Vaga Para: Counter Poaching Unit Coordinator

• Reporting to: Maputo National Park Head: Operations and Development
• Location: Maputo National Park

BACKGROUND

Founded in 1997 by President Nelson Mandela, Dr. Anton Rupert, and HRH Prince Bernhard of The Netherlands, Peace Parks Foundation is a leading African non-profit conservation organisation that specialises in conservation at scale through the development of Transfrontier Conservation Areas and the long-term management of key protected areas within these landscapes. Peace Parks is currently involved in the co-management of ten key protected areas spanning over 60 000 km2 and is in the process of expanding to 11 protected areas spanning 100 000 km2 by 2030. Should these protected areas be successfully developed and professionally managed, it will unlock the ecosystem functionality of five priority transboundary landscapes spanning 68 million hectares, where people and nature not only co-exist but thrive.

The Foundation’s inclusive co-management approach, rooted in conservation at a landscape level, community development, and innovative conservation finance, emphasises the need for an ecosystem-based approach to conservation and development, transcending political and human boundaries. Peace Parks’ vision is to achieve 17 fully functional transboundary landscapes by 2050 spanning 980,000 km² throughout southern Africa, making it arguably one of the world’s largest conservation initiatives supporting sustainable economic development, the conservation of biodiversity, and regional peace and stability.

JOB PROFILE

You have experience in conservation-based law enforcement operations, ideally in a large-scale southern African context, with a passion for conservation and environmental sustainability. In this role, you will ensure that law enforcement strategies and activities are planned, executed and finalised effectively. The role will also facilitate communication between stakeholders and ensure skills transfer and mentoring of park personnel.

You have an ability to adopt and use technology, with suitable administrative skills to ensure effective reporting and management. You are organised and detail-oriented, and able to work under pressure in a remote field-based environment. You are a strong communicator, contribute to team collaboration and are dedicated to helping achieve project goals efficiently. If you are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and you thrive in a collaborative environment, we invite you to join our team.

Job Purpose

The Counter Poaching Unit (CPU) Coordinator, based in Maputo National Park, will coordinate Maputo National Parks’s counter poaching and security related operations. The CPU position is integrated into the Park staffing structure in a technical support and management role to enable and support the national parks’ established counter poaching and security related operations alongside the protection coordinators (marine and terrestrial) and their regional rangers.

Duties And Responsibilities

• Manage and coordinate Maputo National Park counter poaching & security related operations.
• Manage stakeholder engagement within Park and with Trans Frontier Conservation Area (TFCA) and World Heritage Site counter poaching partners.
• Manage and control Maputo National Park CPU assets and equipment.
• Management & control of CPU stores and operations room.
• Day-to-day liaising with Maputo National Park’s Park Warden, Head of Operations and Development, and Park Protection team leadership.
• Management of the Parks command and control platform, Earth Ranger, along with associated technology interfaces, in conjunction with the Operations room ranger team.
• Management of the CPU fleet and ranger picket network and the associated infrastructure.
• Manage investigative processes and associated report writing.

Coordination of day-to-day activities of Maputo National Park security operations:

• Directly coordinate with Maputo National Park’s two Protection coordinators (marine and terrestrial).
• Coordination of bi-monthly regional ranger meetings.
• Determine current threats and implement mitigation strategies.
• Command and control live follow-ups.
• Coordinate field ranger tasks with Maputo National Park ’s protection coordinators & regional rangers.
• Plan and coordinate the movement and logistics of teams, including patrols, waylays, and observation posts.
• Helicopter and fixed-wing deployment.
• Develop and implement standard operating procedures and code of conduct, along with adherence to these procedures.

Minimum Requirements

• 5 years’ experience in a similar environment with previous counter poaching and security related positions. A military background will be an added advantage.
• Proven track record of the ability to integrate into existing teams of rangers/law enforcement personnel.
• Good administration and operational skills.
• Results-driven personality with a particular focus on measuring law enforcement operational effectiveness and being able to problem-solve.
• Developing & maintaining good stakeholder relationships is essential.
• Skills in incident management are essential.
• Self-driven with strong leadership abilities.
• Ability and willingness to live remotely.
• Fit and healthy to enable participation and leadership of in-field field ranger training & support duties.
• Strong command of the English language (both written and verbal). A working knowledge or willingness to learn Portuguese will be an advantage.
• Computer literate.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a curriculum vitae, which should include their full address, telephone number, and email address. These should be submitted by 31 October 2025.

A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.

Marcado como: Peace Parks Foundation (PPF)