Programme Manager

This is a senior, hands-on role for a motivated conservation professional who is equally comfortable in the field, managing budgets and data, and engaging with donors and partners. The successful candidate will bring strong project management skills, a passion for conservation, and the ability to lead a programme from the ground up in a remote KZN Midlands environment.

Core Criteria:

• Honours or MSc degree in conservation, ecology, or a related field
• Demonstrated experience in project management, essential
• Experience with budgeting, financial management, and grant management
• Strong report writing, data management, and analysis skills
• Physically fit and willing to conduct regular fieldwork under variable conditions
• Valid driver's licence with 4x4 driving experience essential
• Willing to relocate to the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands
• Self-motivated, organised, and able to manage competing priorities
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Comfortable working independently and as part of a small team
• Experience using ClickUp or similar project management platforms advantageous
• Experience with EarthRanger advantageous
• Working knowledge of R for data analysis advantageous
• Experience working with vultures and/or big cats advantageous
• Experience with environmental education advantageous

Core Responsibilities:

• Oversee day-to-day programme implementation, ensuring activities are delivered on time and within budget
• Manage and support programme staff, including performance, scheduling, and capacity building
• Identify and secure funding opportunities, including grant applications and donor proposals
• Manage grants end-to-end, including compliance, reporting deadlines, and funder relationships
• Compile and submit accurate, timely grant and funder reports
• Manage programme budgets, financial tracking, and expenditure oversight
• Build and maintain relationships with donors, sponsors, landowners, partners, and other stakeholders
• Maintain and develop data management systems for monitoring and research data
• Conduct research report writing and analysis, including camera trap survey data, to support conservation decision-making
• Conduct regular fieldwork, including camera trap deployment, monitoring, and site visits
• Champion project management best practice, using structured systems to track deliverables and deadlines

Remuneration & Benefits:

• Salary: R20,000 - R30,000 per month, negotiable dependent on experience (open to candidates with higher salary expectations if they are the right fit)
• Live-in position