Island Manager – Aldabra Atoll

JOB TITLE: Island Manager – Aldabra Atoll

SALARY BAND: SG 10

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive Officer

LOCATION: Aldabra Atoll  

WORKING HOURS: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., with 24-hour on-call responsibility as required

Supervisory responsibility: Provides day-to-day supervision, direction and coordination of SIF staff based at Aldabra, including logistics, maintenance and other operational staff, within delegated authority.

JOB PURPOSE

The Island Manager is the most senior SIF management representative based on Aldabra and is responsible for the effective day-to-day management and administration of the island station, within the authority delegated by SIF.

The post holder is responsible for ensuring that Aldabra is managed in accordance with SIF policies, the requirements applicable to a Special Reserve and World Heritage Site, and approved operational and conservation plans.

The Island Manager provides overall coordination of staff, logistics, infrastructure, welfare, visitor management, reporting and operational support, while working closely with the Research Officer and Head Office to ensure that SIF's conservation, research and operational objectives are effectively supported.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Island Management, Governance and Compliance

1. Provides overall day-to-day supervision and coordination of SIF staff based at Aldabra, including logistics, maintenance and other operational staff, within delegated authority.
2. Ensure that all activities undertaken at Aldabra comply with SIF policies, applicable legislation, Special Reserve requirements and World Heritage Site obligations.
3. Maintain appropriate standards of discipline, conduct, accountability and professionalism among staff and residents.
4. Ensure that staff, researchers, visitors, contractors and other persons on Aldabra are informed of and comply with applicable rules, regulations and SIF requirements.
5. Maintain effective communication with Head Office and promptly escalate significant operational, financial, staffing, safety, security or environmental issues.
6. Implement approved SIF policies, procedures and operational protocols at Aldabra.
7. Identify operational risks and recommend measures to improve efficiency, safety, staff welfare and the overall management of the station.

B. Staff Management and Welfare

1. Allocate duties and coordinate staff resources to ensure that essential operations are adequately covered.
2. Address routine staff issues and grievances in accordance with SIF policies and delegated authority.
3. Ensure that serious misconduct, disciplinary matters, workplace conflict or other significant employee relations matters are promptly reported to Head Office and managed in consultation with the appropriate Head Office representative.
4. Promote a safe, respectful, healthy and conducive living and working environment.
5. Monitor staff welfare and promptly communicate significant medical, health or wellbeing concerns to Head Office.
6. Provide regular feedback to staff on their performance and identify areas requiring improvement or additional support.
7. Support the implementation of the SIF Performance Management System, including providing input into staff performance reviews and agreed performance objectives.
8. Identify training and development needs and coordinate approved training activities for Aldabra-based staff.
9. Maintain appropriate records relating to staff attendance, leave, overtime/TOIL, training, performance and other required personnel matters.
10. Promote teamwork, mutual respect, accountability and a positive working environment among Aldabra-based staff.

C. Logistics, Supplies and Stores

1. Coordinate and supervise logistics activities to ensure that the station, field camps and operational teams have the necessary supplies and services.
2. Ensure that stores and essential supplies are adequately maintained and that stock records are accurate and up to date.
3. Monitor the quantity, quality and condition of food, general supplies, fuel, gas oil, gas and other essential materials.
4. Ensure that stock and fuel levels are monitored regularly and that replenishment requirements are communicated to Head Office in sufficient time.
5. Ensure that requisitions and supply requirements are properly documented and submitted in accordance with SIF procedures.
6. Coordinate the logistics requirements of field trips and other approved activities in consultation with the Research Officer and relevant managers.
7. Supervise the boat and maintenance functions and ensure that they operate safely, efficiently and in accordance with approved procedures.

D. Infrastructure, Maintenance, Health and Safety

1. Monitor the condition of buildings, accommodation, field camps, equipment, boats, vehicles and other infrastructure at Aldabra.
2. Ensure that routine maintenance requirements are identified, recorded and communicated to Head Office.
3. Follow up approved maintenance works and report significant defects, delays or risks.
4. Ensure that reasonable measures are in place to minimise risks of accidents, injury, equipment failure and damage to infrastructure.
5. Promote compliance with SIF health, safety and emergency procedures.
6. Coordinate the initial response to emergencies and maintain communication with Head Office and relevant authorities.
7. Liaise with Head Office, Seychelles Hospital, private health providers and other relevant services regarding staff medical emergencies and other significant health matters.

