Background

Mazingira Alliance for Community and Conservation (MACCO) is a Non-Governmental Organization based in Mang'ula 'B' – Kilombero District in Morogoro Region in Tanzania (website under construction). On 19/07/2019, the organization was officially registered as Non-Governmental Organization under the name of Associazione Mazingira (download here the 2024 report), and on March 11, 2025, changed its name to Mazingira Alliance for Community and Conservation (MACCO) with registration number NGO/R1/0037. MACCO works in the general area of biodiversity conservation with a focus on the Udzungwa Mountains of Tanzania and through a range of projects spanning from biodiversity research, monitoring and community conservation. As of 2025 the organisation has 28 permanent staff in its payroll.

MACCO is seeking a Managing Director (MD). As one of the senior-most executive, the MD will lead the organisation towards the next phase of growth and success. The MD will be responsible for collaborating with the CEO and the Senior Management Team to shape the organization's strategy, oversee daily operations, manage key relationships, and ensure the achievement of financial and organisational goals. Applications are encouraged from both Tanzanian nationals and international candidates.

Objectives of the role

• Defining and driving the organization's strategy to align with its long-term vision and shortterm objectives.
• Overseeing the overall organization operations, ensuring efficiency, profitability, scalability, impact, and productivity across all departments.
• Managing senior leadership and departmental heads to ensure smooth day-to-day operations and effective coordination across conservation and community programs.
• Leading the organization's financial management, including optimal resource allocation, cost management, budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including donors and partners, government institutions and local communities.
• Setting performance targets and ensuring their achievement through effective delegation and oversight.
• Leading and mentoring a high-performing leadership team to drive operational excellence.
• Ensuring regulatory compliance with all relevant laws and governance practices in Tanzania.

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• A master's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field.
• At least 5 years of experience in senior leadership roles, ideally in the international development sector in a similar capacity.
• Experience in managing medium-scale projects with a focus on conservation and community development, preferably in Tanzania or East Africa.
• Deep knowledge of organization operations and financial management.
• Proven experience in strategic planning, business development, and organisational management.
• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills with the ability to handle complex challenges and responsibilities.
• Proven ability to manage budgets efficiently.
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to manage a diverse team and work with stakeholders at all levels.
• Supportive and performance-oriented, with people skills and commitment to an inclusive workplace that celebrates diversity and respect for everyone with equality and opportunity for all.
• In-depth knowledge of regulatory requirements and governance practices in Tanzania.
• A track record of successful organizational growth and accountability.

Additional Desirable Skills and Experience

• Experience in conservation, development programs and research
• Deep understanding of Tanzanian NGOs governance and regulatory compliance frameworks.
• Experience in international development or managing global operations.
• Expertise in crisis and change management and organisational development.
• Strong professional network.
• Ability to prioritise and take tough decisions.
• Certification in leadership development or executive management training programs.
• Fluent knowledge of oral and written English.
• Basic knowledge of Swahili.
• Familiarity with MEL systems and results-based management approaches.
• Experience managing multi-one\or, multi-stakeholder initiatives.

• Develop and execute operational strategies to achieve MACCO's objectives.
• Work jointly with the CEO, Board of Directors, and Advisory Board to review and approve budgets and resource use.
• Foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement that aligns organizational values and mission with day-to-day operations.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with legal, organizational, and ethical standards across all operations.
• Oversee recruitment, training, and development of senior management to ensure succession planning and long-term staff retention.
• Make critical decisions on resource allocation, strategic planning, and operational improvements in close collaboration with the Board of Directors and Advisory Board.
• Review and manage contracts, partnerships, and grant awards, in collaboration with the CEO and Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board.
• Provide leadership and guidance in addressing organizational challenges, making key decisions in collaboration with the CEO, the Board of Directors, and the Advisory Board.
• Provide daily oversight of administration and financial operations.
• Supervise effective monitoring, evaluation, and reporting of project outcomes to ensure transparency and accountability.

• Exceptional leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
• Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to manage a diverse team and work with stakeholders at all levels
• People skills and commitment to an inclusive workplace
• Ability to prioritise and take tough decisions
• Fluent knowledge of oral and written English
• Basic knowledge of Swahili
• Familiarity with MEL systems and results-based management approaches

• A master's degree in Business Administration, Management, or a related field
• Certification in leadership development or executive management training programs (desirable)