Chief Operating Officer - The Pangolin Project

July 14, 2025

KENYA | FULL TIME


By Appointment Africa is proud to be the exclusive recruiter for The Pangolin Project, a mission-driven conservation organisation dedicated to protecting pangolins and their habitats through innovative, community-based strategies in Kenya’s Trans Mara region. By partnering with local conservancies, The Pangolin Project secures safe wildlife corridors, promotes sustainable land use and builds long-term conservation capacity on the ground.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO) will lead and oversee all field operations, ensuring security, efficiency and alignment with the organisation’s mission. This is a senior-level role ideal for a dynamic conservation leader with proven expertise in wildlife operations, field logistics, team management and strategic scaling. The COO will play a vital role in shaping and replicating The Pangolin Project’s operational model across Kenya.

Post : Chief Operating Officer (COO)

Location:  Hybrid, Kenya (with extensive time at Pangolin field basis)

Organisation: The Pangolin Project

Mission


The Pangolin Project protects Pangolins and their habitats through community-based conservation. We partner with local conservancies to secure safe spaces for wildlife, promote sustainable land use and build conservation capacity.

We are seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to lead our field operations, ensuring safety, efficiency and alignment with our mission. This is a senior role with both operational and strategic responsibilities.  The position comes with a clear expectation and opportunity to expand and replicate our operational model across multiple regions in Kenya as we grow.

Key Responsibilities


The COO will initially focus on establishing and strengthening operations in our core areas  and will recruit and support future Area Managers. As the organisation grows, the COO will help design and replicate this operational model in additional areas.


Field Operations & Infrastructure


  • Oversee current field infrastructure and building of new infrastructure and maintenance (camps, vehicles).
  • Manage safety protocols, maintenance and logistics.


Operational Planning & Logistics


  • Manage work plans, budgets, procurement and performance reporting.
  • Ensure efficient coordination across field teams.


Team Management


  • Oversee and support rangers, drivers and logistics staff.
  • Build a culture of professionalism, discipline and respect.


Finance & Accountability


  • Approve routine expenses up to a defined limit.
  • Work with finance to manage procurement and operational budgets.
  • Track spending, fuel usage and vehicle-related costs.


Strategic & Sustainable Development


  • Support planning for sustainable finance options (e.g. carbon credits, ecotourism).
  • Coordinate logistics for consultants and technical partners.
  • Provide field insights on feasibility and implementation.
  • Support implementation of restoration and conservation projects.


Reporting


  • Compile and submit monthly reports to Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS).
  • Maintain accurate data and strong relationships with KWS and partners.


Qualifications & Experience (Must-Have)


  • 7+ years in conservation, protected area or wildlife operations.
  • Strong leadership and team management in field environments.
  • Proven experience in planning, logistics and conservation delivery.
  • Knowledge of conservation threats and mitigation strategies.
  • Skilled in budgeting, procurement and financial tracking.
  • Experience working with community conservation or conservancies.
  • Strong communication skills and stakeholder engagement.
  • Integrity, professionalism and cultural sensitivity.


Desirable:


  • Experience in strategic planning or conservation finance (carbon, ecotourism) is a bonus.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Apply now and let us connect you with a role that aligns with your skills, experience, and career goals.

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