About the Project<\/p>\n
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas and outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long-term programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, with the Africa Programme active in five focal countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. FZS has partnered with Zambia\u2019s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) since 1986 in North Luangwa National Park and since 2017 in Nsumbu National Park. \u00a0The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) is a 40-year partnership between FZS and DNPW focused on securing the integrity of the North Luangwa landscape for social and economic benefit for present and future generations.
\nZambia travel guide<\/p>\n
NLCP has achieved major milestones, including North Luangwa National Park\u2019s inclusion on the IUCN Green List, zero elephant poaching in the park for the last 2 years, no rhino poached since the introduction in 2003, and increasing wildlife populations. The programme has advanced human-wildlife coexistence, supported community governance and livelihoods, expanded conservation education, and promoted gender inclusion in micro-finance initiatives. Building on these successes, NLCP is embarking on a renewed five-year strategy to extend and strengthen its impact through 2030 and beyond.<\/p>\n
About the Position<\/p>\n
Are you an exceptional operational leader who can turn conservation ambition into disciplined, high-performing systems through \u00a0organisation culture and values based leadership? \u00a0The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) is seeking a Programme Operations Officer (POO) to provide executive oversight of Strategy, Organisational; culture and values, Tourism, Impact reporting, \u00a0nature based finance initiative management, Human Resources, Finance, Administration, and MERL across one of Africa\u2019s most important conservation landscapes. \u00a0This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in complex, remote environments and can combine strategic vision with rigorous execution.
\nThe Programme Operations Officer ensures that NLCP\u2019s institutional backbone enables conservation delivery at scale. Reporting to the Programme Manager and serving on the Senior Management Team, the position holder will lead and integrate Strategy, Tourism, Impact reporting, HR, Finance, Administration, MERL, and Tourism functions, drive financial sustainability and improve forecasting, cost control, and revenue diversification, oversee commercially viable, Nature Based Finance Initatives (NBFI), conservation-aligned tourism operations, strengthen governance, compliance, and risk management systems, ensure high-quality impact reporting and performance accountability and deputise for the Programme Manager as required. \u00a0This role requires both strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail, someone equally comfortable modelling, long-term financial sustainability and ensuring systems function efficiently day to day.<\/p>\n
Your Tasks<\/p>\n
Institutional Operations & Systems Integration\u00a0\u2013 Lead, mange and develop the team heads for HR, Finance, Administration, MERL, and Tourism functions
\nOrganisational culture and Values based Leadership\u2013 as the heart beat of the programme, you will protect and enhance the ethos of the organisational culture and evolution.
\nEnsure integrated annual planning, budgeting, reporting, and performance management across operational departments
\nStrengthen systems to ensure scalability, compliance, and resilience in a remote landscape context
\nLead cross-departmental coordination to support efficient conservation implementation
\nStrategic & Operational Leadership\u00a0\u2013 Translate NLCP strategy into circular operational plans, budgets, and business frameworks across NLNP and surrounding GMAs
\nEnsure grants and partnerships align with strategic priorities
\nFinancial Leadership & Sustainability\u00a0\u2013 Lead multi-year financial planning and sustainability modelling aligned with annual operational plans
\nMaintain clear visibility of funding gaps and forward financial projections
\nOversee financial controls, procurement systems, and fiduciary risk management
\nMonitor expenditure, budget performance and strengthen forecast accuracy
\nTourism, Commercial & NBFI Performance\u00a0\u2013 Provide executive oversight of the landscape value proposition incorporating commercial revenue as a strategic revenue pillar
\nEnsure tourism operations are commercially viable, professionally managed, and aligned with conservation objectives and values
\nGrants & Impact Reporting\u00a0\u2013 Act as programme focal point for , impact reporting, grants management and donor compliance
\nHuman Resources & Organizational Performance\u00a0\u2013 Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and succession planning
\nMERL & Adaptive Management\u00a0\u2013 Oversee development and implementation of robust and circular MERL systems
\nGovernance, Risk & Safeguards\u00a0\u2013 Lead review and updating of risk registers and compliance frameworks
\nPartnerships & Knowledge Management\u00a0\u2013 Maintain strong relationships with government, community institutions, private sector actors, and conservation partners<\/p>\n
Your Profile<\/p>\n
Master\u2019s degree (or equivalent experience) in Conservation Management, Business Administration, Development, or related field
\n8\u201310 years\u2019 senior-level management experience in Conservation, Development, or a comparable sector
\nDemonstrated experience managing multi-donor budgets and complex funding portfolios
\nExperience overseeing governance, compliance systems, and institutional risk management
\nProven ability to operate effectively in remote, field-based contexts
\nStrong administrative and coordination experience with a track record of delivery
\nProficiency in Microsoft Office and digital filing\/reporting systems
\nExperience working in culturally diverse environments<\/p>\n
Key Competencies<\/p>\n
Strategic systems thinking
\nFinancial and commercial acumen
\nGovernance and compliance expertise
\nOrganisational leadership and team development
\nStrong planning, prioritisation, and delegation skills<\/p>\n
Added Advantage<\/p>\n
Experience developing conservation enterprises or innovative finance mechanisms
\nExperience working with government wildlife authorities
\nFamiliarity with environmental and social safeguards frameworks<\/p>\n
We Offer<\/p>\n
Engaging and meaningful work contributing to long\u2011term conservation of a globally significant landscape.
\nOpportunity to work in an extraordinary wilderness area and support a dynamic, mission\u2011driven field team.
\nBeing part of an experienced and dedicated FZS program team with opportunities for learning, growth and impact.
\nA fair and competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications.<\/p>\n
Your Application<\/p>\n
Application Deadline
\nIf you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages) and Cover Letter (max 1 page) detailing your relevant experience and motivation by clicking\u00a0Apply for this Job\u00a0below:
\nJob board platform<\/p>\n
Application Deadline \u2013 Monday 30th\u00a0March 2026
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\nInclude three (3) traceable references with a short description of your working relationship and their contact details. Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications.
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\nWe thank all applicants for their interest however; only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.<\/p>\n
About us
\nFrankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an internationally operating conservation organisation based in Germany that has been supporting conservation projects in Africa, South America, South East Asia and Europe for many decades. Following our mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems we are focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places.<\/p>\n
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