Park Manager (Protected Area Director)
Defend • Full-time • Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North Province, Zimbabwe (On-site)
ABOUT DEFEND
Defend is a next-generation conservation organisation specialising in the resuscitation of severely-degraded national parks through co-management partnerships with host governments. We are an on-the-ground implementer, rebuilding anti-poaching Ranger forces, restoring infrastructure, and bringing professional law enforcement back to troubled landscapes and the endangered wildlife they were set-up to protect.
By combining the best of traditional park management techniques with modern systems and cutting-edge technology, Defend is changing the way protected areas are managed by providing a scaleable, efficient management solution which multiplies impact and reduces costs.
ABOUT CHIZARIRA NATIONAL PARK
Chizarira National Park is a 1,916Km2 park of exceptional beauty in north-western Zimbabwe. The park is Zimbabwe's fourth-largest. After decades of decline, an 8-year transformation project led by Defend has transformed Chizarira, and the park now enters a hopeful new chapter; a 20-Year co-management partnership between the Zimbabwe Parks And Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Defend was signed in 2024, and is now ready to proceed. Major backers include the Rob Walton Foundation, Wildcat Foundation, Wildlife Conservation Network (Lion Recovery Fund), and others.
30 ZimParks staff currently working alongside 60 Defend staff. As the co-management starts later this year, the park will add another 30+ staff, with a strong focus on expanding the park's law-enforcement capabilities.
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Park Manager (aka Project Director) is a full-time, on-site role to lead the operation of Chizarira National Park. The Park Manager is responsible for implementing the park’s overall strategic direction, operational performance, financial control, and stakeholder relationships. The role requires an experienced leader who can manage complexity, drive performance, and secure the long-term conservation vision of the national park.
The Park Manager oversees staff across all Divisions; Field, Logistics, and Engineers - and all Sections, including; Research & Scientific, Digital Operations, Stores & Procurement, Roads & Maintenance, and more. The role includes implementing operational strategies, overseeing law enforcement, maintaining strong financial controls, ensuring discipline and operational excellence, and coordinating closely with our trusted government partner, ZimParks, to protect the integrity of the project.
Preference will be given to any candidate who is legally authorised to work in Zimbabwe, though international immigration support can be given to the right candidate.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Report to the Chizarira Conservation Trust (CCT) board
- Develop and implement the park’s strategic and operational plans.
- Ensure operational effectiveness across law enforcement, engineering, logistics, community outreach, tourism, and conservation programmes.
- Oversee anti-poaching operations, ecological monitoring, and infrastructure projects.
- Lead, mentor, and manage a united, efficient team, with both Defend and ZimParks staff working together as a single unit under a single chain of command.
- Maintain high standards of safety, discipline, and professional conduct across all divisions and sections.
- Oversee financial management, reporting, and ensure compliance with donor requirements.
- Run Defend’s management systems and proprietary management software.
- Oversee the continuing development of new technologies and management systems
- Build and maintain strong relationships with government, communities, and stakeholders.
- Represent the park to external partners, donors, and media.
KEY RELATIONSHIPS
Direct Stakeholders
- CCT Board
- Senior Leadership Team
- ZimParks Management
- Programme Directors
Indirect Stakeholders
- Local Communities and Traditional Leaders
- Conservation Partners
- Donors and Funding Institutions
- Tourism Operators
EXPERIENCE & SKILLS
- Minimum 8 years of leadership experience, preferably in conservation, security, or large-scale operational management.
- Proven ability to manage complex projects and multidisciplinary teams in challenging environments.
- Strong operational, strategic planning, and financial management skills.
- First-class team management, problem-solving, and decision-making abilities.
- Experience in high-level stakeholder engagement and negotiation.
- Experience working in paramilitary structures an advantage.
- Advanced computer skills, including financial reporting tools.
- Military or paramilitary experience and skills an advantage but not essential.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Degree in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Business Administration, or related field (Master’s preferred).
- Additional training in security management, project management, or conservation leadership advantageous.
LOCATION
Based full-time in Chizarira National Park, Zimbabwe, with periodic travel to Harare and other partner locations.
SALARY RANGE
$85,000 - $110,000/year, depending on skills and experience.