Lead one of Africa’s most important protected areas. Sahara Conservation is seeking an exceptional conservation leader to guide the Ouadi Rime – Ouadi Achim Faunal Reserve (OROAFR) in Chad through a pivotal new phase of long-term protection, restoration, and community-linked stewardship.

THE OPPORTUNITY
Sahara Conservation is the only organization dedicated exclusively to conserving the wildlife and flora of the Sahara and Sahel. Working with governments, local communities, and international partners, we help restore some of the world’s most threatened species and landscapes.

Located in Central Chad, OROAFR is one of the largest protected areas in Africa and a globally significant Sahelo-Saharan landscape. It is at the centre of ambitious efforts to restore threatened desert wildlife, including the scimitar-horned oryx and addax, while supporting sustainable local development in a landscape shared by wildlife, pastoralists, and local communities.

Following the signing of a new 10-year partnership agreement between the Government of Chad and Sahara Conservation for the management of OROAFR, this is a rare opportunity to shape the future of one of the Sahara-Sahel’s flagship conservation landscapes.

THE ROLE
Reporting to Sahara Conservation’s Chad Country Director, the Manager will provide overall strategic, operational, and institutional leadership for the Reserve. The postholder will oversee implementation across the Reserve’s three core pillars: conservation, local development, and governance.

This role requires a senior field-based leader able to manage complex operations, guide multidisciplinary teams, work effectively with government and community stakeholders, and deliver measurable results in a demanding environment.

KEY RESPONSABILITIES

• Lead implementation of the Reserve’s long-term vision and management plan.
• Oversee all field operations, ensuring strong coordination, impact, and accountability.
• Manage and support the Technical Management Unit, including department heads.
• Drive planning, budgeting, reporting, and performance monitoring.
• Strengthen partnerships with government, communities, donors, and technical partners.
• Represent the Reserve and Sahara Conservation at strategic and official levels.
• Ensure high standards of operational delivery, compliance, and adaptive management.

CANDIDATE PROFILE
We are looking for a highly capable and motivated conservation professional with:

• At least 10 years of experience in protected area management or conservation programme leadership.
• Proven success leading multidisciplinary teams and complex field operations.
• Strong strategic planning, budgeting, coordination, and reporting skills.
• Experience working in remote and challenging environments.
• Good knowledge of Sahelo-Saharan ecosystems and conservation issues.
• Fluency in French, with working knowledge of English and/or Arabic.
• A strong commitment to conservation linked to community-centred development.

CONDITIONS

• Position based in Arada, with frequent travel across the Reserve and within Chad, plus occasional international travel.
• Full-time job.

HOW YO APPLY

This position is being re-advertised. If you have already submitted an application for this role, there is no need to re-apply.

Please send a cover letter, CV, and contact details of three professional references to jobs@saharaconservation.org with the subject line: Application – OROAFR Manager

Application deadline : 1 May, 2026

Rolling review: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and interviews may take place before the closing date. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Sahara Conservation is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all qualified candidates regardless of origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or family status.