Karingani Game Reserve (KGR), a large private game reserve covering 150,000 hectares in Mozambique, is seeking an experienced and highly motivated Resident Ecologist / Conservation Manager to lead ecological monitoring, conservation management, and applied research within the reserve.

This role requires a hands-on, field-oriented ecologist with strong leadership abilities to translate ecological data into practical conservation action in a remote and challenging environment.

The successful candidate must be proficient in sophisticated ecological data collection, management, and analysis and understand its relevance in aligning Karingani’s conservation efforts with global sustainability frameworks, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) targets, and IUCN conservation priorities.

A key function of this role is to liaise with consulting ecologists and conservationists to implement conservation strategies and ensure Karingani meets its biodiversity, sustainability, and ecological management goals.

The ideal candidate will bridge the gap between field-based conservation work and high-level ecological strategy, ensuring that Karingani remains at the forefront of African conservation.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Ecological Monitoring, Research & Data Management

  • Develop and oversee data-driven monitoring programs for key species (e.g., elephants, large carnivores) and habitats.

  • Implement long-term biodiversity assessments, habitat change analysis, and climate resilience studies.

  • Utilize remote sensing, GIS, and big data analytics to track and interpret ecosystem trends.

  • Work closely with consulting ecologists and conservation specialists to ensure best-practice methodologies align with international conservation reporting standards.

  • Contribute to peer-reviewed research and policy reports, ensuring Karingani’s conservation initiatives support global biodiversity conservation efforts.

2. Conservation Strategy Implementation & Field Operations

  • Liaise with external conservation consultants, NGOs, and research institutions to implement data-driven conservation strategies.

  • Develop and execute adaptive conservation management plans, including habitat restoration, fire ecology programs, and species-specific interventions and monitoring.

  • Oversee water resource management, invasive species control, and sustainable land-use planning.

  • Apply data-driven decision-making to inform species management actions, including translocations and human-wildlife conflict mitigation.

  • Work closely with anti-poaching units, rangers, and reserve management to integrate ecological data into wildlife protection strategies.

3. Stakeholder Engagement & Strategic Partnerships

  • Act as the primary liaison between Karingani and external conservation consultants, ensuring alignment with the reserve’s ecological and sustainability goals.

  • Represent Karingani in conservation forums, workshops, and governmental conservation initiatives.

  • Develop partnerships with local and international conservation organizations, universities, and government agencies to support data-sharing initiatives and conservation research.

  • Prepare technical reports and presentations for local and international conservation bodies.

4. Capacity Building & Community Engagement

  • Train and mentor local conservation staff, rangers, and ecological teams in scientific data collection, GIS, and conservation technologies.

  • Support community-based conservation initiatives, integrating local knowledge with scientific conservation planning.

  • Engage with government bodies (ANAC, regional conservation authorities) to ensure that conservation efforts align with national and regional policies.

QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

Education

  • MSc or higher degree in Ecology, Conservation Biology, Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, or Geospatial Science.

  • Strong background in data-driven conservation approaches and global ecological reporting frameworks.

Work Experience

  • Minimum 7–10 years of field-based conservation experience in African ecosystems.

  • Proven expertise in wildlife monitoring, habitat management, and ecological data analysis.

  • Experience working in remote, rural environments with limited infrastructure.

  • Familiarity with elephant population dynamics, predator-prey interactions, and ecosystem processes.

  • Hands-on experience with GIS, remote sensing (Google Earth Engine, QGIS, ArcGIS), and ecological modeling.

  • Experience using AI-based tools for conservation analysis (e.g., ESRI, Earth Ranger, SMART, Camera Trap AI) is an advantage.

  • Demonstrated ability to apply local conservation work to global biodiversity reporting initiatives.

  • Proven ability to liaise with conservation consultants, ecologists, and government authorities.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS & COMPETENCIES

  • Field Expertise: Ability to operate effectively in rugged, remote landscapes with minimal supervision.

  • Data Analysis & GIS: Strong proficiency in spatial analysis, remote sensing, and ecological data interpretation.

  • Research & Reporting: Ability to conduct scientific research and align findings with global conservation goals.

  • Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Capability to respond to conservation challenges in a dynamic environment.

  • Technical Conservation Skills: Understanding of ecosystem-based adaptation strategies and biodiversity monitoring.

  • Interpersonal & Communication Skills: Ability to engage with local communities, government bodies, and international conservation partners.

  • Remote Living Ability: Willingness to live and work in a remote, rural setting with limited access to urban facilities.

  • Stakeholder Engagement: Ability to effectively communicate with and coordinate conservation efforts between consulting ecologists, conservationists, and management teams.

  • Fluency in English; Portuguese proficiency is an advantage.

ADDITIONAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • This is a remote field-based position requiring self-sufficiency, resilience, and the ability to live in a rural, conservation-driven environment.

  • The candidate must be comfortable working in rugged conditions with extended fieldwork.

  • A valid driver’s license and 4×4 driving experience are essential.

  • Willingness to work flexible hours, including evenings and weekends when necessary.

How to Apply

Applicants should submit their CV and reference letters to recruitment@karingani.com by 25 October, Please use “CONSERVATION MANAGER” as the email subject.