Independent Contractor: Project Manager (KNP Centenary Anniversary) at South African National Parks (SANParks)

• SANParks is responsible for the management of the iconic Kruger National Park (KNP), which was established as a National Park in May 1926. KNP is the largest national park in South Africa and is one of the most biodiverse national parks globally. In 2026, KNP will be celebrating its 100th anniversary.
• To achieve SANParks’s objectives, suitably qualified and experienced independent experts are required to project-manage the planning, management, coordination, and monitor KNP’s Centenary Anniversary. The expert will be appointed as an Independent Contractor for 12 months, renewable subject to review of the work undertaken in the first 12 months.

Requirements

• Master’s Degree qualification in business or social science field or similar (PhD will be an advantage).
• At least 15 years of proven experience in the project management of large-scale eco-tourism projects, destination marketing and/or management of a public sector institution.
• Knowledge of conservation, tourism, and sustainable development policies.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and reporting skills.

Responsibilities

• Whilst the focus of the assignment will be on KNP’s Centenary Anniversary, it will be important to use the anniversary to ensure that all of SANParks’s 21 National Parks and 10 Marine Protected Areas (MPA) benefit.

The centenary celebration should:

• Reflect on the origins and formation of the Kruger National Park.
• Celebrate conservation milestones and biodiversity achievements.
• Highlight the introduction and growth of tourism in the park.
• Showcase the transition from fortress conservation to inclusive conservation, emphasizing community involvement and co-management.
• Honour the cultural, historical, and ecological significance of the park.
• Promote education, awareness, and public engagement throughout the year.
• The Creation of a coffee table book, a visual journey through the different timelines in the development of the Kruger National Park, will serve as a testament to the park’s rich history and its evolution over the past century.

The expert will be responsible for the procurement and management of relevant service providers required to fulfil the following services:

Strategic Planning & Coordination

• Develop a comprehensive KNP Centenary Action Plan, including objectives, themes, timeline, and milestones,

Branding, Marketing & Communications

• Review SANParks’s current brand identity aligned to achieving the Vision 2040 objectives.

Product Development & Investment Promotion

• Review of existing tourism products and infrastructure within KNP aimed at enhancing visitor experiences. The review should inform the investment promotion strategy.

Resource Mobilisation Internal Coordination and Capacity Building

• Work closely with SANParks Resource mobilisation team, KNP’s project management team, finance, communications, and conservation departments to ensure alignment and readiness for fundraising activities.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Design and implement a stakeholder engagement plan targeting government, traditional leaders, communities, NGOs, academic institutions, tourism bodies, and the private sector, among others.

Monitoring, Reporting & Legacy Planning

• Design a monitoring and evaluation framework for centenary activities.

Closing Date

• 19 June 2026