African Parks Network is hiring a Conservation Manager, Zakouma National Park, Chad

APPEL A CANDIDATURE INTERNE/EXTERNE

 AU POSTE DE RESPONSABLE CONSERVATION BIODIVERSITE DU PNZ.

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization founded in 2000 that takes full responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries, covering more than 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Zambia, South Sudan, and Zimbabwe. In Chad, African Parks is responsible for the management of the Greater Zakouma Functional Ecosystem, which includes Zakouma National Park, Siniaka-Minia National Park (RFSM), and the Bahr Salamat Faunal Reserve (RFBS), as well as the management of the Ennedi Natural and Cultural Reserve through Public-Private Partnership Agreements with the Government of Chad. AP Chad also manages the Aouk Project and has a liaison office in N’Djamena.

JOB OVERVIEW:

The role involves overseeing and managing the conservation department within the park’s organisation structure, in order to inform management decision and ensure the long-term sustainability of the Zakouma National Parc

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Provide strategic leadership and direction for the department, ensuring alignment with the park’s long-term sustainable strategy. Annually evaluate and update, in consultation with the rest of the park management unit, the park’s five-year business plan and associated budget. Contribute to park-wide decision-making processes and support cross-functional initiatives.
• Manage a team of staff members (ecologists, animal trackers and horse stable personnel), including recruitment, training, performance evaluations, and professional development. Foster teamwork, collaboration, and a supportive work environment. Mobilise the cutting-edge expertise needed to carry out activities through consultancy contracts and scientific partnerships.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the department, ensuring efficient utilisation of resources, adherence to the organisational policies and procedures, and effective implementation of activities as per the park’s five-year business plan. Collaborate with other departments to ensure effective effort integration.
• Manage species reintroduction and reciprocal translocation projects with other countries including the Central African Republic (black rhinoceros, giant eland, Kordofan giraffe, buffalo, migratory antelopes and Buffon’s kob). Implement multi-step process requiring careful planning, coordination and monitoring: risk-benefit analyses, feasibility study assessments, formal plan developments, post-release monitoring programs.
• Use a scientific ecological approach and the convergence of several tools (aerial surveys, geomatics, remote sensing, field surveys, camera trapping, animal collaring, etc.) to support informed management and the development of a coherent land use plan for the Greater Zakouma Ecosystem: dynamic mapping of natural habitats, land cover and threats, monitoring of core metrics and high-risk species, documenting ecological connectivity.
• Provide support for reviewing and updating, and then implementing, the fire management plan.
• Make use of African Parks’ range of standard technological tools (e.g., EarthRanger, ArcGIS Survey 123, ArcGIS Enterprise), for effective centralisation, sharing and archiving of data.
• Prepare reports, presentations, and communication materials to convey the department’s achievements, challenges, and progress to park management and stakeholders
• Capabilities, competencies and experience needed for the job:

1. Education and Knowledge:

• Minimum of a master’s degree in a relevant field such as conservation biology, environmental science, natural resource management.
• Strong knowledge and understanding of conservation principles and practices, ideally in Central Africa.

2. Project Management:

• At least five years(5)of experience in managing conservation projects, preferably in Africa.
• Organisational and time management skills to prioritise and meet deadlines.
• Ability to manage project budgets and procure necessary resources.

3. Data Analysis and Reporting:

• Proficiency in collecting, analysing and interpreting scientific data.
• Proficiency in analytical software and computer languages such as GIS, R and XLSform.
• Ability to synthesise information and excellent writing skills.
• Fluency in English and French (written and spoken).

4. Resilience, endurance, cross-cultural sensitivity :

• Experience working in remote environments, preferably in wilderness settings.
• Good level of physical fitness and stamina.
• Experience working in cross-cultural context.
• Unwavering work integrity.

5. It would be a plus:

• Spoken arabic
• Equine knowledge
• Veterinary expertise

6. Key relationships:

• Park Manager
• Park Management Team
• APN Chad Country Office
• APN Regional Conservation Manager (Central Africa)
• APN Head of Biodiversity & Science Support (Head Office South Africa)
• Technical Partners and Governmental Agencies

How to Apply

The application file must include:

 A cover letter addressed to the Park Manager and an up-to-date CV in French, combined into a single PDF document, should be sent by email to: rh.tchad@africanparks.org, with a copy to tarinant@africanparks.org , specifying the position in the subject line.,

The application deadline is set for June 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted by email or phone.

If you do not hear from us within two weeks after the closing date, it means that your application was not successful.

We thank you for your interest in African Parks