Forest Protection Manager
On-siteLumuma, Morogoro Region, United Republic of Tanzania
Job Summary
Lead frontline forest protection for the Rubeho Mountains Carbon Project by overseeing patrol systems, implementing fire management plans, and managing community forest guards. Establish patrol schedules, conduct field training for VNRCs and guards, and coordinate suppression efforts with local authorities. Monitor fire risks, track KPIs, and align activities with Village Land Use Plans and national regulations. Collaborate with Village Councils, Tanzania Forest Services, and other stakeholders to deter illegal activity and improve conservation outcomes. This hands-on leadership role requires 40 hours weekly, significant domestic travel to rural sites, and fluency in Kiswahili and English.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in forest conservation, protected area management, or community-based natural resource management
- Proven experience managing forest patrol or fire management operations
- Demonstrated experience collaborating with community forest governance structures (e.g. VNRCs or similar community forest guard programs) and government forestry/wildlife authorities
- Experience working with community-based conservation or enforcement initiatives
- Familiarity with FLR, REDD+, and forest carbon projects, and with Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for carbon or conservation outcomes
- Models the Ethos in all professional interactions, demonstrating a commitment to the organization's values, vision, and conduct standards
- In-depth knowledge of forest protection and law enforcement techniques, including effective patrol strategies, fire prevention/suppression, and relevant forestry regulations
- Technical knowledge of forest protection systems, fire management, and participatory land-use planning
- Strong leadership and operational management skills, with a proven ability to lead field teams, coordinate multi-stakeholder efforts, and take initiative in remote field conditions
- Excellent planning and organizational abilities to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines, with attention to detail in documentation and follow-up
- Analytical and problem-solving mindset, able to interpret patrol and incident data to adapt strategies and resolve challenges effectively
- Skilled in written and verbal communication with diverse stakeholders, including communities, officials, and NGOs
- Fluency in Kiswahili and English
- Legal authorization to live and work in Tanzania
Desired Qualifications
- Master's degree in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, or a related field
- 7 or more years of experience in forest conservation, protected area management, or community-based natural resource management
- Experience working with community-based conservation or enforcement initiatives
- Familiarity with FLR, REDD+, and forest carbon projects, and with Monitoring, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) systems for carbon or conservation outcomes
- Basic understanding of carbon projects or climate change mitigation
- Knowledge of local languages spoken in the Kilosa/Mpwapwa Districts
- Experience with stakeholder databases or GIS/mapping tools for land use planning
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