Background

Peace Parks Foundation, founded by President Nelson Mandela, HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Dr. Anton Rupert, is a leader in large-scale ecological restoration across southern Africa. Through co-management partnerships that unite governments, communities and donors, it restores vast transboundary landscapes that deliver measurable conservation and livelihood outcomes. Vision 2050 will secure 18 functional landscapes spanning 980,000 km², one of the world’s largest land-conservation initiatives.

Job Profile

The Special Projects Manager plays a pivotal role in supporting the planning, management, and execution of conservation projects, park operations, and development initiatives. The position ensures that all activities are delivered on time, within scope, to high standards, and within approved budgets.

This role involves coordinating the efforts of multiple teams, partners, and stakeholders to achieve the organisation’s conservation and development objectives efficiently and effectively. The Special Projects Manager will also be responsible for monitoring and evaluating project progress, identifying and mitigating risks, and ensuring compliance with organisational policies, donor requirements, and environmental regulations.

The successful candidate will bring strong project management expertise, strategic thinking, and relationship-building skills, with a proven ability to manage complex projects in dynamic environments.

Job Purpose

The Special Projects Manager role will support the Park Warden and Head of Operations and Development (HOD) in planning, managing and executing projects and park management and development operations in according to strict deadlines, standards and within the stipulated budget. This includes coordinating the efforts of the various stakeholders and teams to ensure the efficient and effective achievement of objectives. The Special Projects Manager will also be responsible for monitoring and measuring progress, identifying and mitigating risks and ensuring compliance with the organisation’s policies. In addition, they will be key to ongoing communication between partners, funders and other stakeholders, ensuring that project and park activities are aligned with the organisation’s strategic objectives.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Undertake full project management responsibilities of selected park projects, activities and donor programmes.
• Project and park operational management and development support to the Park Warden and HOD.
• Support the development and monitoring of annual park work plans and budgets as well as the development of project task plans.
• Ensure preparation of monthly, quarterly and annual progress reports for submission to the Government of Mozambique (National Administration of Conservation Areas), Steering Committee and various donor agencies are completed.
• Support and manage key procurement and tender processes.
• Support of various financial and administration activities.
• Support the development of funding proposals and provision of Public Relations materials and information.
• Support the establishment and management of the park’s Reporting, Monitoring and Evaluation systems.

Minimum Requirements

• The Special Projects Manager is expected to have demonstrated experience in field operations, project management and administrative skills.
• At least three years’ experience in field-based project management or operations management, with a demonstrated capacity for good organisation, management and leadership.
• Passion for conservation is critical.
• Demonstrated ability and willingness to work in the field, supported by strong reporting skills and proficiency in computer applications.
• A relevant qualification that demonstrates the candidate’s capacity for management of projects and operations, projects and processes, with a preference towards conservation, project and field-based sectors.
• Good English language skills (written and verbal) with a strong preference for candidates with strong Portuguese skills, while an ability to speak Shangaan will be advantageous.
• Experience in the management, planning and development of conservation areas or conservation projects will be advantageous.
• Proven experience in managing donor-funded projects and working within a Conservation Area and/or within a Non-Government Organisation environment will be a distinct advantage
• Ability and willingness to live in remote conditions are prerequisites.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number and email address.

Please apply online.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.