Herding for Health Project Manager

Duration: Fixed Term Contract (3 years)

Reporting to: Chief Community Development Officer

Location: Zimbabwe - Maramani (Matabeleland)

Working conditions: Field-based position

BACKGROUND

The Maramani Project is a partnership between Pula Properties Limited and Peace Parks Foundation established to address livestock-wildlife conflict in the Greater Mapungubwe Trans Frontier Conservation Area (spanning Zimbabwe, Botswana and South Africa) using the Herding for Health model. Following a successful pilot phase, the current five-year phase (up to 2029) aims to scale improved cattle, goat and sheep management, restore degraded rangelands, and diversify livelihoods across the area in the Beitbridge District, bringing approximately 200,000 hectares under Herding for Health management by 2030.

The Project Manager provides senior, hands-on leadership for the Maramani programme, holding overall accountability for delivery against the Grant Agreement, and directly supervising the Implementation Manager, who is responsible for day-to-day operational implementation, staff management, and field-level delivery. 

JOB PURPOSE

The Project Manager holds overall strategic, contractual and delivery accountability for the Maramani Herding for Health programme, reporting to the Chief Community Development Officer. This is a hands-on role requiring a strong field presence, working alongside the Implementation Manager and site team to drive delivery, resolve challenges and build key stakeholder relationships.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Hands-On Project Management & Field Presence

• Maintain a regular field presence, actively supporting implementation across grazing sites, bomas, restoration activities and community engagements.
• Work alongside the Implementation Manager to resolve operational challenges, including stewardship agreements, grazing disputes, enterprise activation and community issues.
• Co-lead key implementation milestones, including farmer mobilisation, Community Based Organisation establishment, enterprise launches and restoration campaigns.
• Closely monitor project plans, budgets and deliverables, identifying delays early and taking corrective action.
• Provide visible leadership and build trust with the site team, professional herders and communities.

Strategic Leadership & Programme Accountability

• Hold overall accountability for programme delivery in line with the Grant Agreement and enterprise-led implementation model.
• Set strategic direction and annual priorities, and approve site work plans developed by the Implementation Manager.
• Ensure alignment with the broader Herding for Health model and coordinate with relevant Peace Parks Foundation and regional implementation partners.
• Escalate material risks, delays and scope changes to the Chief Community Development Officer and obtain Grantor approval where required.

Stakeholder Relationships

• Build and maintain strong relationships with the Grantor, local authorities, ZimParks, traditional leaders and community governance structures.
• Engage directly with farmers and communities to manage expectations, address concerns and resolve grievances.
• Represent the programme at relevant national, international, donor and cross-programme engagements, including hosting key site visits.
• Develop relationships with private-sector and enterprise partners to support the Community Based Organisation and livestock value chain.

Supervision of the Implementation Manager & Site Team

• Directly supervise and performance-manage the Implementation Manager, providing regular field-based guidance, coaching and decision support.
• Review and approve staffing, budget and procurement decisions beyond agreed operational thresholds.
• Ensure the site team has the resources and support required to deliver the project plan.
• Provide hands-on support during critical implementation periods, disputes, enterprise launches and stakeholder visits.

Budget & Contractual Compliance

• Hold overall responsibility for the programme budget and ensure expenditure remains within approved limits.
• Ensure compliant, auditable project accounts and record retention in accordance with grant requirements.
• Oversee the interim fiduciary arrangement with Nature Valley Trust pending Peace Parks Foundation's local entity registration.
• Act as the primary contact for Grantor audits, field visits and information requests.

Reporting

• Review and sign off quarterly technical and financial reports, consolidating inputs from the Implementation Manager and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning function.
• Provide regular updates to the Chief Community Development Officer and coordinate reporting with relevant programme colleagues.
• Ensure final programme reporting accurately reflects achievements and use of funds.

Cross-Programme Coordination

• Work closely with the Peace Parks Foundation Herding for Health Project Manager to ensure alignment with regional standards and lessons learned.
• Coordinate with the Community Development Lead on community development strategy and integration with other programmes.
• Engage specialist support functions, including Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning, technical advisory and restoration teams, to support effective programme delivery