About the Organisation
African Parks (AP) is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the long-term management of protected areas in collaboration with governments and local communities. Managing 22 protected areas across 12 countries and covering over 20 million hectares, AP strives for ecological, financial, and socio-political sustainability to benefit both people and wildlife. Its approach integrates conservation with socio-economic development, addressing key needs such as water access, literacy, and food security, while fostering sustainable livelihoods that reduce reliance on natural resources. Through these efforts, AP supports national governments and stakeholders in promoting lasting environmental and community well-being.
About the Job
The Programme Manager: Socio-Economic Development (SED) will design and support implementation of programmes that deliver social and economic benefits at scale to local communities around AP-managed protected areas. The selected programmes will address relevant local needs, and capitalise on income-generating opportunities that are aligned to conservation. Projects will be developed with a view towards long-term viability and sustainability driven by community ownership and participation.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting parks in defining custom park plans that are aligned to AP strategy and local needs (Engagement, Education, Economy, Plus).
Building team capacity to improve execution of activities in park plans (e.g. project management, participatory processes).
Designing and supporting implementation of income-generating activities (IGAs), and financially-viable projects to commercialise non-timber forest products (NTFPs).
Codifying best practice for existing development activities and IGAs, to support scaling up and roll out to other locations (e.g. transhumant pastoralism, aquaculture).
Supporting the integration of development programmes in grant proposals to secure funding and technical partners.
Managing socio-economic studies to build understanding of communities, and to establish baselines for monitoring.
Requirements
Post-graduate qualification in Social Sciences/International Development/Conservation/ Development Economics or a related field.
Must have experience in corporate environment or managing a commercial business venture.
Minimum of 5 years’ experience, including execution of income-generating activities with rural communities in Africa. Experience with cooperative management or social enterprise development is a plus.
Excellent communication and presentation skills in English. French and/or Portuguese fluency is a plus.
Strong stakeholder engagement skills, with ability to work across cultures and to foster collaboration.
Affinity with conservation and social development in Africa.
Willingness to travel to remote rural settings.
To apply
To apply, email your application by Monday 24th March 2025 to melissa@actionappointments.co.za
