Transboundary Freshwater & Fisheries Manager

About the Role and Organization

The Nature Conservancy (TNC), in collaboration with the Namibia Nature Foundation (NNF), is seeking a Transboundary Freshwater & Fisheries Manager to lead and provide technical support for conserving freshwater ecosystems and fisheries across the Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Landscape. This critical role focuses on managing freshwater biodiversity and fisheries in the Cubango-Okavango, Cuando, and Zambezi River systems within KAZA Partner States.

Key Responsibilities

• Drive collaboration between TNC country teams in Angola and Zambia, NNF, local NGOs, and KAZA Partner States, fostering alignment of freshwater and fisheries conservation efforts.
• Oversee community-based fisheries management by promoting fisheries policy harmonization and integrating fisheries within broader freshwater resilience strategies.
• Support basin-scale freshwater ecosystem approaches addressing connectivity, environmental flows, habitat protection, and climate adaptation efforts including groundwater science linkages.
• Develop and promote standardized socio-ecological monitoring protocols to track fisheries, biodiversity, and watershed health, improving data sharing and evidence-based decision-making.
• Engage regionally with KAZA Secretariat, basin commissions, member states, and donors to mobilize sustainable finance and organize key freshwater and fisheries forums and initiatives.
• Lead and supervise a team potentially growing to four or more, guiding project management, capacity building, and strategic implementation of conservation plans across countries.

Candidate Profile and Required Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree and at least 7 years’ relevant experience in conservation practice or equivalent education combined with experience.
• Comprehensive knowledge of protected and conserved area legislation within the KAZA region.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and budgets within NGOs, including leadership and supervisory experience.
• Proven success in partnership development, stakeholder collaboration, fundraising, policy development, and negotiation with governments and NGOs.
• Excellent communication skills in English; proficiency in Portuguese is highly advantageous.

Preferred Experience and Skills

• A minimum of 10 years’ experience involving protected area expansion, freshwater and wetlands management, and inland fisheries.
• Expertise with conservation planning, systems thinking, biodiversity information standards, and conservation policy influence.
• Cultural competency in multicultural or cross-cultural settings, with political astuteness.

Additional Information

This position requires the incumbent to travel within the KAZA region and work in diverse and sometimes challenging environmental conditions. A valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program is mandatory. The role is based in Livingstone, Zambia, and reports directly to the KAZA Landscape Director. The position offers a flexible work environment supporting employee wellbeing, with access to comprehensive benefits tailored to local contexts.

TNC is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, welcoming applicants from all backgrounds and providing accommodations as needed.