Senior Conservation Area Manager at African Parks

Division Kafue National Park Business Unit Park Management Minimum experience Director Company primary industry Non-profit Organisation Management Job functional area Other Job Description Position: Park Manager Reporting Structure: This position operates under the direct supervision of the Regional Operations Manager. Direct reports encompass, among others, the Senior Operations Manager, Community & Extension Manager, Tourism Manager, Finance Manager, HR Manager, and Funding & Reporting Manager. Contract duration: Two-year fixed-term contract, subject to renewal. African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the rehabilitation and sustainable management of national parks and protected areas in collaboration with governments and local communities throughout Africa. Currently overseeing 24 protected areas spanning 14 countries, our operations cover over 20 million hectares, establishing one of the world’s most extensive conservation portfolios. African Parks implements conservation initiatives across a network of countries including Angola, Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, Ethiopia, Botswana, and Zimbabwe. By leveraging disciplined operational management, strategic stakeholder partnerships, and a commitment to long-term financial sustainability, the organization achieves measurable conservation outcomes on a broad scale. We are in search of a distinguished Park Manager to oversee one of Africa’s premier protected areas. This pivotal, high-responsibility executive position requires a strategic leader capable of integrating diverse functions—including operations, people leadership, financial oversight, sustainability initiatives, and multi-stakeholder governance—within a dynamic and deeply rewarding operational setting. The ideal candidate will assume the role of Chief Executive of the park, offering strategic direction to a diverse management team while ensuring the successful implementation of all initiatives. This position demands accountability for stakeholder relations, financial outcomes, infrastructure projects, tourism activities, conservation compliance, and the cultivation of a positive organizational culture. While expertise in conservation is beneficial, the primary focus lies in the capacity to lead, navigate, and achieve results within a high-pressure operational setting. The Park Manager will oversee the comprehensive management and sustainable development of the park, ensuring alignment with the Government and African Parks Partnership Agreement. The Park Manager holds full accountability for the park’s strategic direction and operational performance, demanding a track record of executive leadership spanning five interconnected management pillars: Strategic Leadership, Operational Excellence, Financial Stewardship, People Leadership, and Stakeholder Governance. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES Strategic Leadership and Planning Formulate and implement the park strategy in accordance with the Partnership Agreement, African Parks’ strategic objectives, and the five-year business plan. Translate strategic priorities into quantifiable operational results, such as yearly activity plans, capital allocations, and operational budgets. Identify and champion sustainable development initiatives that foster growth, innovation, and organizational performance. Operational Excellence Effectively oversee the comprehensive management of park operations and infrastructure, encompassing law enforcement, conservation initiatives, community engagement, and commercial activities. Responsible for managing the execution of annual operational plans and significant capital initiatives. To guarantee that resources, systems, and processes are optimized and consistently aligned with strategic objectives, this role requires diligent oversight and proactive management. Ensure all activities are carried out in strict adherence to African Parks’ established policies and standard operating procedures. Responsibilities include managing logistics, overseeing construction initiatives, directing anti-poaching efforts, and supervising research and monitoring programs. Financial Management and Sustainability Oversee the park’s financial management comprehensively, ensuring robust annual budgeting, strict compliance adherence, disciplined financial practices, effective controls, and optimal resource allocation. Establish and maintain robust governance frameworks, ensure strict adherence to compliance standards, and implement effective risk management protocols. Maintain strict adherence to procurement regulations and financial oversight throughout all organizational departments. Prepare and deliver precise financial and operational reports to the Park Board, African Parks, and key stakeholders. Our role involves recognizing and cultivating viable, long-term revenue streams, with a focus on sectors such as tourism, donor funding, and nature-based solutions. Ensure the organization maintains financial health while optimizing operational performance. People Leadership Lead the formation and ongoing development of a top-tier, cross-functional leadership team to drive the park’s strategic priorities, operational excellence, and financial performance. Foster a values-driven organizational culture rooted in accountability, teamwork, and measurable outcomes. Recruit, oversee, and assess contracted personnel, and facilitate their career advancement and succession planning initiatives. Foster the cultivation of homegrown talent and ensure robust succession planning mechanisms are in place. Foster a robust organizational culture characterized by accountability, integrity, and excellence in performance. Stakeholder Management As the primary liaison for the park, engage with government officials, donors, local communities, traditional leaders, private sector allies, and other relevant stakeholders to represent its interests effectively. Develop and nurture strategic alliances to enhance the sustained success of the