About Re:wild
Re:wild protects and restores the wild, focusing on nature as a solution to interconnected climate, biodiversity and human wellbeing crises.
Founded by a group of conservation scientists together with Leonardo DiCaprio, Re:wild works with Indigenous Peoples, local communities, conservation organisations, governments, companies and other partners to protect and restore biodiversity around the world.
Job Summary
- Employer: Re:wild
- Job Type: Full-time
- Location: Harare, Zimbabwe
- Category: Conservation
- Salary: US$115,000-US$130,000
- Closing Date: 2026-10-25
Key Responsibilities
- Refine and advance Re:wild’s strategy for Africa and priority sub-regions, targeting impactful, scalable and cost-effective opportunities for addressing biodiversity and climate challenges.
- Help deliver the goals and targets contained in Re:wild’s 2030 strategic plan.
- Collaborate with partners and Re:wild colleagues to develop, manage and support initiatives and projects through new and existing partnerships.
- Build and support alliances among co-funders, governments, Indigenous Peoples, local communities and international and local NGOs.
- Match philanthropic investments with high-impact conservation opportunities across the region.
- Lead fundraising for Africa in collaboration with Re:wild’s Philanthropy and Executive teams.
- Develop funding concepts and proposals and engage current and prospective co-funders.
- Identify opportunities to leverage additional conservation investment through government, private and innovative funding streams.
- Lead the Africa team, manage team members and recruit additional staff as required.
- Ensure team members have the resources, tools and development opportunities needed to succeed.
- Collaborate with Re:wild’s thematic teams on initiatives covering areas such as species recovery, protected area management, exploration, leadership cultivation and strategic communications.
- Ensure Re:wild’s work aligns appropriately with political opportunities and enabling conditions across the region.
- Provide regional expertise, guidance and introductions to Re:wild team members and other stakeholders working in or visiting Africa.
Requirements
- Commitment to and passion for Re:wild’s mission, vision and values.
- An advanced degree.
- 15+ years of conservation leadership experience in Africa , including at least five years in a senior leadership position such as Country Director, Regional Director or equivalent.
- Experience managing, funding and working across diverse conservation projects, programmes and partnerships, particularly with local organisations.
- Strong commitment to collaborative and participatory approaches.
- Demonstrated successful fundraising and budget management experience.
- Experience managing effective teams and working within diverse wider teams.
- Commitment to the professional development of direct reports and empowering team members to lead their own areas of work.
- A high degree of initiative and capacity for autonomous work.
- Commitment to inclusive collaboration with colleagues at all organisational levels.
- Ability to keep Re:wild’s work across Africa cohesive and well coordinated.
- Flexibility, persistence and ability to overcome obstacles and take calculated risks to achieve goals.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Experience communicating and presenting to donors, board members, colleagues and external partners.
- A high degree of cultural competency and ability to work with diverse partners.
- Ability to undertake frequent and/or extensive international travel and work across time zones.
Salary
US$115,000-US$130,000
How to Apply
About the Company
Re:wild is a global conservation organization that operates in Zimbabwe through partnerships with local communities and government agencies to protect endangered species and restore critical ecosystems. In Zimbabwe, the organization focuses on safeguarding African wild dogs, pangolins, and vultures while supporting community-led conservation initiatives in key landscapes. Re:wild works closely with Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and local NGOs to strengthen protected area management and combat wildlife trafficking. The organization provides technical expertise, funding, and capacity building to ensure Zimbabwe's rich biodiversity endures for future generations.
Protecting the wild, together.
Frequently Asked Questions
What qualifications and experience are typically required for an Africa Director role in conservation?
Most Africa Director positions require a master's degree in conservation biology, natural resource management, or a related field, plus 10-15 years of senior leadership experience in African conservation contexts. Employers like Re:wild particularly value prior experience managing multi-country programs, fundraising success, and established networks with government agencies and NGOs across the continent.
What does a typical day look like for an Africa Director based in Zimbabwe?
Days often split between strategic planning, donor reporting, and field visits to project sites in Zimbabwe and neighboring countries. You will spend significant time in virtual meetings with international headquarters, local partner negotiations, and representing the organization at regional conservation forums in Harare or Victoria Falls.
How does the work culture in Zimbabwean conservation NGOs differ from international headquarters?
Zimbabwean conservation workplaces blend formal hierarchical structures with relationship-driven decision making that requires patience and personal connection building. Expect more flexibility around meeting start times but strong emphasis on respect for seniority, and plan for occasional disruptions due to power outages or connectivity issues in remote field locations.
What career progression opportunities exist after serving as Africa Director?
Successful Africa Directors typically advance to global executive roles such as Chief Conservation Officer or Vice President of Programs, or transition into influential positions with multilateral bodies like IUCN or UNEP. Some leverage their regional expertise to found their own conservation enterprises or join major philanthropic foundations as program officers for African portfolios.
What benefits should I expect from a senior conservation role in Zimbabwe?
Standard packages usually include medical aid coverage through providers like CIMAS or PSMAS, pension contributions to NSSA or private schemes, and generous annual leave of 20-25 days plus public holidays. International NGOs often supplement with housing allowances, school fees for expatriate children, and comprehensive evacuation insurance given remote fieldwork requirements.
How should I apply for senior conservation roles in Zimbabwe, and what do employers prioritize?
Applications typically require a detailed CV highlighting measurable conservation outcomes, a tailored cover letter demonstrating knowledge of Zimbabwe's specific ecological and socio-political landscape, and three professional references from African conservation contexts. Employers prioritize candidates who show genuine commitment to local capacity building, fluency in relevant local languages, and proven ability to navigate complex government relationships in southern Africa.
