Chief Operating Officer at Lion Landscapes at Lion Landscapes

• 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

• Strategic Leadership: Support the CEOs in executing Lion Landscapes’ strategic plan, ensuring operational alignment with conservation goals and financial sustainability.
• Operations & Compliance: Oversee operational activities across Kenya, Tanzania, and the UK, ensuring compliance with regional legal and regulatory requirements.
• Financial Management: Work with the finance team to oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial planning, ensuring efficient resource allocation.
• HR & Team Development: Provide leadership in talent acquisition, team management, and staff development to build a high-performing, motivated workforce.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate organisational risks, ensuring strong governance and accountability frameworks are in place.
• 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

• Proven experience in a senior operational leadership role, preferably in the non-profit, conservation, or international development sectors.
• Strong financial management skills, including experience with budgeting, grants management, and financial reporting.
• Understanding and experience working with compliance and governance structures in Africa and the UK.
• Demonstrated ability to lead diverse teams and implement organisational policies effectively.
• Excellent strategic planning, problem-solving, and project management skills.
• Passion for conservation and a commitment to the mission and values of Lion Landscapes.