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Mana Pools Ecosystem Head of Operations and Development
| Organisation: | Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust |
| Sector: | Conservation |
| Location: | Nyamepi, Zimbabwe, Zimbabwe |
| Closing date: | 7 November 2025 |
The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year co-management agreement for the sustainable development and management of the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem. This Ecosystem includes the Mana Pools National Park (MPNP) and the Hurungwe, Sapi, and Chewore Safari Areas, which collectively cover a total area of 9 636km2.
Under this co-management agreement, a special non-profit and tax-efficient legal entity incorporated in Zimbabwe, the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust, was created to collaboratively manage this Ecosystem. The Trust is led by a director and overseen by a Board of Trustees, consisting of an equal number of representatives from ZimParks and Peace Parks Foundation.
ZimParks is an agency of the Government of Zimbabwe responsible for the management of protected areas within the parks estates mandated by the Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20.14).
Peace Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that specializes in conservation at scale through the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas and the long-term management of key protected areas in partnership with government conservation agencies and communities within these landscapes.
Reference Number
RR_2025_SA_010
Description
Employer: Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust
(in partnership between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Peace Parks Foundation)
Duration: 5-year Contract
Reporting to: Director: Greater Mana Pools Conservation Trust
Location: Nyamepi, Zimbabwe
JOB PROFILE
You have experience in large-scale conservation operations, programme management, and stakeholder coordination, with a passion for building sustainable landscapes that balance ecological integrity and community well-being. You are strategic yet practical, highly organised, and able to unify complex programmes and partnerships under a shared vision. You thrive in dynamic, field-based environments and bring strong leadership to guide teams and align activities towards long-term conservation and development outcomes.
You are a strong communicator and collaborator, able to work across multiple sectors and bring together government agencies, partners, communities, and donors. Over time, this role will evolve into coordinating and supervising the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust’s service delivery departments, ensuring integration across finance, administration, operations, community development, and conservation. If you are committed to advancing conservation at a landscape scale, strengthening partnerships, and delivering real impact for both ecosystems and communities, we invite you to join our team.
JOB PURPOSE
The Head of Operations and Development (HoOD) is responsible for the effective implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of the Transitional Management Framework (TMF) for the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem. This role plays a critical function in unifying the landscape's management under one framework and preparing the foundation for a fully Integrated functional landscape. The HoOD ensures the strategic and operational alignment of all activities with the Trust’s vision of an ecologically and economically sustainable landscape, with strong stakeholder participation and community benefits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Transitional Management Framework Implementation
Lead and coordinate the operationalisation of the TMF across the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem landscape.
Translate TMF strategic actions into a detailed, costed, and time-bound annual operational plan.
Ensure smooth coordination between the four Greater Mana Pools areas during the transitional phase.
Track implementation progress against set milestones and outcomes.
B. Operational Management
Oversee day-to-day operations across key functional areas:
Conservation & biodiversity protection
Law enforcement coordination
Tourism management & development
Community engagement & benefits
Asset maintenance and logistics
Financial and administrative functions
Manage infrastructure development, procurement, and deployment of equipment and vehicles.
Ensure optimal deployment, performance, and welfare of staff.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Develop and implement a results-based monitoring and evaluation framework.
Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports for the Chief Executive Officer, Board, and partners.
Track and analyse performance indicators, risks, and lessons learned for adaptive management.
Coordinate external evaluations, audits, and donor reporting.
D. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
Serve as a key liaison between the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust, ZimParks, Peace Parks Foundation, communities, tourism operators, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate joint planning and alignment with government agencies and partners.
Support the design and delivery of inclusive stakeholder consultation processes.
E. Financial & Resource Management
Work with the Finance Manager to align budgets with operational priorities.
Monitor expenditure against the TMF operational plan and ensure value-for-money.
Contribute to the development of a long-term sustainable financing strategy for Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem.
F. Strategic Planning & Development
Support preparatory work for the Integrated Management Plan and Business Plan.
Incorporate findings from relevant technical studies and assessments including the METT Assessment, Law enforcement risk assessment, and the Systemic conservation plan.
Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to advance the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem vision.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Essential:
Postgraduate degree in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, Environmental Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in conservation area management, protected area operations, or integrated landscape development.
Demonstrated success in managing multi-stakeholder programmes or projects.
Strong understanding of conservation financing, protected area governance, and tourism development.
Proven experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and project reporting.
Financial and administrative management capability, including budgeting and procurement oversight.
Desirable:
Knowledge of Zimbabwean environmental and conservation legislation and institutions.
Familiarity with international conservation tools (e.g. METT, SMART, Open Standards).
Previous work in a transboundary or landscape-level initiative will be an advantage.
Key Competencies
Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Ability to drive and communicate a clear vision, manage change, and align people behind common goals.
Operational Excellence: Strong planning, execution, and logistical coordination skills.
Stakeholder Management: Diplomacy and experience working with diverse partners, including government, donors, private sector, and communities.
Results Orientation: Ability to meet deadlines, deliver measurable results, and manage complex work plans.
Analytical Thinking: Able to interpret data and generate insights for strategic decision-making.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
Integrity and Professionalism: High ethical standards, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.
Working Conditions
The position will be based in the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem landscape (field-based), with regular travel to project sites, communities, and stakeholder meetings.
May require extended stays in remote areas and non-standard working hours.
Equipped office and logistical support will be provided by the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number and email address. These should be submitted by 7 November 2025.
