Program Manager and Site Director in Lomami Landscape Program (gn)
Summary
Lead and coordinate a conservation program in DRC’s Lomami National Park, managing teams, budgets, and partnerships to protect biodiversity and support sustainable livelihoods.
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international conservation organization based in Germany, working to conserve wildlife and ecosystems with a focus on protected areas and outstanding wild places. In the Democratic Republic of Congo, FZS works in 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 (LNP) and wider landscape. LNP is the newest of DRC’s National Parks and was created through an FPIC process (Free Prior Informed Consent) with local communities. The program aims to secure biodiversity and ecosystem services in the landscape through strengthening park management systems, biomonitoring and working in the designated buffer zone with local constituents including government and communities to support sustainable and conservation-compatible livelihoods. This is an exciting opportunity to lead a complex and high-impact conservation program in one of Central Africa’s most important landscapes.
The Program Manager and Site Director will lead, coordinate and drive the implementation of the Lomami Landscape Program, ensuring effective delivery of protected area management and landscape-level conservation priorities. Based in Kindu, Maniema Province, the position will report to the FZS Regional Conservation Director for DRC and to the Steering Committee under the ICCN-FZS co-management agreement. The role provides strategic and operational leadership to the Senior Management Team of the Lomami Landscape Program and works closely with ICCN, provincial authorities, FZS technical advisors, donors and implementing partners.
- Lead the implementation of conservation management priorities for Lomami National Park and its Buffer Zone as outlined in approved plans through providing strategic and technical support to program teams.
- Strengthen core protected area management systems, including resource protection and biomonitoring.
- Support the implementation of the Lomami Buffer Zone Strategy, working with local communities and relevant government authorities.
- Ensure program activities are aligned with national conservation policies, management strategies and the ICCN-FZS co-management agreement.
- Maintain strong working relationships with ICCN, provincial authorities, government institutions, donors, NGOs and other partners in the landscape and where necessary represent the program in relevant coordination and policy forums.
- Ensure effective program management, including annual operational planning, budgeting, forecasting, reporting, procurement, logistics and infrastructure support.
- Lead and develop the Lomami Landscape Program team, ensuring clear structures, roles, responsibilities and a strong one-team approach.
- Ensure social safeguarding, operational effectiveness and sound management systems are in place across program activities.
- Identify funding opportunities, contribute to proposals, maintain donor relationships and ensure timely, high-quality donor reporting.
- Advanced degree, such as an 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 Democratic Republic of Congo.
- Prior experience in a senior-level position within an NGO is required.
- Strong understanding of budgeting, financial management, procurement, forecasting and donor reporting.
- Experience working collaboratively with government authorities, donors, NGOs, technical advisors and field-based teams.
- Demonstrated leadership experience, including line management, team development, performance management and institutional strengthening.
- Strong strategic thinking, planning and organizational skills, with the ability to translate conservation priorities into effective operational plans.
- High level of integrity, accountability and sound judgement in complex operational contexts.
- Fluency in French and English is required; knowledge of Kiswahili and/or Lingala would be an asset.
- Willingness and ability to be based in Kindu, Democratic Republic of Congo, with travel to the park, Kisangani and Kinshasa as required.
- Engaging and meaningful work with the opportunity to contribute to the protection of an outstanding Central African landscape.
- A leadership role with significant scope to shape protected area management and landscape conservation delivery.
- A dynamic and motivated team environment within the wider FZS Africa Program and global FZS network.
- The chance to contribute to long-term conservation impact through strong management systems, partnerships and strategic implementation.
- Opportunities for professional exchange with FZS technical experts and program teams across Africa and beyond.
- A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.
- Additional benefits in line with FZS policies and the applicable contract arrangement.
Are you passionate and ready to take on this challenge? Please submit by clicking APPLY NOW below. Your application must include:
- A cover letter outlining your motivation and suitability for the position
- A detailed CV
- Contact details of three professional references
We look forward to receiving your application by 30th August 2026.