In South America, FZS concentrates its efforts on the Amazon rainforest. In view of the worrying deforestation, increased wildfires and the approaching critical tipping point of the Amazon biome, FZS has decided to expand its engagement in the region and particularly in the Brazilian Amazon. For this reason, a national organisation, Associacao Frankfurt Zoological Society Brasil (FZSB), was established in 2024 and a cooperation agreement was developed with the federal protected area authority (ICMBio).

In view of this, FZS is seeking a Country Coordinator Brazil (gn), who will lead the institutional set up and further development of FZSB in Brazil and coordinate the implementation of project activities to support the management of conservation units in the Brazilian Amazon, in particular the Pico da Neblina and Serra Do Divisor National Parks on a long-term basis. The position will be based in Brazil, preferably in Manaus at the current head office of FZSB, with frequent travels to the current and future project sites in the Brazilian Amazon. An annual visit to FZS HQ in Frankfurt is envisaged.

• Lead and coordinate proactively the institutional set up and further development of the recently established Associacao Frankfurt Zoological Society Brasil (FZSB), in close cooperation with FZS headquarters in Germany
• Represent FZS in Brazil towards government partners (in particular, the federal protected area authority, ICMBio), donors, partner organisations, local and indigenous communities in project areas and the general public
• Provide technical advice and support to the management of conservation units/protected areas in the Brazilian Amazon, particularly to the Pico da Neblina and Serra do Divisor National Parks
• Build, manage and mentor capacity of a core team of FZSB 
• Perform project planning, budgeting, monitoring and evaluation, in close coordination with FZS HQ and according to FZS internal procedures
• Oversee the financial and administrative requirements of FZSB and ensure compliance with all legal requirements for FZSB operations in Brazil
• Support in acquiring third-party funding for FZSB 
• Support FZS Communications Department with relevant information
• Seek exchange and cooperation with other FZS projects, in particular in Colombia, Guyana and Peru

• Master’s degree in biology, environmental sciences, geography or a related field 
• At least seven years of working experience in protected area management in South or Central America, preferably in Brazil
• Proven experience in project and grant management, including proposal development, planning, budgeting and reporting
• Several years of working experience in leading a small team 
• Working experience with local and indigenous communities in the Amazon and/or biological monitoring would be an additional asset
• Willingness to travel internationally and to remote areas beyond regular working hours where communication and conditions can be challenging
• Experience in MS Office programs; preferably knowledge in data collection and analyses using statistical and GIS software programmes 
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in (Brazilian) Portuguese and very good written and oral communication skills in English; knowledge of Spanish and/or German would be beneficial
• Demonstrable commitment, initiative, perseverance and a passion for nature and wildlife conservation

At FZS, you’ll work at the forefront of global conservation, developing innovative solutions to protect our planet’s most precious resources. Join a team committed to making a lasting impact on biodiversity and sustainability.
 

• Engaging and meaningful work that encourages independent and entrepreneurial thinking
• Opportunity to contribute towards the protection of impressive wilderness areas
• A dynamic and motivated team environment, working to secure outstanding wild places
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge and make a difference, please submit your application documents, including

• resume (not exceeding 4 pages), 
• cover letter detailing your relevant experience, motivation for applying, your desired salary as well as your earliest possible starting date and 
• the contact information of three referees. 

Please use our online application form.
 
We look forward to receiving your application by 16^th February 2025.