Head of Finance and Administration

Employer: Greater Mana Pools Conservation Trust(in partnership between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Peace Parks Foundation)Duration: 5-year ContractReporting to: Director: Greater Mana Pools Conservation TrustLocation: Nyamepi, ZimbabweBACKGROUNDThe Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year co-management agreement for the sustainable development and management of the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem. This Ecosystem includes the Mana Pools National Park (MPNP) and the Hurungwe, Sapi, and Chewore Safari Areas, which collectively cover a total area of 9 636km2.Under this co-management agreement, a special non-profit and tax-efficient legal entity incorporated in Zimbabwe, the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust, was created to collaboratively manage this Ecosystem. The Trust is led by a director and overseen by a Board of Trustees, consisting of an equal number of representatives from ZimParks and Peace Parks Foundation.ZimParks is an agency of the Government of Zimbabwe responsible for the management of protected areas within the parks estates mandated by the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20.14).Peace Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that specializes in conservation at scale through the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas and the long-term management of key protected areas in partnership with government conservation agencies and communities within these landscapes.JOB PROFILEYou are a strategic and detail-oriented professional with expertise in financial management, HR, administration, and operations. You are highly organised, have strong leadership skills, and can establish systems that ensure compliance, efficiency, and accountability. You thrive in complex environments and are committed to creating a positive, inclusive workplace culture that supports both people and programmes.You are a strong communicator and collaborator, able to work effectively with diverse teams, partners, and stakeholders. You mentor and build capacity within staff, strengthen governance and reporting processes, and ensure resources are used transparently and responsibly. If you are passionate about applying your financial and administrative expertise to enable conservation and community impact, we invite you to join our team.Job PurposeThe Head of Finance and Administration is a senior management role responsible for establishing, leading, and continuously improving the financial, administrative, and operational systems of theGreater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust.The role ensures financial integrity, compliance, transparency, and operational efficiency, while supporting the implementation of the Trust’s programmes, including the Transitional Management Framework and development of the Integrated Management Plan.The postholder will be the custodian of the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust’s Financial, HR, Procurement, ICT and Administrative policies, systems and controls, and will provide strategic and operational leadership in these areas.Duties And Responsibilities Financial ManagementDevelop and implement robust financial systems, policies, and internal controls aligned with international best practices.Lead the preparation and management of annual budgets, forecasts, and financial plans.Oversee financial reporting (monthly, quarterly, annual) to the Director, Board of Trustees, and donors.Ensure compliance with national financial regulations, donor requirements, and international accounting standards (e.g. IFRS).Coordinate financial audits and respond to audit findings.Oversee cash flow management, banking, and financial risk management.Manage grant tracking, donor fund utilisation, and cost allocations. People, Talent and Culture ManagementLead the development and implementation of the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust’s people and talent strategies that nurture a thriving organisational culture.Ensure compliance with Zimbabwean labour laws and regulations.Foster a culture of transparency, accountability, and staff engagement. AdministrationEnsure the smooth running of day-to-day administrative operations at Trust headquarters and remote locations.Manage office services including records management, contracts, filing systems, supplies, utilities, and facility maintenance. Procurement and LogisticsDevelop and enforce procurement and supply chain management policies and procedures. Oversee procurement planning, tendering, contract management, and vendor performance. Ensure cost-effective, transparent, and timely procurement of goods and services. Ensure compliance with donor procurement rules and national legislation. Asset and Property ManagementEstablish and manage a centralised asset register, tracking acquisition, deployment, maintenance, and disposal.Ensure proper insurance coverage and periodic valuation of assets.Implement systems for preventive maintenance and replacement planning for vehicles, infrastructure, and equipment. Risk and ComplianceIdentify financial, operational, legal, and reputational risks and develop mitigation strategies.Ensure compliance with all statutory and regulatory requirements, including tax obligations, pension contributions, and statutory filings.Lead the development and implementation of internal control systems and compliance checklists.Ensure data privacy and information security policies are upheld. Information and Communication Technology (ICT)Oversee ICT infrastructure and systems to support Trust operations and data security.Develop and enforce ICT usage and cybersecurity policies.Ensure that financial and HR systems are well integrated with ICT platforms.EssentialMINIMUM REQUIREMENTSA Bachelor’s degree in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or related field.Professional accounting qualification (e.g. CA, ACCA, CIMA).At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience, with at least 5 years at a senior management level.Strong understanding of Zimbabwean financial regulations, labour law, and procurement rules.Demonstrated experience in donor-funded project financial management and reporting.Experience managing HR, procurement, and administrative systems.Proficiency in accounting and enterprise management software (e.g. QuickBooks, Pastel, Sage, SAP). DesirableMaster’s degree (e.g. MBA, MCom, Public Finance) is an advantage.Experience working in conservation, development, or non-profit sectors.Familiarity with grant management from donors such as EU, GEF, USAID, or SADC.Knowledge of IFRS, IPSAS, or other international accounting standards. Key CompetenciesLeadership and Strategic Thinking: Able to build systems from the ground up and lead cross-functional teams.Integrity and Accountability: High ethical standards and a strong sense of responsibility and professionalism.Financial Acumen: Strong analytical and numerical skills, with a proven ability to interpret complex financial data.Organisational Skills: Ability to set priorities, manage multiple tasks, and deliver results under pressure.Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills.People Management: Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead and develop diverse teams.IT Proficiency: Ability to manage technology platforms, ensure system integration, and oversee secure digital systems.Working ConditionsBased in the GMPE Trust’s main office, with occasional travel to project sites within the GMPE landscape.May require occasional extended hours during reporting or audit periods.Field visits to remote and wildlife areas should be expected.Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number and email address. These should be submitted by 7 November 2025.Please apply online.A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.#MS