Conservation Monitoring & Data Manager at African Parks Network

Job Description

• African Parks is on a mission to restore one of Africa’s most iconic species, and we need YOU to help make it happen. We’re hiring a Conservation Monitoring & Data Manager to join our Rhino Rewild Program, a groundbreaking initiative that will shape the future of rhino conservation across the continent.
• This is more than a job; it’s a chance to turn data into action and drive real-world impact. As the Data Manager, you’ll lead the charge in transforming raw information into insights that guide rewilding efforts at scale over the next eight years. Your work will directly influence how rhinos reclaim their rightful place in Africa’s wild landscapes.

What’s in it for you?

• A fixed-term, 3-year contract based at the heart of the Rhino Rewild Project site.
• The opportunity to innovate and optimize the entire data pipeline, ensuring every decision is backed by solid evidence.
• A dynamic environment where pragmatism meets purpose, and your proactive approach will help shape conservation history.

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Flexible and forward-thinking, ready to tackle challenges head-on.
• Passionate about conservation and skilled in data management.
• Committed to excellence and eager to make a measurable difference.

Eligibility: Applications are open to South African citizens, residents, or valid work permit holders.

If you’re ready to combine your expertise with a cause that matters, apply now and help us write the next chapter in Africa’s conservation story.

Responsibilities

• Produce monthly reports based on data obtained both on Rhino Rewild Project site as well as those received from engagement with recipient areas.
• Focus on collection of long-term information of animals rewilded to recipient areas.
• Management and administration of EarthRanger and other conservation monitoring tools.
• Develop standardised dashboards & analytical reports for the Rhino Rewild portfolio based historical and present data collected on both project and rewilded sites. These will primarily be developed using ArcGIS, R, Python and Microsoft Power BI, and serve to support project management team in making strategic, data-driven decisions.
• Ensure data integrity by auditing and cleaning key data from the project site and protected areas. This includes managing geospatial layers and databases, cleaning up tracking data and detecting outliers or discrepancies for the Rhino Rewild team to validate.
• Developing and managing data pipelines – for example, from surveys in Esri Survey123 to Esri Webmaps/Dashboard/StoryMaps;
• Digitising and managing spatial datasets and databases across the entire Rhino Rewild Project site and recipient areas
• Researching and comparing open-source datasets for integration into measuring key metrics and targets.
• Support the development and roll-out of new data collection tools and recommend improvements to existing ones. This includes writing up guidelines and technical manuals, providing training    to park teams and designing surveys or other data collection tools.
• Experience with designing dashboards (ideally PowerBI and ArcGIS);
• Experience in Google Earth Engine, SharePoint and QGIS.
• Experience in presenting findings in the form of presentations and feedback sessions.
• Strong conservation knowledge and background

Job Requirements

• A degree in ecology, conservation, sustainability or social sciences.
• A passion for nature conservation and keenness to apply knowledge to tangible work being done in protected areas across Africa.
• Skilled in analysing and cleaning large data sets.
• Familiar with coding languages for analysis and/or integrations like, in order of preference: Python, R, JavaScript, SQL.
• Working knowledge of ArcGIS Pro and the Esri online environment.
• Keen attention to detail and desire to take ownership of projects and datasets.
• Excellent data visualisation and presentation skills.
• Affinity and experience with ecological data collection.
• Experience in compiling presentations and reports based on data sets.

Desirable

• Clarity in spoken and written communication, fluent in English.
• Experience in working with rhino and knowledge on broader rhino conservation issues.
• Comfortable living in isolation working in small teams but also working on tasks individually.