Overview

African Conservation Academy is recruiting an experienced Construction Project Manager to oversee the development of its new campus located within Akagera National Park.

The African Conservation Academy is a strategic partnership between:

• African Parks
• Rwanda Development Board

The Academy has been established to strengthen conservation leadership and management capacity across Africa by providing world-class professional training for protected area managers and conservation professionals.

The new campus will be a purpose-built facility designed to:

• Deliver high-quality conservation training
• Promote environmental sustainability
• Demonstrate responsible eco-development
• Create positive social impact

The Construction Project Manager will lead the day-to-day execution of the project from mobilization through final handover, ensuring that construction activities are completed safely, efficiently, on time, within budget, and according to approved designs and regulatory requirements.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of Africa's most innovative conservation education projects.

Why This Opportunity Matters

Large-scale infrastructure projects within protected conservation areas require exceptional project management and environmental responsibility.

This position offers the opportunity to:

Build a Landmark Institution

The African Conservation Academy aims to become a leading center for conservation leadership training across Africa.

The successful candidate will play a direct role in creating a facility that will serve conservation professionals for decades to come.

Work at the Intersection of Construction and Conservation

Few construction projects offer the opportunity to combine:

• Infrastructure development
• Environmental stewardship
• Sustainable design
• Conservation impact

Lead a High-Profile Development Project

The project involves collaboration with:

• Architects
• Engineers
• Consultants
• Contractors
• Conservation stakeholders
• Government authorities

Strengthen Senior Project Management Experience

This role provides valuable exposure to:

• Large-scale project delivery
• Budget management
• Stakeholder engagement
• Construction leadership
• Environmental compliance
• Contract administration

Application Tips

Candidates applying for this role should demonstrate strong construction leadership and successful project delivery experience.

Highlight Project Management Experience

Your CV should clearly demonstrate:

• Construction project management
• Site management
• Infrastructure development
• Multi-building projects
• Institutional or campus developments

Showcase Budget & Cost Control Expertise

Strong candidates should emphasize experience involving:

• Budget management
• Cost monitoring
• Procurement oversight
• Financial reporting
• Contractor management

Demonstrate Leadership Capability

The Academy is seeking professionals capable of:

• Leading construction teams
• Managing subcontractors
• Coordinating consultants
• Resolving site challenges
• Making timely project decisions

Emphasize Compliance Experience

Experience with:

• Building regulations
• Health and safety compliance
• Environmental management
• Construction permits
• Quality assurance systems

will strengthen your application.

Responsibilities

The Construction Project Manager will oversee all on-site construction activities throughout the project lifecycle.

• Manage implementation of the campus construction project
• Monitor project schedules and milestones
• Track project expenditures
• Support budget control and cost management
• Minimize budget overruns

• Supervise daily construction activities
• Coordinate site personnel and subcontractors
• Ensure efficient sequencing of construction work
• Monitor availability of:
  • Labour
  • Equipment
  • Construction materials

• Serve as the primary on-site liaison
• Coordinate with:
  • Architects
  • Engineers
  • Technical consultants
• Ensure construction aligns with approved designs and specifications

• Monitor construction quality standards
• Ensure compliance with:
  • Building codes
  • Safety regulations
  • Environmental requirements
• Enforce health and safety procedures across the project site

• Act as the primary on-site contact for:
  • African Parks
  • Academy leadership
  • Project stakeholders
• Communicate project risks, issues, and recommendations

Prepare regular reports covering:

• Project progress
• Budget performance
• Risks and mitigation measures
• Quality management
• Compliance status

• Maintain accurate site records
• Manage construction documentation
• Support inspections and commissioning
• Coordinate final handover activities
• Ensure completion of as-built documentation

Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Proven experience as:
  • Construction Project Manager
  • Site Manager
  • Similar senior construction leadership role

Preferred Project Experience

Experience managing:

• Campus developments
• Institutional facilities
• Commercial projects
• Multi-building developments

is highly desirable.

Additional Advantage

Experience delivering projects in:

• Environmentally sensitive areas
• Protected ecosystems
• Socially sensitive environments

will be an added advantage.

Candidates should demonstrate strong knowledge of:

• Construction project management
• Budget planning and cost control
• Scheduling and resource management
• Contract administration
• Site supervision
• Quality assurance

Technical Documentation

Ability to read and interpret:

• Construction drawings
• Technical specifications
• Project schedules
• Contracts
• Engineering documentation

is essential.

Strong candidates should demonstrate:

• Team leadership
• Stakeholder engagement
• Communication skills
• Negotiation ability
• Decision-making capability
• Problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail

Preferred:

• OSHA certification
• Equivalent occupational safety certification

Strong knowledge of:

• Health and safety regulations
• Environmental compliance standards
• Construction site safety practices

is highly desirable.

Applicants must possess:

• Valid driver's license

The ideal candidate is a highly organized construction professional who can balance:

• Technical excellence
• Environmental responsibility
• Budget discipline
• Stakeholder management
• Team leadership

while successfully delivering a complex project within a conservation setting.

How to Apply

Application Deadline

29 June 2026

Applications should be submitted through the designated application platform by selecting the "Apply" option in the original vacancy announcement.

Recommended Application Documents

• Cover Letter
• Updated CV
• Academic Certificates
• Professional Certifications
• Copies of relevant project experience records
• References from previous employers or clients