Programme Manager Nyerere Conservation Programme (NCP) at Frankfurt Zoological Society

Nyerere National Park is one of Africa’s largest protected areas and a cornerstone of Tanzania’s conservation landscape. Conserving this globally significant ecosystem requires effective protected area management, strong institutions, and close collaboration between conservation partners and government authorities.

Through the Nyerere Conservation Programme (NCP), FZS works alongside the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA) to strengthen protected area management systems, support law enforcement and resource protection, enhance ecological monitoring, and build the institutional capacity required to safeguard the Nyerere ecosystem for the long term.

The programme is rooted in partnership and focuses on supporting the effective management of Nyerere National Park (NNP) through practical, field-based conservation interventions and long-term investment in management effectiveness.

About The Position:

This is an opportunity to play a leading role in one of Tanzania's most important conservation landscapes.

Working within FZS's long-standing partnership with the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA), you will lead, coordinate, and drive the Nyerere Conservation Programme, ensuring the delivery of a protected area management-focused programme that directly supports the effective management of Nyerere National Park.

You will provide strategic, technical, financial, and operational oversight across a broad portfolio of activities. From strengthening law enforcement support and ecological monitoring systems to managing donor-funded conservation programmes and supporting institutional development, the role sits at the intersection of conservation leadership, programme management, and government partnership.

Operating in a remote and complex environment, you will work closely with TANAPA, government partners, donors, NGOs active across the landscape, and field teams to ensure programme interventions improve management effectiveness, contribute to biodiversity conservation outcomes, and support the long-term sustainability of the Nyerere ecosystem.

Your Tasks:

Protected Area Management Leadership

• Work closely with NNP management to define and implement protected area management priorities.
• Strengthen core management systems, including law enforcement, patrol support, and resource protection.
• Support the development and implementation of park management plans and annual operational plans.
• Ensure programme activities remain aligned with national conservation policies and NNP management strategies.
• Oversee the establishment and implementation of robust ecological monitoring and management effectiveness systems.
  

Partner Relations and Government Support

• Maintain strong working relationships with NNP management authorities (TANAPA), relevant government institutions, and other NGOs active across the landscape.
• Provide technical and advisory support to protected area management teams.
• Represent the programme in relevant coordination and policy forums.
• Facilitate coordination between government authorities, donors, and implementing partners.
  

Programme Management and Operations

• Lead the planning and implementation of programme activities aligned with protected area management priorities.
• Ensure effective financial management, including budgeting, forecasting, and reporting.
• Provide oversight to multidisciplinary teams supporting operations, logistics, infrastructure, and conservation activities.
• Oversee procurement and delivery of equipment and infrastructure to support protected area operations.
• Ensure timely, high-quality technical and financial reporting.
• Support, in collaboration with NNP management, the strengthening of law enforcement and patrol operations through strategic direction, enabling systems, and targeted technical and logistical support.
• Support the planning, coordination, and resourcing of law enforcement and patrol operations in collaboration with park management.
• Ensure effective implementation of field-based management systems, including patrol deployment and operational logistics.
• Provide effective line management, supervision, and performance oversight of the NCP team.
• Oversee the provision and maintenance of equipment, infrastructure, and logistical support required for enforcement and field operations.
  

Capacity Building and Institutional Strengthening

• Support the professional development of NNP staff and management systems.
• Strengthen institutional processes and operational effectiveness across programme activities.
• Promote skills development, training opportunities, and organisational learning.
• Mentor and support the continued development of the FZS team.
  

Fundraising and Donor Engagement

• Identify fundraising opportunities that align with NNP management priorities and programme needs.
• Contribute to the development of funding proposals and concept notes.
• Maintain constructive relationships with donors supporting protected area management.
• Represent the programme in donor coordination and governance meetings, where appropriate.
• Coordinate the preparation and submission of donor reports in line with agreed requirements.
• Consolidate inputs from technical, finance, and operations teams to support high-quality reporting.
• Communicate programme achievements, lessons learned, and conservation results to donors and partners.
  

Key Internal Working Relationships - You will work closely with:

• Partnership Development Hub Director
• Landscape Conservation Programme Manager
• Programme Manager – Selous Conservation Programme
  

Together, you will ensure strong coordination, collaboration, strategic alignment, and information sharing across programmes to maximise effective and efficient conservation impact at the landscape level.

Your Profile:

Required Qualifications And Experience

• MSc degree or equivalent in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Protected Area Management, or a related field.
• Minimum of five years’ experience in protected area or conservation programme management, preferably in Africa.
• Proven experience supporting protected area management systems.
• Strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, donor reporting, fundraising, and donor engagement.
• Experience working collaboratively with government authorities and field-based teams.
• Fluency in English required.
• Working knowledge of Kiswahili (spoken and written) is strongly preferred.
  

Behaviour Competencies

You are a conservation professional who is motivated by working in partnership, strengthening institutions, and supporting effective protected area management. You bring:

• Commitment to conservation.
• High levels of integrity and accountability.
• Willingness to work and live in a remote and operational field context.
• Strategic vision with the ability to explore future opportunities, see challenges within a broader conservation context, and translate long-term thinking into practical action.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to guide, motivate, and develop diverse teams while adapting your leadership approach to different situations and individuals.
• Excellent planning and organisational skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• A collaborative and supportive approach to teamwork.
  

We Offer:

• The opportunity to contribute to the effective management of one of Africa’s largest protected areas.
• A role with significant responsibility and scope for impact within a globally important conservation landscape.
• Close collaboration with TANAPA, government partners, donors, and experienced conservation practitioners.
• The opportunity to live and work in a unique field-based conservation setting.
• A committed and professional international conservation environment.
• A competitive package commensurate with qualifications and experience.
  

Your Application:

Are you passionate and ready to take on this challenge? Please submit:

• A cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the position
• A detailed CV
• Contact details of three professional references
  

by clicking APPLY NOW below. We welcome applications from conservation professionals who are passionate about protected area management and committed to supporting long-term conservation outcomes through strong partnerships, effective programme management, and practical field-based conservation.

Application deadline: Sunday, 19 July 2026

About Us

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international conservation organization based in Frankfurt, Germany. We make a vital contribution to safeguarding global biodiversity. To this end, we support and implement conservation projects in Africa, South America, Southeast Asia, as well as Eastern and Central Europe, with a particular focus on the protection of large wilderness areas. Our projects and programs are designed to be long-term and sustainable. Our goal is to protect and preserve large, biodiversity-rich landscapes.