Please apply online.
https://peaceparks.mcidirecthire.com/External/Job?Ref=TEkBhDYErs0qhHgueWeCgt_yRI-cnPLR1MRk1RR6Cpp9paDo5rFRAcIhP2vGlqKKvGhWLqhoKsW2on5v2_jT2CIiUZpzMHdGQDSovUgJuW4gx3UIHvSQjC8iqjg5Nwepa-JVKBU4HyJ1-LMUMfAdKA
RR_2025_SA_010
Description
Employer: Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust
(in partnership between Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) and Peace Parks Foundation)
Duration: 5-year Contract
Reporting to: Director: Greater Mana Pools Conservation Trust
Location: Nyamepi, Zimbabwe
JOB PROFILE
You have experience in large-scale conservation operations, programme management, and stakeholder coordination, with a passion for building sustainable landscapes that balance ecological integrity and community well-being. You are strategic yet practical, highly organised, and able to unify complex programmes and partnerships under a shared vision. You thrive in dynamic, field-based environments and bring strong leadership to guide teams and align activities towards long-term conservation and development outcomes.
You are a strong communicator and collaborator, able to work across multiple sectors and bring together government agencies, partners, communities, and donors. Over time, this role will evolve into coordinating and supervising the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust’s service delivery departments, ensuring integration across finance, administration, operations, community development, and conservation. If you are committed to advancing conservation at a landscape scale, strengthening partnerships, and delivering real impact for both ecosystems and communities, we invite you to join our team.
JOB PURPOSE
The Head of Operations and Development (HoOD) is responsible for the effective implementation, coordination, monitoring, and reporting of the Transitional Management Framework (TMF) for the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem. This role plays a critical function in unifying the landscape's management under one framework and preparing the foundation for a fully Integrated functional landscape. The HoOD ensures the strategic and operational alignment of all activities with the Trust’s vision of an ecologically and economically sustainable landscape, with strong stakeholder participation and community benefits.
DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Transitional Management Framework Implementation
Lead and coordinate the operationalisation of the TMF across the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem landscape.
Translate TMF strategic actions into a detailed, costed, and time-bound annual operational plan.
Ensure smooth coordination between the four Greater Mana Pools areas during the transitional phase.
Track implementation progress against set milestones and outcomes.
B. Operational Management
Oversee day-to-day operations across key functional areas:
Conservation & biodiversity protection
Law enforcement coordination
Tourism management & development
Community engagement & benefits
Asset maintenance and logistics
Financial and administrative functions
Manage infrastructure development, procurement, and deployment of equipment and vehicles.
Ensure optimal deployment, performance, and welfare of staff.
C. Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting
Develop and implement a results-based monitoring and evaluation framework.
Compile monthly, quarterly, and annual progress reports for the Chief Executive Officer, Board, and partners.
Track and analyse performance indicators, risks, and lessons learned for adaptive management.
Coordinate external evaluations, audits, and donor reporting.
D. Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination
Serve as a key liaison between the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust, ZimParks, Peace Parks Foundation, communities, tourism operators, and other stakeholders.
Facilitate joint planning and alignment with government agencies and partners.
Support the design and delivery of inclusive stakeholder consultation processes.
E. Financial & Resource Management
Work with the Finance Manager to align budgets with operational priorities.
Monitor expenditure against the TMF operational plan and ensure value-for-money.
Contribute to the development of a long-term sustainable financing strategy for Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem.
F. Strategic Planning & Development
Support preparatory work for the Integrated Management Plan and Business Plan.
Incorporate findings from relevant technical studies and assessments including the METT Assessment, Law enforcement risk assessment, and the Systemic conservation plan.
Identify strategic partnerships and funding opportunities to advance the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem vision.
Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS
Essential:
Postgraduate degree in Conservation, Natural Resource Management, Development Studies, Environmental Management, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years’ experience in conservation area management, protected area operations, or integrated landscape development.
Demonstrated success in managing multi-stakeholder programmes or projects.
Strong understanding of conservation financing, protected area governance, and tourism development.
Proven experience in strategic planning, monitoring and evaluation, and project reporting.
Financial and administrative management capability, including budgeting and procurement oversight.
Desirable:
Knowledge of Zimbabwean environmental and conservation legislation and institutions.
Familiarity with international conservation tools (e.g. METT, SMART, Open Standards).
Previous work in a transboundary or landscape-level initiative will be an advantage.
Key Competencies
Leadership and Strategic Thinking: Ability to drive and communicate a clear vision, manage change, and align people behind common goals.
Operational Excellence: Strong planning, execution, and logistical coordination skills.
Stakeholder Management: Diplomacy and experience working with diverse partners, including government, donors, private sector, and communities.
Results Orientation: Ability to meet deadlines, deliver measurable results, and manage complex work plans.
Analytical Thinking: Able to interpret data and generate insights for strategic decision-making.
Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
Integrity and Professionalism: High ethical standards, accountability, and cultural sensitivity.
Working Conditions
The position will be based in the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem landscape (field-based), with regular travel to project sites, communities, and stakeholder meetings.
May require extended stays in remote areas and non-standard working hours.
Equipped office and logistical support will be provided by the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem Conservation Trust.
Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number and email address. These should be submitted by 7 November 2025.
Please apply online.
https://peaceparks.mcidirecthire.com/External/Job?Ref=TEkBhDYErs0qhHgueWeCgt_yRI-cnPLR1MRk1RR6Cpp9paDo5rFRAcIhP2vGlqKKvGhWLqhoKsW2on5v2_jT2CIiUZpzMHdGQDSovUgJuW4gx3UIHvSQjC8iqjg5Nwepa-JVKBU4HyJ1-LMUMfAdKA
Contact details
| Contact person: | HR Department PPF |
| Email: | steve.collins@gopa.eu |
