Job opportunities

Operations Manager

Operations Manager

Limbe Wildlife Centre, Cameroon

An exciting opportunity at one of Africa’s leading primate rescue and rehabilitation centres. Do you have the leadership experience to run a sanctuary caring for gorillas, chimpanzees, drills, and African grey parrots, and to help shape the next chapter of LWC? Pandrillus Cameroon is seeking a dedicated Operations Manager to lead the day-to-day operation of this wildlife sanctuary.

About the Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC)

Established in 1993, LWC is a collaborative project between the Government of Cameroon and the NGO Pandrillus Cameroon. Located within the Limbe Zoological Garden, we serve as a vital sanctuary for approximately 250 animals, including primates, birds, and reptiles, many of whom are victims of the illegal bushmeat and pet trades. Our mission is to protect Cameroonian wildlife through animal care and rehabilitation, improving the conservation of endangered species in the wild, education and community engagement.

Role Overview

As an experienced and motivated Operations Manager, you will report to the Country Director and oversee animal welfare and daily operations at our rescue and rehabilitation centre in Cameroon. This senior and multifaceted role combines leadership, administration, and hands-on management of animal care in a challenging tropical environment.

This position is ideal for a committed conservation or animal welfare professional with strong management and leadership skills and a passion for wildlife protection.

Key Information:

·       Minimum commitment of one year, full-time (5.5 days per week)

·       Location: Limbe, Cameroon.

·       Reporting to: Country Director, Pandrillus Cameroon

·       Work environment: Office-based versus sanctuary/field-based (approx. 60:40)

·       Key collaborative staff: LWC Head Vet, LZG Government rep., Heads of department

Key Responsibilities:

1. Management & Leadership

·       Oversee daily operations and manage a diverse team of 20–30 local staff (keepers, construction team, etc.) and foreign volunteers.

·       Coordinate the volunteer program, including bookings, logistics, and documentation.

• Coordinate logistics and effective use of LWC facilities, equipment and vehicles.
• Oversee the conservation education outreach and alternative livelihood programmes.

2. Animal Care & Welfare

·       Oversee on-site animal care & be the senior LWC animal care representative to stakeholders

·       Collaborate with the Head Vet to coordinate animal interventions and population planning, including health checks, social integrations, and potential releases.

• Ensure adherence to all LWC protocols and safety and animal welfare standards (PASA).

3. Infrastructure & Planning

• Work with the Head of Construction to oversee enclosure maintenance, enrichment design, small construction projects - and the major construction projects & maintenance scheduling with Head of Construction and Country Director.
• Assist the Country Director in developing long-term strategic plans and the new "LWC extension" project within Mount Cameroon National Park.

4. Financial & Partnership Management

• Provide day-to-day financial oversight, managing daily and monthly budgets, cash use, and the office accountant/administrator.
• Liaise with your Government counterpart, the LZG Conservator, and other Government of Cameroon (MINFOF) local representatives.
• Support fundraising efforts and grant applications, including via proposal writing, the upkeep of spreadsheets, records and reports, and the production of media content.
• Manage funder / partner relationships, especially related to animal care.

Desired Profile

Experience & Expertise

• Proven leadership experience (preferably in a zoo, wildlife centre, or conservation NGO but also other sectors if transferable)
• Animal care management, preferably with African primates
• Experience working in Africa and/or tropical environments is a major advantage

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent leadership, organisation, and written/verbal communication skills
• Financial numeracy and IT proficiency (especially Microsoft Office – Excel etc.)
• Physically fit and adaptable to field conditions
• Fluency in English required, French is an asset

Education

• Relevant degree preferred; veterinary, conservation or biological sciences knowledge a plus; equivalent practical experience considered

Compensation & Benefits

• Accommodation provided in Limbe (with cleaning and security)

·       All reasonable living expenses covered

·       Monthly stipend – to be discussed on application

·       The role offers an incredible learning/life experience with which to progress your career

·       21 working days annual leave

• One annual return flight after one year of service