Chief Operating Officer à Émirats arabes unis

The General Manager will oversee all aspects of the field center and holiday camp:

• Overall management of:
  • children’s courses and camps
  • maintaining and improving the quality and relevance of educational courses
  • maintenance of grounds and facilities
• Fostering a community that inspires a love of nature and personal growth in children

The role offers a meaningful opportunity for those passionate about environmental education, leadership, and service.

Ideally applicants should be able to oversee the diverse range of responsibilities listed below. Alternatively, the role can be divided between more than one manager.

1. Operational Oversight: Ensure smooth functioning of camps, courses, and property. Manage staff including guides, counsellors, admin, marketing and maintenance teams.
2. Oversight of Financial & Administrative Management: Ensure business and financial records updated in real time, manage budgets, and ensure compliance for accountants.
3. Educational Excellence: Improve and maintain standards of courses and resources. Support development of field guides and be willing and able to fill in to teach lessons whenever needed.
4. Facility Management: Oversee property upkeep, security, and ongoing improvements (e.g., greenhouse, animal and plant facilities).
5. Taking lessons to schools: Develop teams to take lessons to the schools for those unable to bring their learners to the educational field centre. Oversee development of online tools to make lessons more accessible to a greater audience.
6. Farming Activities: Oversee development of agroecological/regenerative farming initiatives, manage breeding programs, and direct produce sales.

Applicants should fulfil at least 18 of the following criteria, including:

• Is passionate about helping children reach their potential
• Is passionate about developing a love for nature in others
• Is a compassionate people’s person
• Is an excellent and inspirational teacher
• Has a “can do” attitude to life
• Has excellent knowledge on life and environmental sciences
• Has a scientific degree or equivalent tertiary qualification
• Is an expert in either animal husbandry/horticulture/agroecology
• Has a track record of strong managerial and leadership skills
• Has extensive experience in managing children’s camps, adventures and/or outdoor excursions
• Has more than 5 years management experience
• Has been a Happy Acres camper and counsellor
• Competent in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
• Is able to prioritize numerous challenging tasks
• Is able to handle pressure and remain calm while faced with competing demands
• Is musical and is able to sing
• Is a sporty person and is currently fairly fit
• Is an energetic person
• Has an appreciation for the arts
• Is spiritually aware
• Is skillful at making and repairing things
• Has a valid driving license
• Is a skillful writer

• Competitive base salary aligned with the breadth of responsibilities assumed; additional quarterly incentives for meeting performance goals
• Accommodation on-site, access to preschool-primary schooling for dependents
• Community involvement, ongoing professional development
• Opportunity to shape the next generation’s understanding of nature

• Permanent position; initial three-month probation (extendable to six if required)
• May be tailored to one or more of 6 core roles listed under key responsibilities.
• Must reside on site or ensure coverage for overnight responsibilities

• Collaborative goal-setting, remote training with occasional in-person support
• Candidates expected to master established systems before initiating change
• The position is suited for independent, community-minded, service-oriented leaders