Resource Protection Manager

About the role

Panthera, which conserves the world's 40 wild cat species, is recruiting a Resource Protection Manager for its Zambia project. The post leads anti-poaching and resource protection work across three Game Management Areas (Mulobezi, Mufunta and Sichifulo) along the western and southern boundary of Kafue National Park, in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, The Nature Conservancy and local communities. The manager reports to the Zambia Country Director, is based in the Greater Kafue Ecosystem and starts on 23 November 2026 on a one-year fixed-term contract. Applicants must hold existing legal work authorization in Zambia; work visas are not sponsored.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic oversight of resource protection activities, including patrol planning with DNPW leadership and the GMA control room.
• Ensure efficient deployment, maintenance and secure storage of rations, vehicles, camping and communication equipment, with accurate inventory records.
• Develop and apply site-specific standard operating procedures, run capability assessments and embed counter wildlife crime best practices.
• Lead monthly, quarterly and annual work plans, prepare performance reports and manage operational budgets.
• Lead operational risk management, incident investigation, safety and security training, and maintain a live risk register.
• Line manage patrol team leads and site analysts, oversee fleet and workshop maintenance, and manage procurement, stores and logistics.
• Lead maintenance of GMA infrastructure, coordinate fire management and road maintenance, and ensure field bases meet security and emergency standards.
• Engage with DNPW, community boards, traditional authorities and NGOs, and integrate resource protection with community livelihoods programmes.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in natural resource management, conservation, operations management or a related field.
• At least 10 years in field operations and protected area management, including at least five years managing counter-poaching teams.
• Proven leadership, team-building and mentoring experience.
• Experience in planning, procurement, stock control, logistics, systems improvement and budget management.
• Valid driver's licence and 4x4 driving experience; willingness to live in a remote, rural area.

Required skills

• Practical risk management in remote settings.
• Computer proficiency for maintaining asset, inventory and maintenance databases and producing reports.
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Applications close 6 November 2026 via Panthera's career page, with a CV and cover letter.