Programme Manager North Luangwa (gn)

About the Position

This exciting strategic role offers the opportunity to deliver effective implementation of programme conservation objectives and overall success of North Luangwa Conservation Programme’s mission, one of Frankfurt Zoological Society’s flagship sites . You will be required to be a proactive and strategic thinker with a passion for managing complex projects from concept to delivery. In this role, you will maintain the cohesion between the teams and departments, interacting at every level and be the controlling function informing and interacting with the senior management team (SMT) on progress and performance, maintaining and setting the right tone at the right time across the departments and different levels, uniting, enabling and empowering them.

Your Tasks

• Develop and execute comprehensive project plans, resource allocation and budgets according to the mission and strategic pillars of North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP)
• Contribute to organizational strategic planning and identify opportunities for process improvements
• Lead cross functional teams and foster a team environment that encourages innovation and professional development
• Compile targeted, risk-minimised, and coherent annual operations plans, and work with the core operations teams to deliver adherence and implementation within stipulated timelines
• Create operational budgets, approve transactions and manage monthly expenditures
• Oversee financial reporting and compliance with donor requirements
• Establish key performance indicators (KPI’s) to assess project progress and impact
• Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to ensure project continuity
• Build trust and effective relationships with in-country partners, stakeholders, traditional leaders and donors to deliver the mission for long-term sustainability
• Responsible for overall recruitment and management of NLCP staff
• Provide advice and support to the Conservation Director for project and programme related aspects

Your Profile

• Master’s Degree in an environmental / conservation field. An additional university degree and training in business management or other related fields would be a strong advantage
• More than 10 years of professional experience of which at least 5 years in a senior management role focusing on Protected Area Management and within an NGO, with demonstrated success in managing multidisciplinary teams
• Proven track record of successful project delivery and experience in developing, leading and managing large-scale programmes and/or institutions in conservation, natural resource management, international development and/or other related fields
• Good knowledge and understanding of conservation priorities and programmes in the subregion and in Zambia in particular
• Demonstrated skills in project planning, financial management, implementation, and performance evaluation
• Strong communication skills – English (required); German (desired)
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office and, preferably, management software
• Analytical mindset with great problem-solving abilities
• Strong vocational interest in nature conservation

We Offer

• Opportunity to understand and have an impact in one of Africa’s most impressive integrated landscapes
• Engaging and meaningful work with room for your own ideas and creativity
• Form part of a dynamic and motivated team in Zambia as well as the larger FZS Africa team
• Occupational pension scheme and 30 days’ vacation leave per year
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience