Head of Programmes

Wild Africa; Wes-Kaap; Hybrid; ZAR 400 000 - 500 000; Full time

Job summary

A wildlife conservation organization based in Cape Town seeks a Head of Programmes to lead initiatives aimed at preserving Africa’s wildlife heritage. The role involves managing programmes in collaboration with consultants, building partnerships, and preparing proposals. Ideal candidates are seasoned professionals with a minimum of ten years management experience, possess strong leadership and communication skills, and have a passion for wildlife conservation. This position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation efforts across the continent.

Qualifications

• Ten or more years of experience in management roles, ideally in non-profit sector.
• Knowledge in wildlife conservation and/or media production is advantageous.
• International business experience and ability to travel at short notice.

Responsibilities

• Manage programmes and secure partnerships in Africa.
• Conduct research and connect with government and NGOs.
• Prepare and edit video scripts, follow work plans, and connect with donors.

Skills

Management experience

Organisational skills

Communication skills

Leadership skills

Writing skills

Job description

Head of Programmes

Cape Town-based | Primarily in-office, with hybrid flexibility|

Overview

Wild Africa is seeking a highly professional individual to help take our organisation to the next level.This person will join a four-person leadership team working on securing funding, media partnerships, and team oversight.

Their primary goal will be to manage programmes in Africa by working closely with in-country consultants, engaging with government, NGOs, media and ambassadors to build ongoing partnerships. They will approach potential clients and donors, prepare proposals and supervise staff in launching and running campaigns.

The ideal candidate will earnestly want to protect Africa’s wildlife heritage and will be inspired by the opportunity to play a pivotal role in building a new kind of African organisation. We are seeking an extraordinary person with media and/or conservation experience, someone with an entrepreneurial or business-minded attitude who is able to travel at short notice. They should be dedicated and driven; hyper-organised and self-motivated with a track record of getting things done on a practical level. They must be prepared to face and deal with challenges directly and rapidly rather than avoiding them.

They will enjoy managing and motivating small teams. They would ideally have ten or more years of management experience, having held increasingly responsible roles at a fast-paced, growth-oriented organisation. Communications or conservation industry experience would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Work with consultants to research and connect with relevant government entities including ministries, parks, wildlife, tourism, customs, police, and the president’s office.
• Research and connect with local ambassadors from music, sports, film, TV, business, religious bodies, and government.
• Prepare and edit scripts for video pieces, and organize filming shoots.
• Follow up on work plans and commitments to ensure that what is agreed is followed through.
• Research and connect with donors and donor agencies.
• Write up grant proposals, contracts, and MOUs and draw up and monitor budgets.
• Report weekly on progress and prepare reports for donors.

Requirements

• Ten or more years of experience in management roles, ideally some in non-profit sector.
• Knowledge and experience in wildlife conservation and/or media production or journalism would be a plus.
• Excellent organisational, project management and communication skills.
• International business experience and ability to travel at short notice.
• Excellent leadership skills, with steadfast resolve and personal integrity.
• Exceptional writing skills.
• Knowledge of video production processes and understanding of social media.
• Ability to diagnose problems quickly and foresee potential issues.

About Wild Africa

Founded by WildAid co-founder Peter Knights, OBE, and based in Cape Town with teams across the continent, Wild Africa is on a mission to become Africa’s most effective conservation communicator. We work across broadcast, digital, and grassroots campaigns to tell real African stories with heart, rigour, and creativity. Through our growing network of over 160 ambassadors — spanning music, sports, TV, government, and business — and more than 30 national and international media partners who support us pro bono, we amplify African voices to inspire public support and political will for protecting the continent’s wildlife and wild spaces.

You’ll be joining an award-winning team doing meaningful, purpose-driven work — and helping shape stories with national reach and real-world impact.

How to Apply

Please send a cover letter and resume to [e-mail] with Head of Programmes - Application in the subject line.

In your email, please include:

• Your monthly gross salary expectation (note that Wild Africa currently does not offer any benefits)
• Your potential start date