Greater Limpopo Trans Frontier Conservation Area - Landscape Coordinator at Peace Parks Foundation

JOB PURPOSE

• The Greater Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area (GLTFCA) Landscape Coordinator will lead the facilitation, coordination, and implementation of ecological connectivity strategies in the Mozambique portion of the GLTFCA. The role will focus on land use planning, human–wildlife coexistence, ecological corridor development, and supporting community livelihoods that strengthen conservation outcomes. The coordinator will ensure alignment with Peace Parks Foundation’s ecological linkages strategy, Agência Nacional de Aviação Civil (ANAC) priorities, and transboundary cooperation with South Africa and Zimbabwe.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Ecological connectivity and land use planning

• Finalise the Mozambique GLTFCA Ecological connectivity implementation plan and strategy in collaboration with the Geospatiel planning science (GPS) Department.
• Facilitate the decision-making process to identify and develop an Implementation Plan for the second ecological connectivity focus area (Limpopo National Park – Banhine National Park as the first).
• Lead the approval and launch of district-level Land use plant, including:
• Approval for Mabalane (approval)
• Mabote (launch)
• Next EU-priority district (to be agreed for ecological connectivity).
• Ensure integration of private sector investment promotion in the Limpopo land use plan and related Massingir processes.

Human–Wildlife Coexistence

• Drive the implementation of the GLTFCA Human–Wildlife Coexistence (HWC) strategy, defining measurable targets (e.g., farms to be closed).
• Support development and monitoring of conflict-mitigation initiatives at farm and district level.

Community Development and Livelihoods

• Support the implementation of the Livelihoods plan for Chimangue and Machamba communities, facilitating relocation outside the park and ensuring long-term sustainability.
• Work with district and community structures to align livelihoods with connectivity objectives.
• Promote conservation-compatible livelihood opportunities that reduce external impacts on park and corridor areas.

 Partnerships and Stakeholder Coordination

• Engage ANAC, district authorities, Non-Government Organisations (NGO), and private sector partners to secure buy-in for ecological connectivity.
• Facilitate the process for the creation of a conservancy adjacent to Gonarezhou, including dialogue with Coutadas and community structures.
• Support ongoing steering and scientific committees, ensuring effective functioning, documentation, and follow-up.

 Monitoring, Evaluation, and Reporting

• Establish systems to monitor land use, corridor implementation, livelihoods, and HWC outcomes.
• Provide monthly and quarterly reports to Peace Parks Foundation, ANAC, and donors with recommendations and progress updates.

 Policy, Advocacy, and Capacity Building

• Advocate for ecological connectivity integration in national/provincial land use planning and conservation frameworks.
• Build capacity of government, park staff, and communities on corridor implementation and HWC mitigation.
• Facilitate knowledge exchange with transboundary partners in Zimbabwe and South Africa.

Job Requirements
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Qualifications and experience

• Minimum of a Master’s degree in natural resource management, environmental planning, conservation biology, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years’ professional experience in conservation, land use planning, ecological connectivity, and community development.
• Demonstrated experience in leading large-scale land use or ecological connectivity initiatives.
• Proven experience in community governance, capacity building, and socio-economic development in rural landscapes.
• Fluency in Portuguese and English (Shangaan or other local languages will be an advantage).

 Skills and Attributes

• Strong leadership and project management capabilities.
• Proven ability to manage complex stakeholder processes across government, community, and private sector levels.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills.
• Technologically astute, with experience in Geographical information systems (GIS), land use planning tools, and data-driven reporting.
• Deep understanding of balancing conservation imperatives with socio-economic development needs.