Career Opportunity
Position Resource Protection Advisor
Contract Type Fixed Term, 24 months, renewable
Location Musalangu Game Management Area
ABOUT US
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to protecting biodiversity and wilderness areas through long‑term partnerships and effective protected‑area management. In Zambia, FZS works with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) to safeguard the North Luangwa landscape and strengthen community-centred conservation in adjacent GMAs. NLCP’s mission links livelihoods and landscape, ensuring resource protection, ecosystem integrity, and community benefits across one of Africa’s most intact wilderness areas.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The Resource Protection Advisor (RPA) is a field-focused, hands-on operational role responsible for the day-to-day delivery, coordination, and oversight of law enforcement and natural resource protection activities across the Musulangu Sectors and surrounding areas, including the MAZA TFCA. Reporting operationally to the GMA Manager and receiving technical guidance and mentorship from the Strategic Technical Advisor (STA), the RPA strengthens frontline law enforcement capacity by mentoring Sector-in-Charge (SiC) leaders, monitoring performance and standards, and ensuring strict adherence to SOPs and safe, effective patrol coverage.
The role supports the management, coordination, and communication of transboundary resource protection efforts; oversees and guides hunting monitoring and human–wildlife conflict response; and proactively addresses emerging threats such as illegal mining and encroachment. Working closely with resource protection personnel and area ecologists, the RPA contributes to wildlife population monitoring through patrol data, aerial survey technologies, tracking of collared animals, direct observations, and camera trap studies to improve understanding of population trends and animal movements, while also supervising essential administrative and reporting controls.
YOUR TASKS
Conservation Patrol Planning & Field Coordination
Support the planning and coordination of patrols in line with project priorities, risk assessments and seasonal access.
Maintain a rolling patrol plan focused on conservation hotspots, emerging threats and community safety.
Ensure patrol readiness through pre-deployment checks (equipment, communications, medical preparedness) and facilitate structured post-patrol debriefs to capture learning.
Coordinate joint conservation and law-enforcement activities with partners such as DNPW, IIU and other stakeholders, promoting clear communication and shared objectives.
Support effective access control and sentry systems in Musulangu in line with agreed SOPs.
Ethical Hunting Oversight & Compliance Monitoring
Support oversight of escort scout deployments during regulated hunting and safari activities, ensuring conservation objectives are met.
Verify permits, quotas, boundaries and seasonal conditions prior to activities commencing.
Promote ethical conduct and compliance with SOPs, including animal welfare considerations.
Ensure accurate documentation of activities and escalate concerns through agreed reporting lines.
Intelligence, Compliance & Environmental Crime Support
Strengthen information sharing with relevant partners to support intelligence-led conservation actions.
Support evidence handling and documentation in line with legal and safeguarding requirements.
Emerging Threats: Mining & Encroachment
Monitor and document emerging pressures related to mining, encroachment and land use change.
Liaise with relevant government institutions on environmental compliance and permitting concerns.
Stakeholder & Community Engagement
Maintain strong working relationships with DNPW Area Wardens, CRBs, community leaders, WCP and conservation partners.
Represent the Musulangu project area in coordination forums as required.
Team Leadership & Mentorship
Provide ongoing mentorship and coaching to Sector-in-Charge (SiC) leaders, strengthening leadership, planning and accountability.
Human–Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Mitigation
Coordinate humane and lawful responses to human–wildlife conflict in collaboration with CRBs, DNPW and district authorities.
Assets, Logistics & Resource Stewardship
Support accountable management of project assets, equipment and vehicles in line with NGO policies.
Training & Capacity Development
Support the planning and delivery of annual refresher training and specialised modules in collaboration with STA and training partners.
Budgeting & Reporting
Provide technical inputs into quarterly planning, budgeting and procurement for conservation activities.
Prepare monthly Musulangu law-enforcement reports combining narrative analysis, KPIs and risk updates to support adaptive management.
Safeguarding, Integrity & Risk Management
Promote a strong safeguarding, integrity and accountability culture aligned with NGO and donor standards.
Your Profile
QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE
5–8+ years’ Zambia-based conservation law enforcement/field operations experience, including team-lead responsibilities.
Proven work alongside DNPW and strong familiarity with the North Luangwa / Muchinga operating context (terrain/seasonality, access, CRBs, threat profile).
Deep working knowledge of the Zambia Wildlife Act (and relevant statutory instruments), hunting regulations and requirements (permits/quotas, seasons, boundaries, ethics).
Strong HWC experience: prevention, rapid response, documentation and community liaison.
Interfaces with government and regulators: Mines & Minerals Development, ZEMA, Forestry, Zambia Police, Immigration for compliance checks and joint actions.
SKILLS & COMPETENCES
Experience in field-based conservation, wildlife protection or natural resource management.
Strong coordination and leadership skills, with a focus on mentorship and capacity building.
Understanding of community-based conservation and human–wildlife coexistence approaches.
Ability to work effectively with government agencies, communities and NGOs.
Strong reporting, documentation and communication skills.
Commitment to ethical, lawful and rights-based conservation practice.
Personal Attributes
High integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
Emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability to challenging field conditions.
Commitment to community engagement and collaborative conservation.
WE OFFER
A chance to contribute to meaningful conservation impact within a flagship landscape.
A supportive, mission-driven team with professional development opportunities.
Competitive salary commensurate with experience, housing at Mano Base, medical insurance, emergency evacuation cover, field allowances, and access to well-equipped facilities and logistical support.
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