Community Development Manager
Location: Ethiopia, Gambella
Job Type: Full Time
Date Posted: October 31, 2025
Application Deadline: November 25, 2025
Hiring Organization: African Parks Network Ethiopia
Job Title: Community Development Manager
Job Category: Environment and Natural Resource
About African Parks
African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization responsible for the long-term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. The organization manages 23 national parks across 13 countries including Ethiopia, Malawi, Zambia, Rwanda, and South Sudan, covering over 20 million hectares of protected areas.
About Gambella National Park
Established in 1973, Gambella National Park spans 4,575 km² and hosts diverse wildlife, including Nile Lechwe, elephants, lions, giraffes, shoebills, and the white-eared kob — part of the world’s largest land mammal migration.
Job Overview
The Community Development Manager will lead all community-level work within Gambella National Park. Working closely with the Park Manager, this role focuses on building a conservation constituency among local communities through African Parks’ 3E+ Strategy and the Land Use Management Plan (LUMP), ensuring mutual benefits for both people and wildlife.
Key Responsibilities
- Supervise the Community and Sustainable Development Department and oversee the implementation of the 3E+ Strategy.
- Coordinate and monitor departmental teams, budgets, and logistics.
- Implement community conservation initiatives and identify new development opportunities.
- Manage community engagement in all African Parks activity hubs.
- Develop quick-win community projects such as WASH, schools, and healthcare.
- Conduct sensitization and consultation with communities and authorities.
- Support land-use planning and vision creation for sustainable development.
Education and Experience
- Master’s Degree in Social Work, Public Administration, Urban Planning, Community Development, or related field.
- Minimum 8 years of experience in community development or similar programs.
- At least 5 years in a senior role within protected area management or equivalent environment.
- Proven experience working in rural, remote, and multi-cultural settings.
- Strong interpersonal, organizational, and leadership skills.
Required Skills
- Action Planning
- Communication
- Team Leadership
- Cultural Sensitivity
- Reporting and Presentation
Language: Excellent command of English; knowledge of Amharic or local languages is an advantage.
Location: Gambella
How to Apply
Interested applicants should send their CV and Cover Letter to ethiopiarecruitment@africanparks.org by November 25, 2025.
Please label your files as follows:
Name_Cover Letter_Community_Development_Manager.pdf
Name_Curriculum_Vitae_Community_Development_Manager.pdf
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.