Protected Area Network Development Project Manager

Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program-PNG

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Protected Area Network Development Project Manager (PNG National)

Position type: Full Time

Reports to: Executive Director, TKCP-PNG

Supervises: Stakeholder Engagement Facilitator

Location: Based in Lae with travel (20%) around the Huon Peninsula (Morobe)

Remuneration: A competitive salary package including family medical coverage, Nasfund contributions, worker’s compensation, and professional development opportunities.

Background:

The Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program has worked with communities and landowners on the Huon Peninsula for nearly 30 years, to facilitate the designation and management of the 162,800-hectare YUS Conservation Area for the benefit of the area’s wildlife, environment, and people. The YUS Conservation Area serves as a national model for community-based conservation in Papua New Guinea, and its accomplishments have generated significant interest among landowners, communities, and government representatives throughout the Huon Peninsula in pursuit of locally-led protection and sustainable development.

Purpose:

The Protected Area Network Development Manager will lead an exciting new initiative for TKCP, collaborating with Provincial, District, and Local Government partners to promote and facilitate community-based conservation throughout high-biodiversity areas across the Huon Peninsula. He/she will build and maintain close partnerships with PNG’s Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) as well as the Morobe Provincial Government Administration to enable and formalize provincial-level support for protected area creation and management. During the next 18 months, in close consultation with Provincial and District partners, this role will determine the appropriate legal, financial, governance, and operational models in order to design and establish the Saruwaget Range Protected Area Network which, subject to further funding, will facilitate creation of Community Conservation Area throughout the project’s target Districts.

Summary of key responsibilities

1. Facilitate and complete the design and road map for establishment and activation of the Saruwaget Range Protected Area Network, leading to the designation of new protected areas throughout target Districts across the Huon Peninsula.
2. Establish and maintain productive partnerships and effective coordination with key project stakeholders including CEPA, Morobe Provincial Administration, and District Administrations.
3. Organize and facilitate project governance structure through the Saruwaget Range Protected Area Working Committee to ensure shared responsibility and active stakeholder engagement.
4. Develop contracts and manage contractors’ timely delivery of key project outputs, to inform the Working Committee’s decisions and actions.
5. Facilitate Working Committee consultation and decision-making throughout key project stages, including National and Provincial endorsement for the Network’s formal legal establishment and resourcing.
6. Produce and distribute communications and informational materials to raise awareness and generate local interest throughout the target areas across the Huon Peninsula.
7. Lead and coordinate community outreach and engagement with Local Level Government partners throughout the target area to undertake steps toward protected area creation, designation, and management.
8. Develop and maintain networks within Papua New Guinea’s conservation community, and represent TKCP in conferences and workshops as appropriate.
9. Maintain close control and adaptive management of project plans and budgets throughout implementation, and produce regular reports for TKCP management and project funders.
10. With input from TKCP’s technical staff, refine and document the processes and tools for protected area establishment including FPIC, Land Use Planning, Conservation Deeds, etc.
11. Provide leadership and supervisory oversight to the Stakeholder Engagement Facilitator and collaboratively implement designated responsibilities.
12. Participate and contribute to the development of funding proposals to support the future phase(s) of the Saruwaget Range Protected Area Network initiative.

Selection criteria

• Demonstrated experience and established networks with Provincial and Sub-Provincial Government.
• Bachelor’s degree in natural resource management, conservation, environmental studies, or related fields (Master’s degree preferred)
• Significant experience (5+ years) with program/project management in community-based conservation or a related field
• Experience working with an NGO or government agency in increasing positions of reporting and responsibility.
• Confidence and demonstrated ability to liaise with government officials at all levels, and with community leaders/landowners
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving skills
• Experience working with local communities and traveling to remote areas in PNG.
• Well- developed interpersonal and communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, organized, and able to meet deadlines. Ability to achieve deliverables and work independently.
• Proficient spoken and written English and Tok Pisin language skills required.
• A demonstrated high work ethic and ability to assume a high level of responsibility
• Commitment to the goals and philosophy of TKCP

Work Environment: The role will require frequent travels into harsh rugged mountainous terrains and geographical settings and requires a person who has prior experience into very remote community settings as well as someone who is of good physical health.

TKCP is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and considers all applicants based on merit without regard to race, sex, colour, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, or disability

Application:

To apply, please email or mail a cover letter addressing each selection criteria, CV, university transcripts, and at least three reference names and contact information, by close-of-business on January 23^rd, 2026. Address application and supporting materials to:

Executive Director

Tree Kangaroo Conservation Program - PNG

PO Box 360

5th Street Professionals Building

Lae, Morobe Province, PNG

Or email to: [email protected]

The position is anticipated to start in February 2026. Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until a successful applicant is identified.

All applicants are encouraged to review the TKCP-PNG website www.zoo.org/treekangaroo.