Senior Conservation Programs Lead | Biodiversity Impact

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,500,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Hybrid work model

Professional development opportunities

Impactful conservation work

Job summary

A leading environmental non-profit organization in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead flagship conservation initiatives, develop and oversee projects, and ensure outcomes align with biodiversity goals. The role emphasizes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and effective delivery of conservation results in a dynamic, ecologically diverse region.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of progressive program management experience in the environmental sector,

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Environmental Science, Conservation Biology, Ecology, or a related field.
• 7–10 years of progressive experience in program management within environmental/conservation sector.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder conservation projects, preferably in SA.
• Strong understanding of conservation science, biodiversity management, and sustainable development.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and interpersonal skills.
• Budgets, grant writing, and fundraising experience.
• Written and verbal communication skills; ability to present complex information clearly.
• Experience with GIS, remote sensing, or ecological monitoring tools is a strong asset.

Responsibilities

• Oversee design, implementation, and evaluation of multiple conservation projects across ecological landscapes.
• Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring efficient resources allocation.
• Lead and mentor a team of project officers and field staff.
• Cultivate and maintain partnerships with government agencies, communities, academics, and NGOs.
• Develop funding proposals and donor reports for foundations and funders.
• Represent the organization at forums, conferences, and workshops.
• Ensure compliance with environmental legislation and best practices.
• Monitor and report progress and impact, making data-driven adjustments.

Skills

Leadership

Budgeting

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic planning

Communication

Team management

Education

Master's or PhD in Environmental Science / Conservation

Tools

GIS

Remote sensing

Job description

A leading environmental non-profit organization in Cape Town, Western Cape, is seeking a Senior Program Manager to lead flagship conservation initiatives, develop and oversee projects, and ensure outcomes align with biodiversity goals. The role emphasizes strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and effective delivery of conservation results in a dynamic, ecologically diverse region.

The ideal candidate has 7–10 years of progressive program management experience in the environmental sector,