About the Position
Akagera National Park is seeking an experienced Conservation & Research Manager to strengthen its conservation activities through scientific research, data collection, ecological monitoring, and effective wildlife management.
The successful candidate will lead conservation research initiatives, support special conservation projects, and develop partnerships with external researchers and educational institutions.
The position also involves managing research data, preparing reports, supporting wildlife monitoring teams, and contributing to the park’s long-term sustainability strategies.
The manager will supervise the Conservation and Research Department, Rhino Trackers, interns, and external researchers working within the department.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
The Conservation & Research Manager will perform the following responsibilities:
- Plan, design, and implement ecological data collection activities to answer important research questions within and around Akagera National Park.
- Coordinate conservation research, data collection, and ecological monitoring programs.
- Collect, organize, analyze, and interpret data from different departments and external research sources.
- Prepare maps, reports, and research findings to support wildlife management decisions.
- Improve data collection, analysis, reporting, and documentation systems.
- Ensure timely preparation and submission of weekly, monthly, mid-year, and annual reports.
- Promote professionalism, teamwork, accountability, and effective communication within the department.
- Support community education programs by sharing conservation research findings and ecological information.
- Monitor important wildlife species, including black rhinos, lions, elephants, and giraffes.
- Develop, update, and implement wildlife management plans.
- Support the development and implementation of the park’s Long-Term Sustainability Strategies.
- Build partnerships with national and international research institutions and educational organizations.
- Supervise and support student interns and external researchers.
- Participate in the development and management of conservation and research budgets.
- Supervise the Rhino Tracking Team and ensure regular monitoring of the rhino population.
- Plan and coordinate veterinary-led wildlife operations, including darting, collaring, contraception, and ear-notching.
- Maintain conservation data systems, including EarthRanger and Survey123.
- Develop the skills and independence of the Conservation and Research Department team.
- Support the Law Enforcement Department through sharing relevant wildlife monitoring information.
- Ensure the safety and proper management of departmental equipment and other company assets.
Required Qualifications and Experience
Interested candidates must meet the following requirements:
Education
- A minimum of a Master’s Degree in Ecology, Park Management, Wildlife Conservation, or an equivalent field.
Professional Experience
- At least five (5) years of relevant experience in ecology, conservation, wildlife management, or related research.
- At least two (2) years of experience supervising field or technical staff.
- Experience working in multiple protected areas or National Parks.
- Experience planning and managing conservation research and ecological monitoring activities.
Technical Skills and Competencies
Applicants should demonstrate:
- Fluency in English and/or French/Kinyarwanda, as stated in the detailed job description.
- Ability to work under pressure and adapt to challenging situations.
- Ability to work in remote wilderness areas and difficult field conditions.
- Computer literacy, including Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Knowledge of statistical software and ArcGIS.
- Experience using and maintaining camera traps, VHF telemetry, handheld GPS devices, and other conservation technologies.
- Experience with EarthRanger, Survey123, or similar conservation data management systems.
- Experience planning and coordinating veterinary-led wildlife operations.
- Experience in rhino monitoring, individual identification, and wildlife population data management.
- Experience conducting aerial wildlife surveys and ground-based surveys, including spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR).
- Experience designing camera trap surveys and analyzing collected data.
- Experience administering conservation data platforms.
- Experience designing and managing large and complex budgets.
- Strong leadership, teamwork, mentoring, and staff supervision skills.
- Ability to conduct performance reviews and develop staff capacity.
Other Requirements
- Clean record of conduct (no convictions).
- Physically fit and able to work in the field for extended periods.
- Ability to swim.
- Valid driver’s license and experience driving on dirt roads or off-road.
- Experience with EarthRanger, Survey123, or similar conservation data management systems.
- Experience planning and coordinating veterinary-led wildlife operations.
- Experience in rhino monitoring, individual identification, and wildlife population data management.
- Experience conducting aerial wildlife surveys and ground-based surveys, including spatially explicit capture-recapture (SECR).
- Experience designing camera trap surveys and analyzing collected data.
- Experience administering conservation data platforms.
- Experience designing and managing large and complex budgets.
- Strong leadership, teamwork, mentoring, and staff supervision skills.
- Ability to conduct performance reviews and develop staff capacity.
Additional Advantages
The following will be considered desirable:
- Experience in wildlife health and veterinary interventions.
- Age between 20 and 50 years.
Important: Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Main Conservation Projects and Activities for 2027
The successful candidate will support or lead several important conservation activities, including:
- Aerial Wildlife Survey: Planning and implementation of Akagera’s biennial aerial survey.
- Giraffe Survey: Coordinating ground-based giraffe population surveys.
- Veterinary Operations: Supporting wildlife interventions involving rhinos, elephants, roan antelopes, and lions.
- Rhino and Lion Monitoring: Strengthening daily rhino monitoring and regular lion monitoring activities.
- Ecological Monitoring: Coordinating water quality, dung beetle, bird, and elephant monitoring programs.
- Seasonal Surveys: Supporting butterfly, wetland bird, and Lake Hago bird surveys.
- Reporting: Preparing conservation reports, monitoring updates, and research findings.
- Planning and Procurement: Supporting wildlife management plans, annual budgets, and procurement of conservation equipment.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should prepare the following application documents:
- Cover Letter: Explain how your qualifications and experience match the requirements of the position.
- Updated Curriculum Vitae (CV): Include the names and contact information of at least two professional references.
- Supporting Documents: Include relevant academic certificates, professional qualifications, and other documents demonstrating your experience and achievements.
Your cover letter should highlight your relevant achievements and provide a summary of your management and research experience.
Application Submission
Send your complete application as ONE PDF DOCUMENT to the official recruitment email address:
Email: amc.recruit@africanparks.org
Email Subject: Conservation & Research Manager at Akagera
For More Information
For questions or further clarification about the vacancy, contact:
Email: pacifiqueg@africanparks.org
Application Deadline
13 November 2026
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