Park Manager

BACKGROUND:

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage 23 national parks and protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Ethiopia.

Gambella National Park was established as a protected area in 1973 and is 4,575 km² in size. It forms the northern anchor of a much larger contiguous system, with a network of protected areas in southern Ethiopia and neighboring South Sudan. The park hosts several wildlife species including an important population of Nile Lechwe, Ethiopia’s largest population of elephant, healthy lion populations, one of the most endangered giraffe populations in the world and a shoebill population. Gambella also forms part of the white-eared kob migration between South Sudan and Ethiopia – the largest land mammal migration on earth comprising around 6 million animals.

JOB OVERVIEW:

As a new project under the APN Portfolio, the Park Manager will be responsible for developing and implementing the park strategies, business plans, and annual budgets. The role needs to ensure strong stakeholder relations, secure necessary resources, and drive revenue generation for financial sustainability.

Reporting to the APN South Sudan and Ethiopia Regional Manager, the primary purpose of the role will be to:

• Develop and implement an integrated strategy for the park’s sustainable development;
• Ensure the effective operational management of the park;
• Recruitment of the management and technical team and then providing strong leadership to them;
• Represent and promote African Parks and African Parks Ethiopia with all stakeholders;

MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Develop and execute a park strategy aligned with the Partnership Agreement and APN objectives.
• Create and implement a five-year business plan.
• Develop an annual activity plan and budget, focusing on improving the Sustainability Ratio.
• Build and maintain positive relations with communities, government, donors, and stakeholders.
• Secure resources and funding, ensuring rigorous financial management and discipline.
• Ensure all park activities follow African Parks policies and SOPs.
• Set the law enforcement strategy with key law enforcement managers.
• Develop staff and succession plans, promoting local talent per the Partnership Agreement.
• Ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
• Provide accurate reports to the park Board, APN, and other stakeholders.
• Develop long-term relationships with core donors for sustainable funding.
• Drive revenue generation through sustainable funding sources like tourism and commercial activities.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:

• Master’s Degree in a conservation related field will be an advantage;
• A business qualification will be an advantage;
• At least 15 years of working experience, with more than 5 years of working experience in similar environments and roles;
• Proven ability to manage complexity;
• Experience in non-profit organizations will be an advantage;
• Experience working in multi-cultural environments;
• Very strong commercial skills;
• Very strong financial management skills;
• Very strong project management skills;
• Very strong analytical skills.