Human-Wildlife Coexistence Assistant Program Manager

Job description

Conservation South Luangwa

Job Description for Human-Wildlife Coexistence Assistant Program Manager 

An opportunity exists within Conservation South Luangwa (CSL), based in Mfuwe, Zambia, for a well-organised, motivated, and detail-oriented individual to join the team in a new role: the Human-Wildlife Coexistence (HWCx) Assistant Program Manager. 

CSL has been in existence for over 20 years and has built strong partnerships with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) in protected area management and counter-poaching initiatives across the Luangwa Valley. CSL practices a multi-faceted approach to wildlife resource management and protection, working in collaboration with DNPW and Community Resource Boards (CRBs) to implement ‘frontline’ protection, community engagement, and conflict mitigation programmes.

Since 2007, CSL’s Human-Wildlife Coexistence (HWCx) Program has worked to reduce human-wildlife conflict (HWC) and promote HWCx between people and wildlife through practical mitigation measures, rapid response, community engagement, and data-driven planning. As the program continues to expand, we are recruiting for an Assistant Program Manager to help strengthen systems, improve internal efficiency, and support the Program Manager in implementing this growing portfolio of work.

Position Title: HWCx Assistant Program Manager

Location: CSL Head Office, Mfuwe, Zambia 

Reports to: HWCx Program Manager

Purpose of the Job

The Assistant Program Manager (APM) will support the efficient coordination, administration, and reporting of CSL’s Human-Wildlife Coexistence program. Working closely with the Program Manager, Senior Field Officers, and field-based teams, the APM will lead the development of weekly and monthly work plans, track budgets and procurement, strengthen data management and reporting systems, and contribute to internal staff development training, communication, and donor engagement.

This role is ideal for an early- to mid-career conservation or community development professional who combines strong organisational and analytical skills with initiative, curiosity, and the ambition to contribute to the long-term strategy and impact of the CSL HWCx program. 

Key Responsibilities

1) Program Coordination & Planning

Support the Program Manager with annual and quarterly work planning and budgeting.
Lead weekly planning meetings and coordinate field team briefings.
Facilitate monthly senior team reviews to assess progress, challenges and priorities.
Consolidate and maintain updated work plans for HWCx field teams, led by the Senior Field Officer and Rapid Response Unit community engagement team.
Maintain oversight of deadlines and deliverables across all active grants and projects, with support from the Program Manager. 
Provide troubleshooting support to field teams, helping identify and resolve logistical, reporting, or implementation issues to keep activities on track
Support the Program Manager and Senior Community Conservation Officer on longterm program development and planning. 

2) Reporting, Monitoring & Data Management

Improve, maintain and coordinate reliable internal reporting systems for consistent, accurate and timely data collection from the field.
Consolidate and draft monthly and quarterly field reports, integrating activity summaries, statistics, and analysis for management and donors.
Support the Program Manager and SMART Database Manager in data verification, analysis, and summary preparation. 
Support the Program Manager in the development, implementation and management of a comprehensive MEAL framework. 

3) Financial & Administrative Management

Support the Program Manager in monitoring expenditure against approved budgets. 
Oversee procurement processes for HWCx activities in line with CSL financial procedures and ensure timely payments for operational needs.
Manage HWCx program inventory, ensuring accurate tracking of field and store-based equipment.
Identify and propose process and system improvements to strengthen efficiency and accountability.

4) Team Support & Capacity Building

Identify training needs and facilitate internal and external training opportunities for HWCx staff.
Ensure accurate meeting notes are taken, track action points and integrate into work plans.

5) External Engagement & Cross-Department Collaboration

Represent the HWCx team in relevant internal and external coordination meetings, including HWC stakeholder working groups.
Support the Program Manager with gathering relevant and timely content for donor reporting and proposals 
Support the CSL Communications Coordinator with gathering relevant and timely content for social media, newsletters and other external communications.
Support the CSL Communications Coordinator with hosting donors/partners at the CSL base, including coordinating presentations by the HWCx team. 
Contribute to the development of departmental guidance documents and standard operating procedures (SOPs) to support long-term departmental growth. 

Capabilities, competencies, and experience required

Essential:

Bachelor’s degree in Conservation, Environmental Management, Community Development, Natural Resource Management, or related field.
A minimum of 2–3 years’ experience in community-based project coordination, preferably in a rural or field-based environment.
Strong organisational, administrative, and analytical skills. 
Strong interpersonal and cross-cultural communication skills.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the confidence to present on behalf of the team to internal and external audiences. 
High level of computer literacy (Microsoft Office Suite, Excel, Google Workspace).
Team player, willing to work collaboratively across multiple teams and departments. 
Calm under pressure with strong problem-solving ability.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, show initiative, and manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and often challenging environment. 
Dependable and able to manage confidential information responsibly.
Willingness to spend time in remote field locations when required.
Commitment to CSL’s mission and values.

Desirable:

Experience in conservation-related community work such as livelihoods, HWCx or community-based natural resource management projects.
Experience with monitoring and evaluation tools and frameworks
Familiarity with SMART, or other database systems.
Basic data analysis or GIS skills.
Experience with procurement and inventory processes.
Experience with fundraising and communications support.
Valid driver’s licence (manual).

Terms & benefits 

A competitive salary based on experience will be offered, along with benefits on an annual contract basis. A 3-month probation period is standard for all new contracts with CSL. 

Please note this is a full-time position based in Mfuwe, Zambia.

How to apply

Candidates who fit the above criteria should send the following documents to jobs@cslzambia.com ensuring the subject line states “CSL HWCx Assistant Program Manager – Application”. 

1) a CV of not more than 2 pages.

2) A detailed cover letter of not more than 2 pages, addressed to the Program Manager, demonstrating how their experience fits with the job description and why they want this position. Please also include salary expectations and earliest possible start date. 

3) 3 contactable references with a short description of your working relationship, and their contact details.

Applications close: November 10th, 2025

Ideal start date: first week of January 2026 

Please note, we will not be able to respond to candidates who do not fit the above criteria or who do not follow the application instructions. Unfortunately, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.