Overview

Akagera Management Company (AMC Ltd) is recruiting an Assistant Conservation & Research Manager to support conservation research, ecological monitoring, wildlife management, and sustainability planning activities within Akagera National Park.

AMC Ltd was established through a partnership between:

• African Parks
• Rwanda Development Board

to manage and strengthen conservation efforts within Akagera National Park.

The organization is seeking a technically skilled and field-experienced conservation professional capable of supporting ecological research, monitoring wildlife populations, analyzing conservation data, and contributing to long-term sustainability strategies for the park.

The selected candidate will work closely with:

• Conservation & Research teams
• Park management
• Law enforcement and tracking teams
• Visiting researchers and institutions
• Monitoring teams and external partners

This opportunity is especially suitable for professionals interested in:

• Wildlife conservation
• Ecology and biodiversity research
• Protected area management
• GIS and ecological monitoring
• Conservation technology
• Wildlife management planning

For candidates searching for conservation jobs in Rwanda, wildlife research careers, national park ecology positions, or biodiversity monitoring opportunities, this role offers rare field-based experience within one of Africa’s important protected ecosystems.

Female candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Conservation research and ecological monitoring are essential for protecting biodiversity, improving wildlife management decisions, and ensuring long-term sustainability of protected ecosystems.

The Assistant Conservation & Research Manager role is important because it contributes directly to:

• Wildlife protection and monitoring
• Ecological research and data analysis
• Long-term conservation planning
• Scientific understanding of ecosystems
• Anti-poaching support initiatives
• Conservation technology implementation

Within Akagera National Park, the role supports monitoring of key species such as:

• Black rhinos
• Lions
• Elephants
• Giraffes
• Predators and other important wildlife populations

The position also contributes to answering critical ecological questions related to:

• Carrying capacity
• Predator-prey relationships
• Ecological health
• Habitat management
• Fire management strategies

Another major aspect of this opportunity is the integration of scientific research with operational park management and law enforcement activities.

The role offers valuable exposure to:

• GIS and spatial ecology tools
• Camera trapping technologies
• VHF telemetry systems
• Ecological data analysis
• Wildlife monitoring frameworks
• Long-term sustainability planning

Professionals in this field help generate evidence-based conservation decisions that support both biodiversity protection and sustainable ecosystem management.

For conservationists seeking long-term careers in wildlife ecology, protected area management, ecological research, or biodiversity monitoring, this role offers highly valuable practical and scientific field experience.

Application Tips

Candidates applying for conservation and ecological research roles should focus on demonstrating field experience, technical competence, and scientific analytical skills.

Highlight Conservation & Field Experience

Your CV should clearly demonstrate experience involving:

• Wildlife monitoring
• Ecological data collection
• Conservation fieldwork
• Protected area operations
• Species monitoring projects
• Research support activities

Field experience in national parks or protected areas is highly valuable.

Showcase Technical & GIS Skills

Strong candidates should demonstrate experience using:

• ArcGIS
• QuickCapture
• Survey123
• RStudio or statistical software
• GPS units
• Camera traps
• VHF telemetry systems

Applicants are encouraged to provide examples of outputs or projects demonstrating competency.

Demonstrate Research & Analytical Ability

The role requires strong ecological and scientific thinking. Applicants should demonstrate:

• Research methodology understanding
• Data analysis capability
• Report writing skills
• Critical thinking and problem-solving ability

Prepare an Authentic Cover Letter

The organization specifically requests applicants not to use AI-generated cover letters.

Your cover letter should clearly explain:

• Relevant field experience
• Research achievements
• Conservation interests
• Practical ecological knowledge
• Experience working in challenging field environments

Emphasize Teamwork & Professionalism

Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills are essential because the role involves working with:

• Rangers
• Researchers
• Tracking teams
• External institutions
• Park management teams

Responsibilities

The Assistant Conservation & Research Manager will support ecological monitoring, conservation research, and sustainability initiatives across Akagera National Park.

Conservation Research & Ecological Monitoring

• Support planning and implementation of ecological data collection activities
• Assist with monitoring key wildlife species and ecosystem health
• Contribute to research initiatives and conservation projects
• Help answer important ecological management questions

Strong research systems support evidence-based conservation management.

Data Collection, Analysis & Reporting

• Compile, organize, and analyze ecological data
• Generate reports and maps for park management decision-making
• Maintain and update key datasets and monitoring systems
• Support development of management plans and research frameworks

Data-driven decision-making is central to modern conservation management.

GIS & Conservation Technologies

• Utilize GIS tools and conservation technologies including:
  • ArcGIS
  • QuickCapture
  • Survey123
  • Camera traps
  • GPS systems
  • VHF telemetry
• Support integration of new conservation technologies

Technology supports improved ecological understanding and monitoring efficiency.

Sustainability Planning & Management Support

• Contribute to:
  • Long-Term Sustainability Strategies
  • Multi-year business plans
  • Monitoring frameworks
  • Conservation planning documents

Strategic planning supports long-term ecosystem sustainability.

Collaboration & Capacity Building

• Support student interns and external researchers
• Build relationships with educational and research institutions
• Collaborate with park departments and law enforcement teams
• Share ecological findings with communities and educational programmes

Partnerships and education help strengthen conservation impact.

Field Support & Wildlife Protection

• Assist tracking and law enforcement teams in the field
• Monitor and report anomalies involving key species
• Support anti-poaching and wildlife protection initiatives

The role requires extensive practical field involvement.

Requirements

Education

Applicants must possess:

• Graduate degree in:
  • Ecology
  • Wildlife Management
  • Conservation
  • Or equivalent field

Preferred Qualification

• Master’s degree in related field is an advantage

Experience

Candidates should have:

• Minimum 2–3 years of relevant experience in:
  • Ecology
  • Conservation
  • Wildlife management
  • Research activities

Required Technical Skills

Strong candidates should demonstrate experience with:

• GIS systems
• Statistical software (RStudio or equivalent)
• Camera traps
• GPS systems
• VHF telemetry equipment
• Ecological data analysis tools

Field Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be physically fit
• Be capable of working in remote wilderness conditions
• Be willing to spend extended periods in the field
• Be able to swim
• Hold a valid driver’s license with off-road driving experience

Language Skills

Candidates must be fluent in:

• English
• Kinyarwanda

Additional Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be Rwandan nationals
• Be between 20 and 35 years old
• Have a clean record of conduct
• Demonstrate strong teamwork and interpersonal skills

The organization expects the successful candidate to contribute toward:

• Improved ecological data systems
• Updated wildlife management plans
• Better species population monitoring
• Enhanced conservation technologies
• Increased scientific understanding of Akagera ecosystem dynamics
• Improved collaboration with researchers and educational institutions
• Strengthened support for anti-poaching and law enforcement efforts

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• Cover letter explaining suitability for the role
• CV with contact information for at least two references

The cover letter should specifically include:

• Relevant achievements
• Research experience
• Fieldwork experience

Submission Email

emmae@africanparks.org

Application Deadline

5 June 2026

Important Notes

• Applicants who do not meet the criteria will not be considered
• Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
• Shortlisted candidates will complete:
  • Competency examination
  • Interview process
• If no feedback is received within one week after the deadline, consider the application unsuccessful