Jonglei Project Manager

BACKGROUND:African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on the complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage 22 national parks and protected areas in 12 countries covering over 20 million hectares in: Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Sudan and Ethiopia.In August 2022, African Parks signed a 10-year management agreement with South Sudan’s Ministry of Wildlife Conservation and Tourism to restore and develop Boma and Badingilo National Parks and the migration landscape in South Sudan. This is a vast landscape of over 11,000,000ha that contains one of the largest antelope migrations remaining on the planet. It is also home to a large number of rural communities in a country that is developing. Conservation is both an opportunity and challenge here.JOB OVERVIEW:As a new initiative within the APN Portfolio, the Jonglei Project Manager will lead the establishment and operationalisation of the Jonglei Project. This role is responsible for developing and executing strategies, business plans, and annual budgets to guide the project’s growth. Key responsibilities include building and maintaining strong relationships with government, community, and civil society stakeholders; coordinating field-based interventions to curb the commercial bushmeat trade; and supporting the groundwork for a long-term network of protected areas and community conservancies across Jonglei State. The position will play a critical role in aligning conservation objectives with broader land-use planning and sustainable development goals.Reporting to the Badingilo Park Manager, this role is designed to evolve into an independent business unit over time.MAIN ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES:* Lead the establishment of African Parks’ operations in Jonglei State, including recruitment, procurement, infrastructure setup, and engagement with key stakeholders.* Coordinate and support field activities related to law enforcement and bushmeat trade mitigation.* Support and coordinate the land use planning process in Jonglei in close collaboration with African Parks’ central LUP team, government institutions, consultants, and local communities.* Support community consultation processes that lay the groundwork for CBNRM and the development of a conservancy network in priority areas.* Represent African Parks at state-level government and community meetings to ensure alignment, transparency, and support for the project.* Ensure all activities are carried out in compliance with African Parks’ policies, donor requirements, national regulations, and human rights standards.* Manage budgets, work plans, procurement, and logistics in coordination with Badingilo Park HQ and the Juba office.* Implement and maintain project monitoring tools and ensure timely reporting on performance indicators and outcomes.* Coordinate the Jonglei-based project team and contribute to recruitment, onboarding, and performance oversight. Ensure that project documentation is up-to-date, well-archived, and shared with relevant departments and partners.* Facilitate the operational integration of law enforcement, conservation, community, and infrastructure activities within the landscape.* Perform other duties as assigned and contribute to the broader success of the Great Nile Migration Landscape program. Education and Skills / Minimum Qualification required: Minimum 5 years of professional experience in project management in fragile or remote contexts, preferably in conservation or development.* Strong leadership, coordination, and stakeholder engagement skills.* Demonstrated ability to deliver results in complex, politically sensitive environments.* An understanding of natural resource management, land governance, and community-based conservation.* Experience in managing budgets, procurement, and field logistics.* High personal integrity, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to African Parks’ mission.Willingness to live and work in remote areas with limited infrastructure.HOW TO APPLYTo apply, please email your CV and cover letter to [email protected] or hand delivery to African Parks office Thonping, Synergy Suites – Plot No 849, Block No 3-K South by Thursday, 12th March 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.