Head of Facility Management (Operations) at Museum of West African Art (MOWAA)

Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) - We are the Museum of West African Art. We are dedicated to the preservation of heritage, the expansion of knowledge and celebration of West African arts and culture. We are a catalyst for deepening connections between contemporary arts and culture and the rich cultural heritage of West Africa, and a centre of excellence creating opportunities for African and Diaspora artists and scholars. To do this, we provide exceptional infrastructure and programmes for the preservation, display, research, learning and exchange in arts and culture from a world-class campus in the heart of the historic district of Benin City, Nigeria.

The Museum of West African Art (MOWAA) is an independent non-profit organisation in Nigeria set up to drive research and execute high-value cultural, arts and heritage initiatives in West Africa. Our multi-purpose campus integrates a research centre, conservation labs, exhibition spaces, and artist residencies, serving as a hub for scholarship, collaboration, and public engagement. A critical part of our mission is to conserve and make accessible a collection of antiquities, modern art and contemporary works – connecting West Africa’s ancient heritage to its thriving contemporary arts and culture.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Head of Facility Management (Operations)

Location: Benin City, Edo
Contract Type: Full-time
Reporting Line: Executive Director

Job Overview

• We seek a detail-oriented professional passionate about ensuring smooth operational functions within a dynamic cultural environment.
• The Head of Operations will oversee the efficient management of the museum’s facilities, utilities, and security while also supporting event logistics and travel coordination. 
• This role is essential to ensure the seamless functioning of the museum’s physical and operational infrastructure, and to maintain a safe, efficient, and well-managed environment for staff, visitors, and collections.

Key Responsibilities
Facilities & Utilities Management:

• Oversee the maintenance and functionality of museum buildings, conservation labs, exhibition spaces, and office areas.
• Manage utility services, including electricity, water, and HVAC systems, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
• Establish and oversee maintenance protocols withMEP suppliers, ensuring all servicing equipment is up to date.
• Coordinate with thecollections management teamto regulate climatic controls and generate facility reports in adherence to object care regimes and loan agreements.
• Ensure compliance with safety, health, and operational standards.

Security, Safety & Risk Management:

• Supervise security teams and implement protocols to protect assets, staff, and visitors.
• Develop emergency preparedness plans, including evacuation and disaster response procedures.
• Conduct risk assessments and ensure adherence to regulatory compliance.
• Review and select appropriatebuilding insurance providersto ensure adequate coverage for facilities and assets.

Events & Travel Support:

• Oversee the logistics for exhibitions, conferences, artist residencies, and public programs, working with the Travel & Logistics Manager, project leads and external vendors
• Ensure venue readiness, vendor coordination, and on-site operational support.
• Oversee domestic and international travel arrangements for staff, researchers, and visiting guests.
• Oversee the travel and events management team, ensuring coordination, early risk identification and management, troubleshooting and staff development

Vendor & Contractor Management:

• Manage contracts and relationships with service providers, including facility maintenance, cleaning, and security firms.
• Negotiate service agreements to ensure cost-effectiveness and quality.
• Monitor contractor performance and enforce institutional standards.

Compliance, Budget Oversight & Staff Training:

• Ensure all operations align with regulatory and legal requirements.
• Manage operational budgets, optimize resource allocation, and improve cost efficiency.
• Oversee procurement processes and asset management.
• Develop and enforcebuilding management standards and procedures, including training staff on best practices, with support from the HR team.

Key Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s or postgraduate Degree in Engineering, Facility Management, Business Administration, Operations Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in facility management and/or operations, preferably within a cultural institution, university, corporate services or hospitality sector.
• Strong leadership and problem-solving skills with experience managing teams and external vendors.
• Good knowledge of health, safety, and security protocols.
• Excellent vendor negotiation and contractor management skills.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively across departments and engage with diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Us?

• Compensation & Benefits: Highly Competitive, subject to credentials.
• This is a unique opportunity to shape the operational backbone of a groundbreaking cultural and research institution. 
• If you are a strategic thinker with a passion for cultural heritage and operational excellence, we invite you to be part of our mission.

Application Closing Date
28th February, 2025.

How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV and a Cover Letter detailing their experience and suitability for the role to: [email protected] using the job title as the subject of the mail.