Strategic Technical Advisor
ZMB: Marula/Mano, ZMB: North Luangwa Management Ltd., Law Enforcement, Local Employee, full-time, 10-15 years of experience
About the Project
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to protecting biodiversity and wilderness areas through long‑term partnerships and effective protected‑area management. In Zambia, FZS works with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) to safeguard the North Luangwa landscape and strengthen community‑centred conservation in adjacent GMAs. NLCP’s mission links livelihoods and landscape, ensuring resource protection, ecosystem integrity, and community benefits across one of Africa’s most intact wilderness areas.
About the Position
You will lead the design and delivery of NLCP’s law enforcement strategy, systems, and operational tempo across multiple law enforcement units and landscapes. This position blends strategic advisory with hands-on operational support and mentoring. You’ll set standards, build team culture, embed integrity, integrate technology, and ensure coordinated, intelligence-driven deployments.
You will provide technical oversight to multi-unit operations including the REPU (Rhino & Elephant Protection Unit), K9 Unit, Fence Line Unit (FLU), Rhino Monitoring Unit (RMU), Intelligence & Investigations Unit (IIU), GMA sector teams, and the Control Room. The role interfaces with NLCP Management, DNPW leadership, Area Wardens, GMA Managers, and external partners—connecting community integration, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and transfrontier collaboration.
The role is based at Mano Base in North Luangwa, approximately a 2‑hour drive from Mpika town. Frequent travel across NLNP, surrounding GMAs, and other operational sites is required. Expect periods in remote field environments under challenging conditions.
You will provide technical oversight to multi-unit operations including the REPU (Rhino & Elephant Protection Unit), K9 Unit, Fence Line Unit (FLU), Rhino Monitoring Unit (RMU), Intelligence & Investigations Unit (IIU), GMA sector teams, and the Control Room. The role interfaces with NLCP Management, DNPW leadership, Area Wardens, GMA Managers, and external partners—connecting community integration, human-wildlife conflict mitigation, and transfrontier collaboration.
The role is based at Mano Base in North Luangwa, approximately a 2‑hour drive from Mpika town. Frequent travel across NLNP, surrounding GMAs, and other operational sites is required. Expect periods in remote field environments under challenging conditions.
Your Tasks
- Lead strategy development, implementation, and adaptive review for law enforcement across the North Luangwa Landscape.
- Oversee the Integrity Management Plan for the Law Enforcement department — embed ethical conduct, accountability, and transparency, and build organizational resilience.
- Maintain data systems (EarthRanger, SMART, GIS) for evidence-based decisions and timely reporting.
- Set unit-level objectives, patrol cycles, brief/debrief rhythms, and reporting cadences.
- Manage and enhance deployment strategy and daily operations for REPU, K9, FLU, RMU, IIU, sectors, and Control Room.
- Enforce Control Room operator standards: incident triage, comms discipline, logging, tasking/re-tasking, time-to-task tracking, structured debriefs.
- Drive intelligence-led tasking: target lists, risk assessments, escalation protocols, and QRF readiness.
- Manage law enforcement training and learning system: evolving doctrine and annual training calendar (in-service, specialist, leadership, etc.).
- Integrate advanced technologies and aviation support into operations; pilot tools that improve coverage, detection, safety, and efficiency.
- Provide hands-on guidance to GMA-based advisors and unit leaders on threat monitoring, deployment planning, and technology use.
- Collaborate with Area Wardens/GMA Managers on HWC mitigation and lawful resource use; consolidate GMA feedback/data for landscape-level planning.
- Build strong partnerships with DNPW, NLCP management, CRBs/AMUs, communities, and external partners for joint operations and intelligence-sharing.
- Oversee procurement and management of equipment, fleet, and rations—ensuring readiness, budget compliance, and donor accountability.
- Ensure legal/policy compliance across arrests, evidence handling, firearms/ammo control, vehicle use, and conduct.
- Lead annual and operational budgeting for law enforcement; forecast and monitor expenditure responsibly.
- Coordinate aerial surveillance/patrols using NLCP or contracted aircraft and qualified pilots, per FZS Aviation SOPs and regulations.
Your Profile
- Bachelor’s Degree in Conservation Biology, Environmental Science, Wildlife Management, Security Studies, or related field from a reputable institution. Masters Degree will be an added advantage.
- Proficiency in English is essential.
- Advanced certifications in Law Enforcement, Conservation, or technical fields are an advantage.
- Valid driver’s license.
- 10+ years of progressive leadership in protected-area law enforcement, including multi-unit operations and inter-agency coordination.
- Demonstrated expertise in deployment planning, integrity management, SOP development, risk management, and incident response.
- Experience in African anti-poaching contexts and integrating technology into law enforcement is highly desirable.
- Strong strategic planning, adaptive management, and analytical capability.
- Proven mentoring ability; clear written/oral communication; stakeholder engagement and diplomacy.
- Confidence with conservation technology platforms (e.g., GIS, EarthRanger, SMART).
- Strong computer literacy (Microsoft 365/Office, email, file management, and collaboration tools).
- Leadership, team building, and risk mitigation in remote environments.
- High integrity, professionalism, and ethical conduct.
- Emotional intelligence, resilience, and adaptability to challenging field conditions.
- Commitment to community engagement and collaborative conservation.
We Offer
- The chance to contribute to meaningful conservation impact within a flagship landscape.
- A supportive, mission-driven team with professional development opportunities.
- Competitive salary commensurate with experience, housing at Mano Base, medical insurance, emergency evacuation cover, field allowances, and access to well-equipped facilities and logistical support.
Your Application
If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae (3 pages max) and Cover Letter (1 page max) detailing your relevant experience and motivation via the online portal link.
Include three (3) traceable references with a short description of your working relationship and their contact details.
Eligibility:Zambian nationals preferred. For non-Zambian applicants, employment is subject to
the issuance of a valid Zambian work permit.
Family applicants: Individuals with self-sufficient families accustomed to working and living in
Remote African environments are welcome to apply. Appropriate housing is available.
Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications.
Application Deadline: 23rd January 2026
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.