Deputy Park Manager (M/F)

Overview :

African Parks, in partnership with Benin Government has the mandate to ensure the protection of biodiversity and the sustainability of the northern Benin parks’ ecosystems for the benefit of the country’s people and wildlife. The park's main priority is to implement full management activities, with an emphasis on conservation law enforcement and securing the area for local communities and wildlife. The current regional context in West Africa requires a strategic adaptation of the management to the reality of the nature of threats to continue achieving good conservation and community impacts. In line with this, African Parks is hiring a Deputy Park Manager, for northern Benin parks under its management, who will play a key role in overseeing park security and law enforcement operations and coordinate with both park objectives and functional directives. This collaborative approach helps to enhance safety and foster positive relationships within the communities and other stakeholders. The Deputy Park Manager will primarily be based in the park, providing essential support to the Park Manager in managing daily operations and ensuring the park runs smoothly.

Key Performance Areas :

Execute the park Law Enforcement and security Concept of Operations (CONOPs), contribute and guide ongoing assessments and implement emerging tasks as directed by the Park Manager.

Ensure integration of intelligence led strategies into daily law enforcement operations, including informant networks, data analysis, and predictive patrolling.

Ensure unit operations liaison and interoperability between all actors involved in the security of the parks.

Ensure compliance of all LE operations with AP SOPs with regards to LE, Human Rights and Intelligence.

Identify, consult with, coordinate and implement the advice of appropriate experts from various fields to meet the scale and scope of requirements presented by the need.

Liaise with ROM and Park Manager to build and cultivate lasting stakeholder relations in pursuance of park objectives.

Anticipate, react and control critical security and protection issues, including post incident procedures. Importance is placed on maintaining continuous clear, factual and timely communication in case of emergency with the park teams, coordination with AP management and related stakeholders.

Develop and periodically update crisis management and business continuity plans in alignment with regional threats.

Lead and manage an active anti-poaching and security team of 250 personnel within a challenging operational context, ensuring the welfare, professional conduct, and high morale of law enforcement staff. This includes facilitating access to psychosocial support and fostering an environment that promotes team cohesion and operational effectiveness.

Lead the production of park security risk assessments and draft insightful reports to the Park Management for decision making.

Perform other duties as assigned that contribute to the success of park operations.

Job Requirements :

Military or security background as a middle-ranking officer with operational experience in counter-insurgency and significant expertise in West Africa.

Bachelor’s degree in security management or related field; master’s degree and relevant certifications preferred.

Passion for conservation

Proven ability to lead in challenging situations, foster resilience, and build cohesive teams with high morale.

Strong collaboration, diplomacy, and cultural understanding, paired with excellent written and oral communication skills.

Fluency in both French and English, essential for effective communication with diverse stakeholders.

Significant leadership experience with proven successful team building ability

Ability to work well within a team and accept constructive criticism;

Goal-oriented, self-motivated, creative, highly flexible and adaptable to change

Strong willingness to and experience living in a remote location

Ability to work independently and be highly meticulous;

Critical thinking and strong analytical skills;

Solid judgment along with decision making skills;

Hands-on approach and proven ability to work under pressure in meeting tight deadlines;

High level of confidentiality and integrity;

Good leadership, problem solving and decision-making skills which require independent and original thinking;

Adhesion to African Parks values and code of conduct.

How to Apply ?

The application must include :

• A cover letter specifying the candidate's interest in the position;
• A detailed CV listing the references of three (03) persons with their email addresses and contacts;
• A scanned copy of the required diploma;
• Proof of previous professional experience.
  

Application deadline: September 30, 2026, at 6:00 PM.