protected area. Cultivate and sustain productive relationships with various boards, committees, and oversight entities to ensure effective communication and collaboration. Ensure adherence to the Partnership Agreement and all applicable regulatory standards. Conservation and Community Impact Achieve impactful conservation results by providing dynamic leadership to specialized conservation teams. The role involves championing programs designed to enhance living standards, foster job creation, and fortify collaborative alliances within the community. Deliver measurable ecological and socio-economic impact within the protected area. What constitutes success in this position? We are seeking a fully operational, well-administered park where all departments are effectively established, adequately resourced, and functioning in accordance with African Parks standards. A financially sustainable operation characterized by diversified revenue streams and disciplined expenditure management. Enhanced conservation results, bolstered anti-poaching efforts, and improved ecological indicator performance are required. Builds and nurtures trusted, long-lasting partnerships with governmental entities, local communities, and essential donors. We pride ourselves on a highly effective, locally based team that offers well-defined career progression and structured development opportunities. The Park Management Unit upholds a culture characterized by accountability, transparency, and leadership grounded in core values. THE IDEAL CANDIDATE We are looking for an accomplished park manager with a strong track record in leadership, operational execution, and business strategy to oversee a multifaceted organization in a challenging setting. While prior experience in conservation, natural resources, or related fields is beneficial, we also welcome candidates with transferable leadership experience from analogous environments. A bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Public Administration, Natural Resource Management, Tourism, Conservation, or a closely related field is required. With a minimum of ten years of high-level leadership experience, you have successfully directed complex organizations, business units, or large-scale operations. Accomplished leadership of cross-functional teams in demanding and isolated settings demonstrates a proven track record of success. Demonstrated expertise in financial, commercial, and operational leadership, underpinned by a proven track record of strategic decision-making and execution. Demonstrates a strong track record in cultivating and maintaining high-level stakeholder relationships with government officials, board members, donors, private partners, and community leaders. Professional experience in sectors such as tourism, conservation, infrastructure, development, hospitality, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), the public sector, or fields with related expertise is required. Demonstrates exceptional proficiency in strategic planning, clear and concise communication, and sound decision-making. Demonstrated expertise in project management, successfully executing both capital and operational initiatives within stipulated timelines and allocated financial resources. The ideal candidate must demonstrate exceptional resilience, adaptability, and uncompromising personal integrity. DESIRABLE Professional Experience in Africa or other emerging markets is required. Professionals with a background in conservation, enforcement of conservation laws, tourism, natural resource management, wildlife protection, or development are encouraged to apply. Seasoned professionals with a proven track record in overseeing programs financed by donors or collaborations between public and private sectors are sought. At African Parks in Kazue, you will discover a unique opportunity to contribute to the preservation and management of one of Africa’s most vital ecosystems. This role offers a chance to work alongside dedicated professionals in a dynamic and impactful environment dedicated to wildlife conservation and community development. Here, you will be part of a team committed to sustainable conservation practices, ensuring the long-term survival of Kazue National Park’s diverse species and habitats. If you are passionate about environmental stewardship and seek a meaningful career in conservation, this position provides the ideal platform to make a tangible difference in Africa’s conservation landscape. This position presents a unique chance to oversee one of Africa’s most critical landscapes, fostering sustainable benefits for communities, wildlife, and generations to come. It entails managing a multifaceted operation where conservation outcomes hinge on effective leadership, robust financial health, cohesive stakeholder engagement, and operational precision. African Parks is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable work environment, embracing the principles of equal opportunity throughout its operations. The organization adheres to non-discriminatory hiring practices, ensuring fair and unbiased consideration of all applicants regardless of personal background or characteristics. African Parks upholds a steadfast commitment to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive professional environment. All employment-related decisions are guided by merit, qualifications, and the strategic requirements of the organization. Discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnic or social origin, nationality, religion, age, disability, sex, gender, marital status, HIV status, or any other legally protected characteristic is strictly prohibited. The organization actively promotes equal employment opportunities and warmly welcomes applications from all qualified individuals. Submissions must comprise a comprehensive curriculum vitae and a cover letter that clearly articulates prior leadership experience. We encourage you to spread the word by utilizing the sharing icons provided below.

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