Junior Control Room Operator

Job overview

African Parks is a non-profit organization that takes on total responsibility for the rehabilitation and
long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities.
The government of Ethiopia entered into a long-term agreement with African Parks to revitalize, rehabilitate, and develop Gambella National Park. As part of its operation in Ethiopia, African Parks is seeking a full-time junior control room operator. The control room forms the operational coordination hub of the law enforcement department within Gambella National Park. The Control Room Operator is responsible for supporting the monitoring, communication, reporting, and coordination of all law enforcement and conservation-related operations conducted within the park.

The Junior Control Room Operator will assist in maintaining situational awareness, ensuring accurate information flow, monitoring ranger patrol activities, maintaining operational records, and supporting emergency response coordination in accordance with African Parks’ Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). The purpose of this position is to support the daily operation of the Law Enforcement Control Room by ensuring efficient communication, accurate data recording, monitoring of ranger activities, and timely reporting of incidents and operational information.

The Junior Control Room Operator will work under supervision while developing the necessary operational, administrative, and technical skills required for effective control room management.

Key aspects of the role are as follows:

• Monitor and maintain all radio and communication systems.
• Maintain continuous communication with ranger patrols, observation posts, rapid response teams, and field units.
• Record all radio communications in the official communication logbook.
• Relay operational information to supervisors in a timely manner.
• Ensure communication discipline is maintained according to radio procedures and SOPs.
• Assist in coordinating emergency responses and operational deployments.
• Monitor patrol movements using GPS tracking systems, mapping software, or manual tracking systems.
• Update patrol status boards and operational maps regularly.
• Monitor patrol check-in procedures and escalation procedures for missed communications.
• Maintain situational awareness of all field activities within the Area of Operations (AoO).
• Report suspicious activity, security incidents, or emergency situations immediately to supervisors.
• Maintain accurate daily occurrence books (DOB), incident logs, and operational records.
• Compile daily operational summaries and incident reports.
• Assist in collecting and organizing operational data for reporting purposes.
• Ensure all operational documents are properly filed and secured.
• Support the preparation of weekly and monthly operational reports.
• Monitor the functionality of communication and monitoring equipment.
• Report damaged or malfunctioning equipment immediately.
• Assist with the maintenance and accountability of radios, GPS units, batteries, and other control room equipment.
• Ensure backup power systems and emergency communication equipment remain operational where applicable.
• Maintain strict confidentiality of operational information.
• Ensure only authorized personnel enter the control room.
• Maintain professional conduct and discipline within the operations room.
• Ensure the control room remains clean, organized, and operationally ready at all times.
• Adhere to all safety, security, and operational protocols.

Required qualification(s), competencies, and experience:

• Minimum BA in IT, ICT graduate, or equivalent.
• Additional training in communications, IT, administration, or security operations will be advantageous.
• Previous experience in security operations, communications, administration, or law enforcement support is advantageous.
• Experience working in remote or conservation environments is beneficial.
• Basic computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and data entry).
• Ability to operate radios, GPS devices, and communication systems.
• Basic understanding of mapping and tracking systems is advantageous.
• Good report writing and record-keeping skills.

Personal Attributes:

• High level of discipline and integrity.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• Ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Ability to work shifts, nights, weekends, and public holidays.
• Ability to work in a multicultural and remote environment.
• Team-oriented with a willingness to learn.