Programme Manager, Nyerere Conservation Programme

About this role

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is seeking a Programme Manager to lead its Nyerere Conservation Programme (NCP) in Tanzania. FZS is an international conservation organisation with long-standing operations in Tanzania, particularly focused on large wilderness landscapes including the Selous Game Reserve and the Nyerere National Park area. The NCP represents a flagship programme within FZS Tanzania's portfolio, working to safeguard one of Africa's largest protected wilderness ecosystems in the southern part of the country. The Programme Manager will serve as the senior in-country leader for this initiative, providing strategic direction, operational oversight, and technical stewardship to ensure the programme delivers on its conservation goals.

Core responsibilities include leading the development and execution of annual workplans and budgets, managing relationships with government authorities including the Tanzania National Parks Authority and wildlife division, coordinating with international donors and partner NGOs, overseeing field operations and partner outputs, and ensuring timely and high-quality reporting to FZS headquarters and funding partners. The post-holder will supervise a multidisciplinary team and external consultants, manage programme risks, and represent FZS in relevant national and regional forums. Monitoring of conservation outcomes, adaptive management, and integration of community engagement and anti-poaching components are also central to the role. Candidates must hold a relevant university degree, preferably at master's level, and bring a minimum of five years of progressive experience in conservation programme management.

Demonstrated competence in financial management, donor reporting, and stakeholder coordination in East Africa is essential. Fluency in English is required and proficiency in Swahili is an advantage. Prior experience working in Tanzania's wildlife sector or with large-scale landscape conservation programmes is highly desirable. This is a full-time local employee contract based in Dar es Salaam with regular travel to the Nyerere-Selous landscape.

The Programme Manager reports to FZS Tanzania's Country Director. Applications should be submitted through the Frankfurt Zoological Society online recruitment portal.