa, particularly Ghana, is an asset
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to monitor and enforce requirements of contracts and agreements by program staff, partners, and contractors, and update contracts and agreements as required
• Familiarity with budgeting, expense purchasing, procurement processes, and inventory management is an asset

Working Conditions:

• Extensive office work with long periods of sitting at computer work stations.
• Time spent at project locations may include field work/conditions which may involve hazards such as dangerous animals, insects, sunburn, working with field equipment such as trucks or ATVs, heavy lifting of field equipment, exposure to wildlife diseases, and working in remote small communities.
• Travel or reside in field locations or project communities as necessary. Driving on highways, dirt roads, and occasional air travel.

What the Zoo Offers:

• Competitive compensation, vacation and flex days entitlement
• While based in Ghana, the Wilder Institute (Canada) will cover eligible living expenses, provide provisions for benefits coverage, and pay for travel to the Canadian office in Calgary, Alberta twice a year
• Employer matching RRSP program
• Discounts on food, beverage, and merchandise
• Participation in the Staff Pass Benefit plan
• A fun, rewarding work environment and the opportunity to work with a team dedicated to helping people and wildlife thrive, together

Are you ready to join one of Canada’s leaders in wildlife conservation? If this position suits your skills, experience and personal attributes, we want to talk to you.

Apply by doing the following:

1. Watch this video about the conservation work being done at the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8J1VH1MBXm0)
2. Submit your resume and cover letter via our online application system here: https://jobs.jobvite.com/calgaryzoo/job/od4Uwfwr
3. Fill in the Application questions:
   • If hired, when would you be available to start?
   • If hired, what are your salary expectations for this position?
   • If hired, employment is contingent upon obtaining and maintaining the necessary work and residency permits for Ghana for the duration of the international assignment. Do you acknowledge and understand this requirement?
   • Which nations, countries, communities, and/or cultures do you have experience working in/with?
   • Briefly summarize your experience managing operational logistics for a field-based program, including any report writing experience.
   • How many years of staff management experience do you have (direct or indirect) and for how many staff members at a time?
   • This role requires working in a highly collaborative manner with teams across multiple departments and in multiple geographic locations. Briefly summarize your experience in similar collaborative environments.

Please mention you saw this at GoodWork.ca.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Canada.

If this position is a fit for you, we encourage you to apply with a resume and cover letter online by August 18, 2025 at 9:00am MST.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo strives to cultivate a workplace in which everyone feels welcome and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. As a conservation organization, we respect and value the diversity of all life and come together as individuals and teammates to achieve the organization’s mission and vision. We recognize the value of diversity, equity, and inclusion, and work to advance our culture to ensure diverse viewpoints are heard and everyone has an equitable chance to succeed and thrive.

All candidates are thanked for their applications and advised that only those selected for interviews will be contacted.