Job Description

Rhino Project Manager – North Luangwa Conservation Programme, Frankfurt Zoological Society Rhino Project Manager

About Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS)

Frankfurt Zoological Society is an international nature conservation organization based in Frankfurt, Germany that coordinates projects in 18 countries. We envision a world where wildlife and wild lands are cherished and sustainably protected for their intrinsic and economic value to present and future generations. Our mission is to conserve wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places. Together we protect biodiversity, the basis of human life. Our partners in the projects on site are local communities, nature conservation authorities, national park administrations and other NGOs. To learn more about us, visit www.fzs.org .

About the FZS Zambia:

FZS Zambia (FZS-ZM) has a rich history of conservation, having been actively involved in the preservation of the North Luangwa Ecosystem since 1986 and the Nsumbu-Tanganyika region since 2017. Our mission at FZS-ZM is to bridge the connection between livelihoods and landscapes through conservation and enhancement efforts. We are dedicated to the continuous expansion of our initiatives, broadening both our geographical reach and thematic focus. These endeavours are made possible through FZS core funding, international government partners, and the contributions of private donors.

About North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP):

NLCP is a partnership between FZS and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife that is now 38 years old and one of the strongest government partnerships in the country. The partnership has just signed a new collaborative partnership model until 2042. The mission of the partnership is ‘Linking Livelihoods and Landscape’ with 98% of staff recruited from the local communities and with a pioneering Landscape Integration Unit operating and expanding from a focus area of 22,000km2, the programme is set on a solid foundation for rhino conservation.

NLCP established a founder population of black rhinos in North Luangwa National Park between 2003 and 2010. Since then, the population has grown to an IUCN Key 2 population, has been free from rhino poaching and the project area has grown significantly.

This role is an exciting position in a dynamic team with a solutions-based culture and a team that deserves a suitably qualified and highly motivated candidate to embrace this culture and support the existing staff to manage the teams tasked with the protection and monitoring of the rhino project area and to take this population to a Key 1 population in the next 5 years and to drive and make this happen in line with the other landscape teams.

Purpose

To maintain a zero poached rhino status and to feed and develop the capability of a pioneering rhino monitoring unit (RMU) performance, based on proven measurables and objectives.

Objectives

• Gain a complete understanding of the specific goals, and objectives, of the Rhino & Elephant Protection Unit
• Maintain and enhance a well-developed high-performing and collaborative team.
• Collaborate with the wider organisations team to ensure NLCP is providing consistently excellent outputs and outcomes.
• Set objectives and schedules to achieve project activities on time and within budget.
• Monitor performance and report on progress.
• Adhere to established department policies and procedures and help develop and maintain new policies and procedures as required.
• Support the DNPW RMU Ranger and leadership team with data, technology, administrative, technical and operational support.
• Guide the NLCP EMT on rhino project-related management requirements and goals with clear steps, processes and solutions to meet them.

Responsibilities

• Rhino Monitoring – Manage and Mentor Rhino Monitoring Unit (RMU) standards and performance analysis.
• Rhino Sanctuary fence line – Manage and mentor the fence-line maintenance and fence-line law enforcement managers in operations, budgeting, reporting and administration.
• Rhino Protection – Support and mentor the Rapid Deployment Team (RDT) and Rhino and Elephant Protection Unit (REPU) Mobile teams in strategy development and adherence to strategy in collaboration with the SLETA.
• Rhino Sanctuary Management – Manage opening and maintenance of all roads within the sanctuary in collaboration with NLCP operations teams, as well as all crossings.
• Flying – Provide Aerial Surveillance and  Aerial Rhino Monitoring.
• Donor and Grants – Develop, manage and report on grants relating to activities with the Rhino project.

General

• Work with the senior management team to set up goals that promote the NLNP General Management Plan and organisational strategy, as well as the wider North Luangwa Landscape strategy (+30,000km2)
• Prepare budgets, schedules and any other documents as required.
• Develop plans and strategies to improve productivity and reduce costs.
• Contribute to strategy and development in the areas of improvement to ensure NLCP achieves its short and long-term objectives.

Skills and Qualifications

• Proven positive experience in Ranger Welfare and long-term welfare maintenance.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Rhino Monitoring experience (actual doing and managing of teams).
• Private Pilot’s Licence (with experience in conservation aviation preferred).
• Proven experience in management roles.
• Strong leadership, communication, and collaboration skills with an understanding of attributes and their role in performance.
• Competency in Microsoft Office, and software administration.
• Specialised competency and proven track in SMART, EarthRanger, Tableau and related conservation data collection and management tools.
• Comfortable in leading team-building initiatives.
• Off-road driving experience.
• Advanced organisational skills preferably within a similar organisational environment.
• Excellent oral and written communication abilities.
• Proven problem-solving abilities.
• African language understanding and fluency.
• Drive to lead and achieve change within an organisation.
• Proven ability to make decisions based on data and evidence, in a high-pressure environment.
• Well-developed planning and prioritisation skills.
• Commitment to providing the highest level of quality while optimising productivity.

Abilities

• Willingness to work in remote locations for extended periods.
• Understanding of rural African operations.
• Proven leadership abilities.
• Mature emotional intelligence.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications to [email protected] . Please include the following documents in your application:

1. A cover letter explaining why you should be considered for this position.
2. A comprehensive CV highlighting your relevant experience and achievements.
3. Contact details for two referees (who will not be contacted without your permission).

Please mark your application Rhino Project Manager- NLCP- FZS Zambia

Application Deadline: Wednesday 5 ^th June 2024