Mali: Director of Park and Zoo


Jun 4, 2016 | Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC)
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The Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC), which was founded in 1988, is registered in Geneva, Switzerland, as a private, non-denominational, philanthropic foundation. It is an integral part of the Aga Khan Development Network (AKDN), a family of institutions created by His Highness The Aga Khan, with distinct yet complementary mandates to improve the welfare and prospects of people in countries in the developing world, particularly in Asia and Africa. 

AKTC has been rehabilitating existing parks and creating new spaces for over 20 years, with the objective of demonstrating that these green spaces can be catalysts for positive economic, social and cultural change.  On the 50th anniversary of the Independence of Mali, the National Park in Bamako reopened with new amenities such as an up-scale restaurant, a sports center and several entrance buildings. The rehabilitation of 17 hectares included open spaces and gardens with a comprehensive pedestrian circulation network and formal promenades.

The garden spaces feature indigenous flora in varied settings, from open lawn areas to flower gardens, wooded areas and a medicinal garden. The installation of a range of interpretive educational signs and displays, and the development of trained guides, is expected to offer new educational experiences for visitors.  Built over six hectares, the new Zoo recreates natural habitats that respect the needs of animals while following international zoo standards.  The habitats include trees and hammocks for chimpanzees, a small forest and an artificial river for lions, and habitats specially designed for deer, buffaloes and ostriches.  Newly created pathways lead to a large aviary, a new aquarium and vivarium.

JOB SCOPE:

The Director directs the overall strategic planning, park and zoo operations, capital programming, public programming, development and marketing and communication strategies for the organization.  S/He works with on all governance issues, board development, and on financial planning and budgeting strategy to ensure a strong stable organization.  S/He is responsible for fostering relationships with donors at all levels, park users, and senior Malian governmental officials.  S/He directly supervises area managers and provides leadership to all levels of the organization. As Administrator of the Park, he/she is directly responsible for all day-to-day operations and strategic matters concerning all aspects of park and zoo maintenance, operations, communications and management.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES AND TASKS:

The Director is responsible for six key areas including, strategy development and execution; conditions of the park/operational; sales and marketing; fundraising; relationship with the Malian authorities; financial and building a great organization

SPECIFICATIONS (MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS): 

  • Bachelor of Economics, or Science degrees in both Plant Science and Landscape Architecture.

  • Ten years of senior management experience (preferably with a conservation and environmental stewardship organization).

  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English and French.

  • Experience working with a Board of Directors, preferably with a non-for-profit organization.

  • Experience in coaching and managing staff, setting and achieving strategic objectives, and managing a budget.

  • Experience in leading the development of programs and services.

  • A keen appreciation of the objectives and ethical underpinnings of AKDN and AKTC.

  • The selected candidate will possess a powerful commitment/passion for avian rehabilitation and propagation, public education about conservancy, and environmental stewardship

  • Capacity to excel in teamwork and to deal productively with a wide range of stakeholders.

  • Strong organizational and project planning skills

  • High level of integrity, team player, flexible, diplomatic and high resistance to stress.  

Qualified applicants should apply via the AKDN Career Centre at www.akdn.org/careers/915174

Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter.  Deadline for applications is10 June 2016