Programme Operations Officer

Job Description

Employment Opportunity

Position: Programme Operations Officer

Contract Type: Fixed Term

Location: North Luangwa landscape, Zambia

About Us

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and ecosystems in protected areas and outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long‑term programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe, with the Africa Programme active in five focal countries: Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. FZS has partnered with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) since 1986 in North Luangwa National Park and since 2017 in Nsumbu National Park. The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) is a 40‑year partnership between FZS and DNPW focused on securing the integrity of the North Luangwa landscape for social and economic benefit for present and future generations. NLCP has achieved major milestones, including North Luangwa National Park’s inclusion on the IUCN Green List, zero elephant poaching in the park for the last 2 years, no rhino poached since the introduction in 2003, and increasing wildlife populations. The programme has advanced human‑wildlife coexistence, supported community governance and livelihoods, expanded conservation education, and promoted gender inclusion in micro‑finance initiatives. Building on these successes, NLCP is embarking on a renewed five‑year strategy to extend and strengthen its impact through 2030 and beyond.

About the Role

Are you an exceptional operational leader who can turn conservation ambition into disciplined, high‑performing systems through organisational culture and values‑based leadership? The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) is seeking a Programme Operations Officer (POO) to provide executive oversight of Strategy, Organisational culture and values, Tourism, Impact reporting, Nature‑based finance initiative management, Human resources, Finance, Administration, and MERL across one of Africa’s most important conservation landscapes. This is a senior leadership role for someone who thrives in complex, remote environments and can combine strategic vision with rigorous execution. The Programme Operations Officer ensures that NLCP’s institutional backbone enables conservation delivery at scale. Reporting to the Programme Manager and serving on the Senior Management Team, the position holder will lead and integrate Strategy, Tourism, Impact reporting, HR, Finance, Administration, MERL, and Tourism functions, drive financial sustainability and improve forecasting, cost control, and revenue diversification, oversee commercially viable, Nature Based Finance Initiatives (NBFI), conservation‑aligned tourism operations, strengthen governance, compliance, and risk management systems, ensure high‑quality impact reporting and performance accountability and deputise for the Programme Manager as required. This role requires both strategic thinking and meticulous attention to detail, someone equally comfortable modelling, long‑term financial sustainability and ensuring systems function efficiently day to day.

Your Tasks

• Institutional Operations & Systems Integration – Lead, manage, and develop the team heads for HR, Finance, Administration, MERL, and Tourism functions
• Organisational culture and Values‑based Leadership – as the heartbeat of the programme, protect and enhance the ethos of the organisational culture and evolution
• Ensure integrated annual planning, budgeting, reporting, and performance management across operational departments
• Strengthen systems to ensure scalability, compliance, and resilience in a remote landscape context
• Lead cross‑departmental coordination to support efficient conservation implementation
• Strategic & Operational Leadership – Translate NLCP strategy into circular operational plans, budgets, and business frameworks across NLNP and surrounding GMAs
• Ensure grants and partnerships align with strategic priorities
• Financial Leadership & Sustainability – Lead multi‑year financial planning and sustainability modelling aligned with annual operational plans
• Maintain clear visibility of funding gaps and forward financial projections
• Oversee financial controls, procurement systems, and fiduciary risk management
• Monitor expenditure, budget performance and strengthen forecast accuracy
• Tourism, Commercial & NBFI Performance – Provide executive oversight of the landscape value proposition, incorporating commercial revenue as a strategic revenue pillar
• Ensure tourism operations are commercially viable, professionally managed, and aligned with conservation objectives and values
• Grants & Impact Reporting – Act as programme focal point for impact reporting, grants management and donor compliance
• Human Resources & Organisational Performance – Oversee workforce planning, recruitment, retention, and succession planning
• MERL & Adaptive Management – Oversee development and implementation of robust and circular MERL systems
• Governance, Risk & Safeguards – Lead review and updating of risk registers and compliance frameworks
• Partnerships & Knowledge Management – Maintain strong relationships with government, community institutions, private sector actors, and conservation partners

Your Profile

• Master’s degree (or equivalent experience) in Conservation Management, Business Administration, Development, or related field
• 8–10 years’ senior‑level management experience in Conservation, Development, or a comparable sector
• Demonstrated experience managing multi‑donor budgets and complex funding portfolios
• Experience overseeing governance, compliance systems, and institutional risk management
• Proven ability to operate effectively in remote, field‑based contexts
• Strong administrative and coordination experience with a track record of delivery
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and digital filing/reporting systems
• Experience working in culturally diverse environments

Key Competencies

• Strategic systems thinking
• Financial and commercial acumen
• Governance and compliance expertise
• Organisational leadership and team development
• Strong planning, prioritisation, and delegation skills

Added Advantage

• Experience developing conservation enterprises or innovative finance mechanisms
• Experience working with government wildlife authorities
• Familiarity with environmental and social safeguards frameworks

We Offer

• Engaging and meaningful work contributing to the long‑term conservation of a globally significant landscape
• Opportunity to work in an extraordinary wilderness area and support a dynamic, mission‑driven field team
• Being part of an experienced and dedicated FZS program team with opportunities for learning, growth and impact
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Application Deadline

Tuesday 31st March 2026

Please submit your Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages) and Cover Letter (max 1 page) detailing your relevant experience and motivation. Include three traceable references with a short description of your working relationship and contact details. Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA‑certified qualifications. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.