The Southern Province of Zambia—especially the Livingstone and Kazungula corridor—is a hub for international development and wildlife conservation. Positioned right along the Zambezi River, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, and the multi-country Kavango-Zambezi (KAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area, this region hosts dozens of active non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
Whether you want to work directly in wildlife protection, community development, logistics, or administration, here is a practical guide on how to land a job in this sector.
Conservation jobs in the KAZA landscape range from field ranger roles to community outreach and research.
1. Key NGOs and Conservation Groups to Target
Instead of sending generic applications, focus your search on the key organizations operating in the Livingstone and Kazungula districts:
| Employer / Organization | Focus Area | Common Entry & Field Roles |
| African Parks & WWF Zambia | Landscape protection, wildlife management, habitat restoration. | Project Officers, Field Biologists, GIS Technicians, Community Liaison Officers. |
| Game Rangers International (GRI) | Resource protection, anti-poaching support, animal rescue. | Research Assistants, Wildlife Education Officers, Field Interns, Operations Staff. |
| Peace Parks Foundation / KAZA TFCA | Cross-border conservation corridors, eco-tourism development. | Logistics Coordinators, Border Community Officers, Administrative Assistants. |
| Community & Social NGOs (e.g., Response Network, Environment Africa) | Rural education, water sanitation (WASH), village self-help, sustainable farming. | Field Enumerators, Monitoring & Evaluation (M&E) Officers, Drivers, Finance Assistants. |
2. In-Demand Skills Conservation Employers Look For
NGOs look for candidates who combine formal qualifications with practical, on-the-ground skills:
- Local Language Fluency: Fluency in Tonga is essential for community engagement in Kazungula and interior Southern Province districts. Knowledge of Lozi is a major asset along the riverfront and border areas.
- Digital Surveying Tools:Proficiency in mobile data tools like ODK (Open Data Kit), KoboToolbox, and SMART (Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool used in park patrolling).
- Clean Driving License: A valid Zambian manual driving license (Class C or C1) with experience driving 4×4 vehicles on rough bush tracks.
- Relevant Qualification: A diploma or degree in Environmental Studies, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Development Studies, Social Work, or Agricultural Economics.
Community engagement and sustainable agriculture are central to modern conservation projects in Kazungula.
3. Four Smart Ways to Get Your Foot in the Door
A. Apply for Formal Internship & Volunteer Programs
Many wildlife bodies run structured entry programs for Zambian citizens. For example, Game Rangers International (GRI) offers 3-month internship placements at their sites. Completing an internship builds direct industry contacts.
B. Register on NGO Field Rosters
Do not wait for a full-time position to open up. Apply when NGOs advertise calls for Field Enumerators or Casual Community Trainers. Once you build a reputation for reliability on short projects, you will be shortlisted first for long-term vacancies.
C. Tailor Your CV to Donor Standards
International NGOs expect a clear, professional CV that highlights measurable outcomes. Instead of listing basic duties, state your results:
Example: “Trained 40 community leaders across 3 Kazungula chiefdoms in sustainable fire management using ODK tools.”
D. Network Locally in Livingstone & Kazungula
Keep an eye on physical noticeboards at district council offices, local forestry departments, and regional NGO hubs. Attending local environmental workshops or wildlife awareness events is another great way to meet field managers directly.
📌 Looking for a Job in Southern Province?
This guide is part of our local career series. If you want to view open vacancies, download simple CV samples, or get interview tips, visit our main Jobs in Livingstone: page to check out all local job listings.
See also: NGO Jobs in Zambia