Project Manager – Mweru Wantipa Conservation Project

The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) invites applications for an exceptional opportunity in project manager jobs in Mweru Wantipa Zambia. This role will lead the launch and development of a critical conservation initiative at Mweru Wantipa National Park, located in Zambia’s Northern Province.

About Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Conservation Project

FZS is a global leader in wildlife and ecosystem conservation, managing long-term programmes across Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Africa Programme is FZS’s largest and longest-running, with active projects in five countries including Zambia. Since 1986, FZS Zambia has been instrumental in protecting wilderness areas like North Luangwa and Nsumbu through community engagement and effective protected area management.

In partnership with the Zambian Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), FZS is initiating a new project to restore and sustainably manage Mweru Wantipa National Park. This pioneering effort focuses on establishing management systems, operational readiness, stakeholder collaboration, and initial conservation outcomes. The Project Manager will be pivotal in steering this initiative from inception.

Key Responsibilities for Project Manager Jobs in Mweru Wantipa Zambia

Lead the establishment of the Mweru Wantipa Conservation Project by developing strategic plans and fostering partnerships with stakeholders, ensuring environmental and social safeguards are rigorously applied.
Operationalize the project by recruiting and managing staff, formalizing institutional roles and procedures with FZS, DNPW, and partners, and enhancing resource protection through ranger deployment, training, and patrol coordination.
Oversee logistics, infrastructure planning, and field operations, including office setup, staff accommodation, access routes, and priority infrastructure development.
Initiate ecological and social baseline monitoring to fill critical knowledge gaps and integrate findings into adaptive management strategies.
Develop systems for monitoring and reporting human-wildlife conflict and support early mitigation efforts in key areas.
Support community governance, livelihoods, and conservation education programs, leveraging experience from related initiatives to strengthen local resource management and engagement.
Ensure all project activities align with broader landscape conservation goals and FZS Zambia’s organizational objectives.

Candidate Profile and Qualifications

Master’s degree in a relevant discipline with at least five years of experience managing conservation or development projects.
Proven ability to establish and manage operational systems in remote and challenging environments.
Experience in compliance, financial oversight, reporting, and use of digital filing and reporting tools.
Strong skills in stakeholder engagement, working effectively with government agencies, local communities, and international partners.
Proficiency with digital tools; experience with monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) systems and impact reporting is advantageous.
Demonstrated leadership and team-building capabilities, fostering a culture of collaboration, ethical standards, transparency, and inclusion.
Cultural sensitivity and adaptability to diverse, remote field settings.

Benefits and Opportunities

Unique chance to shape and lead a new flagship conservation project in a globally significant wilderness area.
Meaningful work contributing to the long-term preservation of Mweru Wantipa National Park.
Collaboration with a dynamic, mission-driven team and access to a wealth of conservation expertise.
Competitive salary package reflective of experience and qualifications.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a detailed Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter outlining relevant experience and motivation via the following link:

https://zoologisch.jobs.personio.de/job/2605449?_pc=1559584#apply

Please include three traceable references with descriptions of your working relationship and contact information. Appointment will be subject to submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications.

Application Deadline: 8th May, 2026

We appreciate all applications; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

To apply for this job please visit zoologisch.jobs.personio.de.