E. Financial Administration and Records

1. Ensure that financial and administrative records required from Aldabra are accurate, complete and submitted within established deadlines.
2. Ensure that all transactions are supported by appropriate documentation and properly recorded.
3. Ensure timely submission of required reports, including:

• payroll information;
• in-house accounts;
• cash sales reports;
• stock/store reports;
• fuel and gas oil records;
• closing balances; and
• other reports requested by Head Office.

4. Ensure that the monthly Aldabra report is submitted to Head Office by the 5TH of the following month, unless otherwise directed.

5. Maintain proper records and supporting documentation for all financial and operational transactions.

6. Report financial discrepancies, losses, irregularities or control weaknesses to Head Office promptly.

F. Conservation and Scientific Programme Support

1. Support the implementation of SIF-approved conservation, research and monitoring programmes.
2. Work closely with the Research Officer to ensure that the operational and logistical requirements of scientific and conservation programmes are properly supported.
3. Facilitate access, transport, accommodation, equipment and other logistical requirements for approved research and monitoring activities.
4. Assist with the collection, maintenance and transmission of agreed operational and monitoring records, where required.
5. Support approved monitoring activities relating to Aldabra's key biodiversity, including:

• vegetation and herbarium activities;
• Aldabra giant tortoises;
• sea turtles and turtle nesting;
• marine fish and invertebrates;
• birds, including flightless rails;
• terrestrial fauna; and
• other approved conservation programmes.

6. Assist with scientific projects approved by SIF and provide the necessary operational support to researchers and project teams.

G. Visitors, Stakeholders and External Relations

1. Ensure that visitors, researchers, yacht and cruise ship personnel and other authorised visitors are properly briefed on applicable rules and regulations.
2. Assist visitors with approved programmes and itineraries in accordance with SIF policies.
3. Coordinate approved social, educational and awareness activities for staff, residents and visitors.
4. Maintain appropriate liaison with external organisations and authorities having an approved interest in Aldabra.
5. Assist with the preparation of public information and awareness materials relating to Aldabra, where required.

H. Communication and Reporting

1. Maintain regular and reliable communication with Head Office using the station's approved communication systems.
2. Provide timely notification of significant incidents, emergencies, operational disruptions, staffing matters, supply shortages and other issues requiring Head Office attention.
3. Maintain clear and accurate records of significant operational activities, incidents, decisions, maintenance issues, stock movements and other matters relevant to the management of Aldabra.
4. Ensure proper handover of outstanding matters during changes in station management or staff rotations.

I. Continuous Improvement

1. dentify opportunities to improve operational efficiency, staff welfare, safety, accountability and service delivery at Aldabra.
2. Develop and recommend practical procedures and protocols, subject to approval by SIF where required.
3. Participate in planning and initiatives that support the financial sustainability and effective management of SIF.
4. Carry out any other duties reasonably related to the position and assigned by Head Office.

3. EXPECTED MANAGEMENT STANDARDS

The Island Manager is expected to demonstrate:

• Effective leadership and sound judgement;
• Strong planning and coordination skills;
• Accountability for delegated responsibilities;
• Good communication and timely escalation;
• Ability to work effectively in an isolated environment;
• Respect for SIF policies and procedures;
• Commitment to staff welfare, health and safety;
• Ability to manage competing operational priorities;
• Professional conduct when dealing with staff, visitors, researchers and external stakeholders; and
• Commitment to the protection and effective management of Aldabra.

4. QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE

Essential

• Diploma in Management, Administration, Conservation, Environmental Management or a related field; or equivalent relevant experience.
• At least 5 years' relevant supervisory or management experience.
• Demonstrated experience in managing staff and coordinating operational activities.
• Computer literate, with the ability to maintain electronic records and prepare reports.
• Demonstrated experience working in remote or challenging environments.
• Good knowledge and understanding of nature conservation and environmental management in Seychelles.
• Good communication, organisational and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Experience working on Aldabra or another remote island environment.
• Knowledge of the management requirements of protected areas and World Heritage Sites.
• Boat driving qualification.
• First Aid qualification.
• Experience in logistics, stores, financial administration or facilities management.
• Experience supporting scientific or conservation programmes.

5. KEY COMPETENCIES

• Leadership and people management
• Planning and organisation
• Communication
• Problem solving and decision making
• Accountability and integrity
• Risk awareness
• Teamwork and collaboration
• Adaptability and resilience
• Conflict management
• Attention to detail
• Conservation awareness
• Health and safety awareness