Country Representative – Central African Republic (CAR)

Background

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks currently manages the Chinko Conservation Area (CCA) in the Central African Republic, operating in a complex institutional, security, and operational environment. To strengthen institutional engagement and support park operations, African Parks is recruiting a Country Representative for CAR. This position focuses on institutional representation and administrative support for Chinko and potential future extensions. It is not a Country Director role and does not carry overall national strategic responsibility.

Purpose of the Role

The Country Representative is the institutional focal point for African Parks in CAR for the Chinko Conservation Area. The role ensures effective representation with national authorities, supports compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, facilitates partnerships, and removes institutional and administrative constraints affecting park operations.

Institutional Representation and Government Relations

• Represent African Parks with relevant ministries, national and local authorities, and public institutions
• Maintain constructive and regular relationships with government stakeholders
• Serve as the official interlocutor for institutional and administrative matters related to African Parks–CAR and Chinko

Coordination and Partnerships

• Support the ROM and Park Manager in managing relationships with government and institutional partners
• Facilitate administrative procedures, authorizations, agreements, and official correspondence
• Participate in key institutional meetings and follow up on commitments

Legal and Regulatory Compliance

• Ensure compliance with PPP agreements, conventions, regulations, and administrative requirements in CAR
• Monitor regulatory changes and advise management on operational impacts
• Coordinate preparation and submission of required institutional reports

Support to Park Operations

• Provide institutional support to the Park Manager to facilitate field operations at Chinko
• Strengthen coordination between the Bangui office and the park site
• Help resolve administrative or institutional bottlenecks affecting operations

Bangui Office Administrative Oversight

• Oversee administrative functioning of the Bangui office in coordination with regional support teams
• Ensure compliance with African Parks policies and local labor legislation
• Support administrative, logistical, and documentation follow-up

Reporting and Communication

• Report regularly to the ROM on institutional, political, and administrative issues
• Maintain effective communication with the Park Manager
• Ensure proper archiving of institutional correspondence and agreements

Required Qualifications and Experience

• University degree (minimum Master’s level or equivalent) in international relations, law, public administration, political science, public management, or a related field
• 8–10 years of experience in institutional representation, government relations, public affairs, or country coordination roles
• Proven experience working with government authorities and public institutions
• Strong knowledge of legal and regulatory frameworks applicable to international NGOs or conservation organizations
• Experience working in complex, remote, or high-constraint environments
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to work effectively in a matrix structure and in direct support of operations
• High standards of ethics, confidentiality, and procedural compliance
• Strong autonomy, organizational skills, and ability to manage priorities
• Full professional proficiency in French; working knowledge of English is highly desirable
• Knowledge of the Central African Republic context is a strong asset

Values

The role requires strong alignment with African Parks’ values, including accountability, responsibility, integrity, commitment, and passion for conservation.