Job Opening: Station Operations Manager in Mozambique

Position: BCSS Station Operations Manager 

Hours: This is a Full-Time position. 

Location: Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. 

Commencement: IMMEDIATE or as soon as practicable. 

Remuneration & package: Competitive salary and incentives based on experience. 

Reporting to: Director of Science and Environment, working closely with the remote senior management team. 

Team responsibility: Day-to-day leadership and coordination of approximately 15 on-site team members, including departmental managers and their teams.

Image: Gunnar Oberhosel

Organisation Background

BCSS is an independent, non-profit organization with a mission to protect and support the fragile ecosystems of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. BCSS runs the first permanent Ocean Observatory (https://bcssmz.org/ocean-observatory-public-database/) in the Indian Ocean working on multi-ecosystem time-series with an open-data policy. As a solar-powered field research facility in a remote area, BCSS operates on a zero-waste strategy and welcomes students and scientists, who wish to immerse themselves in a unique experience taking part in internship programs as well as world-leading research.

BCSS provides professional logistical and scientific services on the ground and offshore. The greater Bazaruto seascape is home to some of the richest yet least explored subtropical ecosystems and wildlife – from its dugongs and migrating humpback whales to its coral reefs and mangrove forests. BCSS is committed to better document and protect these pristine habitats via its in-house projects and national/international initiatives.

Image: Orlando Miranda & Salvador Colveé

The Position

BCSS is seeking a dynamic, experienced and highly motivated professional to strengthen on-site operations and to lead the day-to-day running of its remote marine field station in the Bazaruto Archipelago, so that we can build upon our solid foundations and expand this important work. The primary focus of this position is to effectively lead and efficiently manage this diverse and growing program. Working closely with the Director of Science and Environment and the senior management team, the successful candidate will oversee day-to-day research coordination, operations management, as well as financial and personnel management, and external engagement. The successful candidate will ensure that the station, its facilities and its services operate safely, efficiently and consistently.

Image: Gunnar Oberhosel

The Station Operations Manager will be the central link between the on-site team and remote senior management. The role requires hands-on leadership, structured reporting, timely problem-solving and close attention to operational details, including maintenance, equipment, amenities and guest readiness. The successful candidate will implement agreed priorities, establish reliable systems and protocols, strengthen accountability and ensure that actions are followed through to completion.

BCSS welcomes candidates from operational backgrounds including hospitality or lodge management, remote-site management, facilities management, marine tourism, logistics and NGO field operations. A scientific background may be useful but is not required. Experience living or working in Mozambique or elsewhere in Southern or Eastern Africa, familiarity with regional operating conditions would be strong advantages. 

Image: Gunnar Oberhosel

Major Responsibilities

  • Lead and coordinate the BCSS day-to-day operations in Mozambique in consultation with the Director of Science and Environment and the remote senior management team.
  • Act as the visible representative of BCSS in Mozambique, working with the Finance, HR and legal departments.
  • Provide hands-on leadership to the established on-site team, clarify responsibilities, support departmental managers and promote effective coordination and accountability.
  • Translate agreed priorities and management decisions into practical actions, monitor delivery and provide clear, regular operational reports to the remote team. Oversee facilities, utilities, plant, equipment, accommodation, amenities and general station presentation, including preventive-maintenance schedules and timely follow-up of repairs.
  • Coordinate operational and capital expenditure, procurement, stock control, ordering, suppliers, logistics and major equipment or capital projects, with appropriate financial discipline and reporting. 
  • Ensure link to Kisawa, our sister property, in terms of shared services and support (strategy). 
  • Ensure that station legal status, insurance requirements and permitting, records and other operational compliance matters remain current in coordination with Finance, HR, legal advisers and senior management.
  • Ensure safety of team and integrity of the facility. 
  • Oversee guest relations and service standards for visiting researchers, students, trainees, recreational divers, partners and other clients, ensuring that accommodation, amenities and operational support are ready and well-coordinated.
  • Developing strategy for business growth alongside commercial department. 
  • Execute decisions on stock control, ordering processes, financial management, procurement management and logistics management.
  • Resolve day-to-day issues promptly and participate directly in operational execution when required in a remote, hands-on working environment

Image: Gunnar Oberhosel

Minimum Requirements:

  • A relevant bachelor’s degree, vocational qualification or equivalent substantial professional experience in operations, hospitality, facilities, logistics, tourism, business administration or a related field.
  • At least five years of relevant operational or management experience, including a minimum of two years with direct responsibility for a team, facility, property or remote operation. 
  • Demonstrated experience managing people, maintenance, facilities, procurement, logistics, operational budgets and competing day-to-day priorities.
  • Demonstrated capacity in financial planning and management.
  • Strong hands-on problem-solving ability, sound judgement, attention to detail and a consistent record of following actions through to completion.
  • Long-term commitment and immediate relocation to Mozambique.
  • English language proficiency required. 
  • A postgraduate or scientific qualification is a great advantage. 
  • Excellent leadership, guest-relations, planning, communication, reporting and organisational skills with the ability to work effectively across on-site and remote teams.

Image: Orlando Miranda & Salvador Colveé

Application Process

Interested candidates, who meet the above qualifications and requirements should apply by emailing their CV together with salary expectations, availability for relocation, earliest available starting date, and the names and contact information of three references to: Dr Mario Lebrato mario.lebrato@bcssmz.org at any time. Please include “BCSS Station Operations Manager” in the subject line of your email.

BCSS is an equal opportunity employer committed to fair and consistent recruitment practices. We comply with all applicable employment and labour laws and do not discriminate on the basis of age, colour, disability, gender identity, national origin, race, religion, sexual orientation, veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic. We are dedicated to building a diverse workforce and fostering an inclusive work environment.

Please note that only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interview.

More information:

For questions about this article, please contact: 

Ekaterina Kalashnikova, Bazaruto Archipelago – Ocean Observatory Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies ekaterina.kalashnikova@bcssmz.org  

To get in touch and collaborate with our research Center , please visit https://bcssmz.org/logistical-support-consultancy/  

To learn more about our Scientific Training Program, please see https://bcssmz.org/scientific-training-program/  

Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies
Host of the first permanent Ocean Observatory focused on multi-ecosystem time series research in Africa, the Bazaruto Center for Scientific Studies (BCSS) was established in 2017 as an independent, non-profit organisation with a mission to protect and support the fragile ecosystems of the Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique. The research station is located on Benguerra Island, off the coast of Mozambique.
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