Program Manager and Site Director, Lomami Landscape Program

About the role

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), an international conservation organisation based in Germany, runs a co-management partnership with the Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature (ICCN) to strengthen protected area management and landscape conservation in the Lomami National Park and its wider landscape in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Program Manager and Site Director leads, coordinates and drives the implementation of the Lomami Landscape Program, reporting to the FZS Regional Conservation Director for DRC and to the Steering Committee under the ICCN-FZS agreement. The position is based in Kindu, Maniema Province.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the implementation of conservation management priorities for Lomami National Park and its Buffer Zone through strategic and technical support to program teams.
• Strengthen core protected area management systems, including resource protection and biomonitoring.
• Support the Lomami Buffer Zone Strategy with local communities and government authorities.
• Keep program activities aligned with national conservation policies, management strategies and the co-management agreement.
• Maintain relationships with ICCN, provincial authorities, donors, NGOs and partners, representing the program in coordination and policy forums when needed.
• Manage operations: annual planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, procurement, logistics and infrastructure.
• Lead and develop the program team, with clear roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure social safeguarding and sound management systems across activities.
• Identify funding opportunities, contribute to proposals, maintain donor relationships and deliver quality donor reporting.

Required profile

• Advanced degree (MSc or equivalent) in conservation, natural resource management or a related field.
• At least 10 years of experience in protected area or conservation program management in Francophone Africa, preferably in more than one country and including the DRC.
• Prior experience in a senior-level position within an NGO.
• Fluency in French and English; Kiswahili and/or Lingala is an asset.
• Willingness and ability to be based in Kindu, with travel to the park, Kisangani and Kinshasa as required.

Required skills

• Budgeting, financial management, procurement, forecasting and donor reporting.
• Experience working with government authorities, donors, NGOs, technical advisors and field teams.
• Demonstrated line management, team development, performance management and institutional strengthening.

What we offer

• A leadership role with significant scope to shape protected area management and landscape conservation delivery.
• A dynamic team environment within the wider FZS Africa Program and global network.
• Opportunities for professional exchange with FZS experts and teams across Africa and beyond.
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience, plus additional benefits in line with FZS policies and the applicable contract arrangement.

To apply, candidates submit a cover letter, a detailed CV and contact details of three professional references through the FZS careers page.