Program Director For Conservation And Research

Sabine Plattner African Charities (Spac); Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 500 000 - 600 000; Full time

Job summary

A conservation non-profit organization is seeking a Conservation and Research Program Director in Cape Town. This role involves strategic leadership and operational management to drive research initiatives in Africa, particularly in rainforest conservation. Candidates should possess a PhD in Science and a minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in research-focused settings. Competitive compensation and benefits are offered, along with opportunities for significant travel.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in a senior leadership role within a research-focused institution or non-profit organisation.
• Proven experience managing strategic initiatives within a spatially separated, multi-disciplinary organisation.
• Distinguished track record of research publications and conference participation.

Responsibilities

• Strategically lead partnerships with research professionals and governmental representatives.
• Oversee day-to-day operations of the SPAC Research programme.
• Plan the SPAC Research program budget and ensure compliance with regulations.
• Lead talent management initiatives including recruitment and staff development.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical Thinking

Innovation

Collaboration

Financial Acumen

Adaptability

Fluency in French

Education

PhD in Science

Job description

POSITION

Conservation and Research Program Director

Organisation

Sabine Plattner African Charities (SPAC) Conservation Research

Location

Cape Town, South Africa

About SPAC

Sabine Plattner African Charities NPC (SPAC) is a South African non‑profit organisation dedicated to influencing and supporting the conservation of rainforests, wilderness and protected areas in Africa. SPAC achieves this by supporting the livelihood strategies of local communities through education and science, and promoting school curricula with enriched afro‑centric conservation‑related content. SPAC operates in multiple African countries, including Congo, Senegal, Morocco, Namibia, Rwanda, Gabon and South Africa.

• Founded by Sabine Plattner and funded by the German Hasso Plattner Foundation, SPAC is committed to creating empowered communities that co‑exist with nature.
• Position Overview: We are seeking a Research and Conservation Program Director to lead the growth of the SPAC Research Division, transforming it into an internationally recognised research institute.

Director’s Vision

Guided by SPAC’s vision of "Africans bringing knowledge about Africa to the world," the Director will champion sustainable, community‑driven and policy‑informed strategies to ensure the long‑term protection and enrichment of the Congo Basin rainforest.

Role and Travel

This is a full‑time position based in Cape Town with significant travel requirements. The role will involve frequent visits to the northern Republic of Congo, particularly Odzala‑Kokoua National Park, and international travel for conferences and strategic networking. Candidates should anticipate up to 10‑15 days of travel annually.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership – Proactively collaborate, maintain and newly establish partnerships with distinguished research professionals and professors from ranging institutions and organisations, interact safely at a governmental level, engaging with ministers and other government representatives in the Republic of Congo, South Africa and neighbouring countries, and interact comfortably with personnel at all education levels and diverse cultural backgrounds.
• Develop, implement and measure long‑term impact and unlock opportunities for groundbreaking research.
• Operational Management – Oversee the management of day‑to‑day operations of the entire SPAC Research programme, including human resources, IT, facilities, public relations and administrative functions; implement the management structure at the Congo‑based SPAC Research Station so that it may function seamlessly without your continued presence on‑site; ensure no communication shortfalls exist between the Cape Town and Congo‑based offices; submit high‑quality reports and proposals, always meeting submission deadlines.
• Financial & Compliance Oversight – Plan the SPAC Research program budget and oversee resource allocation; guarantee compliance with all relevant governmental regulations, university agreements and permits across all jurisdictions.
• Talent Management – Lead talent management initiatives, including recruitment, retention and staff development; expand upon and coordinate with SPAC’s Science Committee; formulate a panel of experts that covers the multi‑disciplinary range of research expertise; foster a performance‑driven work culture.

Qualifications & Experience

• PhD in Science.
• Specialisations in One Health, Anthropology, Primatology, Conservation, Rainforests and/or Genomics preferred.
• 10+ years in a senior leadership role within a research‑focused institution or non‑profit organisation, preferably with operations in tropical forest and in rural Africa.
• Proven experience managing strategic initiatives within a spatially separated, multi‑disciplinary organisation.
• Distinguished track record of research publications and conference participation.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Leadership – Strong visionary leader with a track record of driving strategy and operations in complex and remote environments.
• Analytical Thinking – Ability to analyse data, identify trends and make informed decisions.
• Innovation – Creative and forward‑thinking mindset to develop and implement new initiatives that drive SPAC’s mission.
• Collaboration – Excellent cross‑functional working ability with staff, students and interns.
• Financial Acumen – Expertise in managing large‑scale budgets and ensuring resource optimisation.
• Adaptability – Ability to navigate and lead change in a dynamic environment.
• Language – Fluency in English required; fluency in French and English strongly preferred.

To Apply

This is a full‑time position with competitive compensation and benefits. If you have a deep passion for the rainforest, conservation and a strong background in a scientific discipline that relates to the SPAC vision, we encourage you to apply.

Interested candidates can submit their CV (including references and certificates compiled as one PDF) and a short cover letter to the email address below. Please include "SPAC CR Director Application – (Your Name)" in the subject line.