Habituation Manager – Gorilla Tourism, Kahuzi-Biega National Park

About the role

The Habituation Manager will lead the great‑ape habituation programme that underpins gorilla‑viewing tourism in Kahuzi‑Biega National Park. Reporting to the Head of Tourism and based at the park headquarters in Tshivanga, the role combines wildlife conservation, community engagement and tourism operations.

Key responsibilities

• Oversee implementation and expansion of the gorilla habituation programme in line with international best practices.
• Manage a team of habituation officers and trackers, providing mentorship, capacity‑building and performance oversight.
• Coordinate daily activities with the Head Guide and tourism team to ensure safe and high‑quality gorilla viewings for visitors.
• Develop and execute recruitment, training and professional development plans, prioritising opportunities for indigenous peoples and women.
• Participate in annual park operational planning and regular tourism work‑planning cycles.
• Monitor gorilla families, collect behavioural data and ensure compliance with conservation protocols.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing wildlife habituation or comparable conservation programmes.
• Strong leadership and team‑management abilities in remote, complex environments.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate with government agencies, NGOs and local communities.
• Fluency in English; knowledge of DRC wildlife regulations is an advantage.

Required skills

• Program and project management.
• Team supervision and capacity‑building.
• Recruitment, training and mentorship.
• Stakeholder coordination across tourism, research and park management.
• Understanding of great‑ape behaviour, habituation protocols and tourism operations.

What we offer

• Leadership of a flagship conservation initiative within a respected international NGO.
• Opportunity to contribute to sustainable financing of protected‑area management and community benefits.
• Professional development and training in wildlife conservation and tourism.