The rise of conservation careers in Africa

Hey,

Welcome to Green Jobs Rising!

If you’re in, or curious about, the conservation sector, this one’s for you.

Conservation has been organised for over a century on the continent. 

But today, it’s not just nature that’s evolving, it’s the people protecting it. 

The future of conservation is being shaped by three forces: new funding, new technology, and stronger community relations.

And where there’s funding, there are jobs.

In a recent Conservation Rising interview, Mike Korchinsky, founder of Wildlife Works, shared:

“Thirty years ago, conservation was not seen as a career for young Africans. It was largely expatriates or postcolonial actors involved. Over time, young Africans have realised they have an amazing opportunity and embraced it. There are now programmes developing local capacity, and young Africans have risen into authority roles. Conservation is now a viable career path for many.”

In September, Kenya led Africa’s conservation job market, hosting a surge of opportunities across restoration, regenerative agriculture, carbon finance, policy, research, and programme management.

Southern Africa followed with unique tech and field roles, from GIS mapping to reptile conservation internships, creating entry points for both students and specialists.

Conservation jobs across Africa are leaning towards climate finance and community resilience. There is a mix of research and field roles, with more internships and global groups expanding local programmes and projects.

Here are a few roles within the sector that may interest you.

• Tunis, Tunisia | WWF International | Head, Finance Business Partner, Europe & North Africa

• Libreville, Gabon | UNOPS | NDC Partnership National Facilitator - (Partnership Specialist) - Homebased Retainer

• Global | The Nature Conservancy | Implementation Portfolio Lead 

• Maseru, Lesotho | WFP | Programme Officer - Field Coordination

• Uganda | IFDC | Roster - Field Extension Workers (FEWs) – Multiple Locations in Uganda - BRIGHT 

• Kigali, Rwanda | Wildlife Conservation Society | Regional Program Development Manager - East Africa, Madagascar and Western Indian Ocean

• Global | UN | CITES Intern - Outreach and Projects Unit

• Toliara, Madagascar | Conservation International | Mechanical and Logistics Driver 

• Monrovia, Liberia; Accra, Ghana; Freetown, Sierra Leone | Conservation International | Director - West Africa Mangroves

• Nouabalé-Ndoki National Park, Republic of the Congo | Wildlife Conservation Society | Head of Research and Biomonitoring Unit 

It doesn’t matter which field you’re in because AI is also taking over conservation, you wonder how? Check out the post below.

Want more? Follow the organisations above and set LinkedIn alerts for ‘conservation’ to stay ahead.

You can also subscribe to Conservation Rising - a news and data analysis publication for professionals in the conservation sector. 

You will get weekly updates, insights, and open job opportunities in Africa’s conservation sector.