Head of Community Conservation – Kahuzi-Biega

About the role

The Head of Community Conservation will lead the implementation of the Community Conservation strategy for Kahuzi‑Biega National Park (KBNP). Based in Bukavu and working on‑site at the park headquarters in Tshivanga, the role focuses on creating an enabling environment for community‑based conservation and delivering a rights‑based approach that reduces biodiversity threats while improving the wellbeing of Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs).

Key responsibilities

• Collaborate with the Program Manager and Park Director to execute KBNP’s community conservation strategy.
• Support and strengthen community‑based governance structures, capacity‑building initiatives, and incentive‑based programs.
• Build, lead, and mentor a diverse community conservation team, fostering a culture of participatory learning and adaptive problem‑solving.
• Oversee the design and delivery of field interventions that mitigate poaching, artisanal mining, and other biodiversity threats.
• Represent the Community Conservation department within the Park Management Unit and ensure alignment with overall park operations.

Required profile

• Proven experience managing large, complex conservation or community development programs, preferably in challenging environments.
• Demonstrated ability to innovate and deliver results in biodiversity threat reduction.
• Strong understanding of rights‑based conservation approaches and community engagement.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder‑management skills.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to lead a high‑impact conservation program in a world‑renowned national park.
• Collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of over 300 staff members.
• Professional growth within a 10‑year public‑private partnership framework.