Conservation Manager
POSITION: Conservation Manager
ORGANISATION: African Parks - South Sudan
LOCATION: Badingilo National Park
REPORTING TO: Park Manager
EXPECTED START DATE: July 2026
BACKGROUND:
African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks manages 24 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares.
In South Sudan, African Parks supports the management of the Great Nile Migration Landscape (GNML), centred around Badingilo National Park, Boma National Park, and the Jonglei landscape. Covering more than 120,000 km², the landscape supports the world's largest remaining terrestrial mammal migration and is of major ecological importance regionally and globally.
JOB OVERVIEW:
The primary purpose of the Conservation Manager role is to lead the development, coordination, and implementation of conservation and habitat management strategies within and around Badingilo National Park and Jonglei, as part of the broader Great Nile Migration Landscape (GNML).
As a member of the Park Management Unit, the role is responsible for strengthening the science-management interface by translating ecological data, monitoring outputs, and research findings into practical recommendations that inform park operations and conservation strategy. The Conservation Manager will lead ecological monitoring and management, research programmes, oversee conservation data systems, and support adaptive, evidence-based decision-making across the landscape.
MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:
Conservation Planning & Adaptive Management:
* Develop, manage, and oversee the biodiversity and conservation department in alignment with the Business Plan.
* Lead an adaptive management planning process to design, implement, and continuously refine long term conservation and habitat management strategies within Badingilo National Park and the Jonglei landscape, aligned to the Greater Nile Migration Landscape (GNML).
* Develop and implement species-specific and ecosystem management plans) in line with regional and international best practice.
* Provide strategic conservation recommendations to the Park Manager and Park Management Unit to inform operational and policy decisions.
* Monitor ecological trends and detect changes in key species populations to inform timely management interventions.
2. Monitoring, Research & Data Systems:
* Design, plan, and implement a comprehensive ecological monitoring programme addressing key knowledge gaps and management priorities.
* Oversee and implement all biodiversity monitoring activities, including aerial surveys, camera trapping, large mammal surveys (SRF), predator monitoring, ornithological and botanical surveys, hydrological and fisheries monitoring, meteorological data collection, and species collaring.
* Ensure all conservation data are accurately collected, managed, and stored within a robust ecological database, maintaining baseline species inventories and long-term datasets.
* Establish and maintain a Research Framework aligned with APN standards to guide data collection and analysis.
* Produce high-quality technical reports, and management briefs to guide decision-making and improve understanding of the landscape.
3. Landscape \Connectivity, Land Use Planning & Gazettement:
* Identify, map, and prioritise wildlife corridors and key ecological areas to support landscape connectivity within the GNML.
* Support and contribute to the development and implementation of Land Use Planning (LUP) processes, ensuring integration of ecological data into national and landscape-level planning.
* Assist with driving the development and formal gazettement of priority conservation areas in the landscape.
4. Operational Integration & Decision Support:
* Provide ecological and spatial analysis to support law enforcement planning, including identification of priority patrol areas and poaching risk zones.
* Support tourism and commercial development planning through ecological assessments and zoning recommendations.
* Plan and implement conservation studies required by other departments as outlined in the business plan.
* Plan and manage species reintroduction and translocation initiatives.
5. Partnerships, Coordination & Stakeholder Engagement:
* Coordinate closely with national conservation authorities and relevant government departments to align conservation approaches across the GNML.
* Cultivate and manage partnerships with research institutions, universities, NGOs, and technical partners at national and international levels.
* Manage and supervise a structured student and research programme in collaboration with local and international universities.
* Work closely with the Community Department to assess human-environment interactions, including fisheries, water management, and wildlife-livelihood dynamics.
* Present research findings and conservation outcomes to government, academic audiences, donors, and the public.
6. Department Management & Reporting:
* Lead and manage the Biodiversity and Conservation Department in line with the approved business plan.
* Ensure effective budget management, maintaining financial discipline and alignment with approved allocations.
* Ensure full compliance with APN SOPs and operational standards across all conservation activities.
* Deliver regular (weekly, monthly, and annual) reports on departmental activities, ensuring outputs are scientifically sound and operationally relevant.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE:
Post graduate qualification in Wildlife Management, Ecology, or related field, with 5+ years' experience in conservation management and ecological research.
Results driven with strong experience in protected area management, conservation planning, and ecological monitoring (aerial survey advantageous).
Strong team management, and mentoring skills.
Highly analytical, detail-oriented, and results-driven, with sound decision-making ability.
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work in multicultural settings.
Resilient and adaptable, with the ability to operate in remote and challenging environments.
Proficient in Microsoft Office and relevant analytical tools.
Ability to teach and transfer knowledge as well as mentor.
How to apply:
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their experience and motivation for the position, along with an updated CV to ssrecruitment@africanparks.org or hand delivery to African Parks office Thonping, Synergy Suites - Plot No 849, Block No 3-K South by Friday, 20 May 2026. Please mention the position name in the subject line of the email.
In case you do not hear from us within two weeks after the closing date, this means that your application was not successful. We thank you for your interest in working for African Parks.