CAZ Field Director

Conservation International protects nature for the benefit of humanity. Through science, policy, fieldwork, and finance, we spotlight and secure the most important places in nature for the climate, biodiversity, and for people. With offices in 30 countries and projects in more than 100 countries, Conservation International partners with governments, companies, civil society, Indigenous peoples, and local communities to help people and nature thrive together.

POSITION SUMMARY - This position is based in Toamasina, Madagascar

Conservation International has received from the Government of Madagascar the management delegation of the CAZ protected areas since 2012. Conservation activities were engaged with an efficient and optimal management in compliance with international standards, in order to reduce deforestation and the fragmentation of these corridors, while also promoting alternative livelihoods and development for the resident communities. The management delegation contact was renewed in August 2025, reinforcing the manager’s responsibilities through stronger protection measures and tools.

The CAZ Field Director is responsible for the management of the CAZ landscape activities according to the landscape strategic plan, throughout a co-management system with multiple actors, including local communities and civil society, and the private sector. They manage a diverse set of activities and work to ensure the landscape outcomes and goals further Conservation International’s (CI) human development and conservation priorities. Duties include developing and implementing program and conservation strategies for adaptation and mitigation to climate change, project management, technical oversight, monitoring, and capacity building. They represent CI and work to build partnerships with external stakeholders, including the private sector.

The CAZ Field Director ensures compliance with CI policies, donor and funding agreements, as well as local requirements. This position manages project staff within the CAZ landscape, an interdisciplinary team.

RESPONSIBILITY

Provide leadership, strategic, and technical direction of the CAZ office to ensure successful delivery, quality, and sustainability of all projects managed in CAZ:

• Serve as key liaison between CI Madagascar main office, CAZ staff, and partners to help project implementation
• Build strong teamwork and support the team to lead in their respective areas of responsibility
• Develop and maintain CI culture of excellence within all projects managed in CAZ

Implement CAZ landscape strategies to reach objectives, implement work plans, and metrics for CAZ landscape:

• Coordination of CAZ landscape activities implementation within the CAZ governance structure, namely with the sectors and local management units of the CAZ protected area and local partners.
• Identify capacity-building needs and efforts to address capacity gaps.
• Oversee and implement project activities and manage technical and program staff – ensure compliance with CI policies, donor and funding agreement, and local requirements.
• Lead the Project Execution, as defined in the Project Proposal and its specific assignments, including but not limited to execution, annual work planning process, financial and technical reporting, and coherent M&E.
• Ensure primary responsibility for all technical control and quality reports until its validation, ensure all projects deliverables are achieved to a high standard.
• Work with finance and project staff to develop and track project budgets.

Ensure close communication with regional/local stakeholders (authorities, local government, civil society, local communities and federations, private companies), promote information sharing, and best practices and lessons learned:

• Build alliance and develop partnerships, including civil society and the private sector.
• Represent CI at regional events and meetings.
• Using traditional (print and electronic) and social media platforms, promote the Project’s progress, success stories to reach a diverse audience (local, national, regional, and global).

Ensure Operations oversight:

• Participate in fundraising activities, monitor and report on the overall financial performance of the project.
• Ensure the budget pipeline (forecast vs actual) is managed appropriately.
• Ensure the management of the overall office management, and ensure oversight of the human resources activities.
• Ensure the supervision of the execution, the procurement plan and the grant management plan.

Supervisory Responsibilities, Authority Allocated:

• The CAZ Field Director is the first responsible for the CAZ landscape. They will supervise CAZ staff, all units, sectors and contracted partners within the landscape. They reports to the Country Director of CI-Madagascar.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Typical office environment.
• Frequently travelling in the field, no less than 50%.
• Ability to work extended and irregular hours.
• This is a fixed-term assignment.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required

• Bachelor's degree in a related field (ex., forestry engineer/natural science). Have a scientific background.
• 7 or more years of experience in planning and project/ natural resources management
• 2 or more years of supervisory experience.
• Experience in protected area management.
• Good knowledge of the SAPM and management tools for protected areas.
• Good knowledge of Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation.
• Confirmed experience with multidisciplinary team management, with an acute sense of responsibility and teamwork.
• Knowledge of the CAZ context.
• Leadership, strong organization, and time management skills.
• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and verbally in Malagasy, French.
• Very good knowledge of English.
• Proven ability to multitask and meet priorities. Comfortable working in a fast-paced environment with changing priorities.

Preferred

• Master's degree
• Experience in sustainable production and relationships with the private sector.
• Highly self-motivated, and have demonstrated analytical and adaptive skills.
• Skills in developing/managing relationships with all stakeholders.
• Very good at reporting, respecting deadlines.
• Thrive in a multicultural environment and be committed to the CI mission and values.

To apply for this position, please submit a resume and cover letter.

See all Conservation International Career Opportunities HERE

Conservation International is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals. We believe in hiring based on merit and qualifications, ensuring a fair and inclusive hiring process for everyone.