Protected Area Management Lead – Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve

About the role

The Protected Area Management Lead will oversee the implementation of the Pian Upe Wildlife Reserve General Management Plan, ensuring integrated conservation, security, and community initiatives. Reporting to the Chief Warden, the role combines strategic planning, ecological monitoring, law‑enforcement support, and livelihood programme management.

Key responsibilities

• Lead day‑to‑day management of the reserve, coordinating across departments to deliver the annual work plan and budget.
• Direct biodiversity and ecological monitoring programmes, including wildlife surveys, camera trapping, habitat assessments, and species recovery projects.
• Support the Chief Warden in strengthening reserve security, overseeing law‑enforcement strategy, logistics, and the deployment of conservation technologies.
• Implement the Community Conservation Strategy, fostering relationships with neighbouring communities, wildlife associations, and local governments.
• Drive nature‑based economy initiatives, such as the PUWR Rangeland Carbon Project and other sustainable livelihood programmes.
• Oversee financial management, ensuring expenditures align with approved budgets and providing regular financial reporting.

Required profile

• Minimum 10 years of progressively responsible experience in protected‑area or natural‑resource management.
• Master’s degree in conservation, natural‑resource management, environmental planning or a related field; postgraduate business or project management qualification is an advantage.
• Proven experience managing a national park, wildlife reserve, conservancy or comparable protected landscape.

Required skills

• EarthRanger
• VHF Radios
• LoRA