Facilities Manager for the Center for Nature Economy

Role Summary

The Site/Facilities Manager is responsible for the safe, efficient, and professional day-to-day operation of the Centre for the Nature Economy. The role ensures that trainees, researchers, partners, donors, staff, and visitors experience a well-maintained, functional, and welcoming environment. Reporting to the Head of the Centre for the Nature Economy, the postholder will oversee all facilities, infrastructure, accommodation, hospitality services, grounds, vehicles, and site-based staff.

The role combines facilities management, hospitality services, operational coordination, staff supervision, and practical maintenance responsibilities, ensuring that the Centre operates effectively as a learning, training, innovation, and demonstration facility. The Site/Facilities Manager serves as the operational focal point for the Centre, maintaining critical infrastructure, coordinating service providers, supporting programme delivery, and ensuring high standards of safety, presentation, hospitality, and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

1. Facilities & Infrastructure Management (with Hands-On Technical Focus)

• Basic Technical Repairs:
  • Electrical Systems: Troubleshoot and resolve basic electrical issues (e.g., tripped breakers, faulty outlets, lighting problems). Identify issues requiring a licensed electrician and escalate appropriately.
  • Plumbing & Water Systems: Diagnose and repair pipe breakages, leaky taps, blocked drains, and toilet malfunctions. Maintain water pumps, tanks, and rainwater harvesting systems.
  • General Handyman Duties: Perform minor carpentry, painting, and structural repairs as needed to maintain buildings and guest facilities.
• Critical Systems Oversight:
  • Ensure reliable operation of solar power systems, monitoring performance and performing basic maintenance (e.g., cleaning panels, checking batteries).
  • Maintain internet and IT infrastructure in coordination with the IT Support Officer, troubleshooting basic connectivity issues.
  • Establish and implement preventive maintenance schedules for all systems and equipment.
• Vehicle Fleet Management:
  • Oversee NATURAL STATE vehicles based at the Centre, ensuring regular cleaning, logbook maintenance, and prompt reporting of issues.
  • Coordinate with central Operations on major maintenance, insurance renewals, and annual services.
• Grounds & Building Maintenance:
  • Oversee all maintenance of buildings, grounds, and equipment. Ensure the site is safe, functional, clean, and professionally presented at all times.
  • Supervise the gardener and cleaners to maintain high standards of presentation.

2. Guest & Hospitality Management

• Seamless Guest Experience: Oversee all aspects of the guest experience for trainees, researchers, donors, and visitors, ensuring their needs are met with professionalism, warmth, and cultural sensitivity.
• Hospitality Operations: Manage hospitality-related stock (food, supplies, linens), implement stock-keeping systems, and oversee dietary requirements, sleeping arrangements, and laundry services.
• Guest Calendar & Coordination: Maintain a guest calendar and coordinate closely with Centre staff and program teams to ensure smooth scheduling and delivery of courses and events.
• Financial Administration: Facilitate the issuance of invoices to paying guests and collect payments as needed, following established procedures.

3. Team Leadership & Management

• Site Team Management: Directly manage and mentor the site team, fostering an inclusive, caring, and high-performance work environment. Positions include:
  • Research Centre Officer
  • Cook and Assistant Cook
  • IT Support Officer
  • Cleaners
  • Gardener
  • Night Guard
  • Site Maintenance Fixer
• Scheduling & Coverage: Ensure appropriate staffing coverage at all times, including coverage for leave and illness.
• Performance & Development: Conduct regular check-ins, performance reviews, and identify training needs for site staff.

4. Policy Implementation & Compliance

• Operational Policies: Implement and uphold the Centre's maintenance, guest management, and operational policies and processes.
• Health & Safety: Ensure all health, safety, and security protocols are followed, conducting regular checks and staff briefings.
• Insurance & Compliance: Maintain required insurance policies for the Centre and ensure all activities comply with relevant regulations and NATURAL STATE policies.

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

• Education: Bachelor's degree (B.A.) or higher, preferably in Hospitality Management, Business Administration, Facilities Management, or a related field.
• Experience: Minimum 3-5 years of proven experience in lodge management, field site management, or similar hospitality/facilities roles in Kenya, ideally within a conservation, educational, or eco-tourism setting.
• Technical Skills:
  • Basic electrical knowledge: Ability to safely troubleshoot and resolve common issues (tripped breakers, faulty switches, lighting).
  • Plumbing skills: Ability to repair pipe breakages, unblock drains, fix leaks, and maintain water systems.
  • General handyman abilities: Competence with basic tools for carpentry, painting, and minor structural repairs.
  • Solar system familiarity: Understanding of basic solar power components and ability to monitor performance and perform routine maintenance.
• Location & Lifestyle: Willingness and ability to live on-site in a remote conservation area.
• Operational Expertise: Strong understanding of facilities maintenance, hospitality operations, and infrastructure systems (solar, water, plumbing, internet).
• Team Leadership: Proven experience managing and motivating teams, with a collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Guest Service: Genuine commitment to delivering exceptional quality and care in all guest interactions.
• Interpersonal Skills: Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, capable of engaging respectfully with diverse partners, including local communities, trainees, donors, and team members.
• Organisation: Extremely organised with strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Desired Requirements:

• Working knowledge of solar power systems, rainwater harvesting, and basic plumbing/electrical maintenance.
• Familiarity with IT infrastructure needs of a training or educational facility.
• Fluency in Swahili (spoken and written).
• Wilderness First Aid certification (or willingness to obtain).
• Experience living and working in northern Kenya / Laikipia region.