The Nkashi Trust is seeking an experienced Finance and Administration Manager to oversee the financial management, reporting, and administrative operations of the organisation. This is a full-time position based at the Nkashi Knowledge Centre in Maun, Botswana.

About us

The Nkashi Trust is a Botswana-based conservation organisation dedicated to safeguarding the Okavango Delta and its connected landscapes through research, conservation, education, and community engagement.

Working closely with local communities, government agencies, and conservation partners, Nkashi delivers programmes that support biodiversity conservation, sustainable livelihoods, environmental education, and scientific research. Through the Nkashi Knowledge Centre in Maun, the organisation serves as a hub for conservation learning, collaboration, and impact across northern Botswana.

Reporting Lines

The Finance and Administration Manager reports directly to the Managing Director of Nkashi and works closely with the Finance Director of the Wild Bird Trust.

The role is responsible for the supervision of the Financial Administrator and Office Manager, with oversight of the Procurement Officer.

Job Overview

We are seeking a highly organised and experienced finance professional to lead Nkashi’s financial and administrative functions. The successful candidate will ensure strong financial governance, accurate reporting, effective budgeting, and efficient administration across the organisation.

This role combines financial management, compliance, budgeting, administration, and team leadership. The position requires an individual who is analytical, detail-oriented, solutions-focused, and capable of working independently while supporting a growing conservation organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain strong financial and administrative controls, policies, and procedures
• Oversee accounting processes, including transaction processing, reconciliations, and financial reporting
• Manage payroll, accounts payable, accounts receivable, fixed assets, and cash flow
• Prepare and submit statutory returns and regulatory filings
• Lead annual audits and ensure compliance with financial and legal requirements
• Develop and monitor project budgets, forecasts, and expenditure tracking
• Produce monthly management accounts and financial reports
• Support procurement, asset management, insurance, banking, and risk management processes
• Provide financial guidance and support to managers and project teams
• Maintain accurate administrative and financial records
• Build and maintain strong relationships with auditors, banks, suppliers, and regulatory authorities
• Supervise and support finance and administration staff

Education / Experience

• Postgraduate qualification in Finance, Accounting, Business Administration, or a related field
• Chartered Accountant qualification advantageous
• Minimum of 7 years' proven experience in financial and administrative management
• Experience managing budgets, audits, financial reporting, and compliance functions
• Experience supervising staff and managing organisational systems and processes

Technical Skills

• Strong financial management and accounting expertise
• Experience with budgeting, forecasting, and financial analysis
• Knowledge of statutory and regulatory compliance requirements
• Strong administrative and organisational skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and financial management systems
• Excellent report writing and data analysis skills

Competencies:

• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities
• High levels of integrity, accountability, and professionalism
• Excellent planning, organisational, and budgeting skills
• Entrepreneurial mindset and proactive approach
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities
• Strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills
• Effective leadership and team management capability

Additional Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail and commitment to accuracy
• Ability to work in a dynamic and growing organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Commitment to conservation and non-profit values
• Self-motivated and results-driven

Place of Work/ Working Hours:

The position is based at the Nkashi Knowledge Centre in Matlapana, Maun, Botswana. Occasional travel may be required to support organisational activities and stakeholder engagement.

Application Process:

To apply, please send the following to: careers@wildbirdtrust.co.za and use “Finance and Administration Manager” as the subject line:

• Cover letter outlining your motivation for applying and salary expectations
• Curriculum Vitae including at least three contactable references

Please note: Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

CPP - Landscape Conservation Manager (Hogsback)

The Cape Parrot Project (CPP), a conservation organisation under the Wild Bird Trust, is seeking a field-based Landscape Conservation Manager to support the implementation of its Landscape Conservation Programme across the Cape Parrot’s range. This is a full-time position based in Hogsback, Eastern Cape.

About us

The Cape Parrot Project (CPP) is a conservation non-profit working across the Cape Parrot’s range, with its main base in Hogsback, Eastern Cape. As part of the Wild Bird Trust (WBT), CPP uses the endangered, endemic Cape Parrot as a flagship for safeguarding South Africa’s Mistbelt forest biome.

The Wild Bird Trust implements conservation programmes across South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Angola through its affiliated entities. In South Africa, CPP focuses on research, education, outreach, and landscape-scale conservation action, with an emphasis on forest restoration, ecological monitoring, and community engagement.

CPP’s Landscape Conservation Programme integrates species research with habitat restoration, monitoring, and protection to support the long-term survival of the Cape Parrot and the resilience of Mistbelt Forest ecosystems.

Reporting Lines

The Landscape Conservation Manager will report to the Project Manager and work closely with CPP research and field teams. The role provides scientific and operational leadership to a small field team supporting implementation across the landscape.

Job Overview

We are seeking a scientist who can apply ecological expertise in a practical, applied conservation context. This role combines field ecology, restoration science, spatial analysis, and team leadership.

The successful candidate will lead ecological monitoring and restoration activities, including vegetation surveys, habitat assessments, and spatial analysis using GIS tools. A key focus is supporting implementation of the Cape Parrot & Mistbelt Forest Action Plan.

This is a field-intensive role requiring regular travel to remote forest sites, work in rural environments, and the ability to operate in challenging field conditions. The position requires a balance of scientific rigour, practical field experience, and leadership capacity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and support ecological monitoring and restoration across CPP project sites
• Conduct vegetation surveys and habitat assessments
• Apply GIS and spatial tools to assess forest condition and landscape change
• Support implementation of the Cape Parrot & Mistbelt Forest Action Plan
• Contribute to long-term ecological monitoring frameworks and data systems
• Supervise and support a small field team, ensuring quality control in data collection
• Support field logistics, planning, and execution of surveys and restoration activities
• Contribute to scientific reporting, data analysis, and interpretation of results
• Ensure accurate management of ecological and spatial datasets
• Support adaptive management through evidence-based ecological insights
• Engage with stakeholders across communities, government, and partner organisations

Education / Experience

• PhD in Ecology or related field (required)
• Minimum 2 years’ practical experience in ecological restoration and/or vegetation monitoring
• At least 1 peer-reviewed publication
• Valid driver’s licence with 2+ years’ driving experience (4x4 experience advantageous)
• Eligibility to work in South Africa (no work permits available)

Technical skills

• Strong field ecology and vegetation survey experience
• Proficiency in GIS software (ArcGIS and/or QGIS)
• Experience with ecological and spatial datasets
• Proficiency in R and Microsoft Office / Google Workspace
• Strong analytical, reporting, and scientific writing skills
• GPS navigation and field-based data collection experience

Competencies

• Proven ability to lead or supervise small teams
• Strong problem-solving skills in field environments
• Ability to work independently in remote conditions
• High attention to detail and scientific rigor
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills

Additional attributes

• Willingness to live and work in a remote rural community
• Physical fitness and resilience for fieldwork in rugged conditions
• Adaptability and initiative in dynamic field settings
• Strong commitment to conservation and applied ecological impact
• IsiXhosa and English communication skills advantageous

Place of Work / Working Conditions:

Based in Hogsback, Eastern Cape. The role requires regular travel to remote forest sites across the Cape Parrot’s distribution range. Fieldwork may involve physically demanding conditions, variable weather, and extended time in rural settings. Candidates should carefully consider the lifestyle implications of remote field-based work.

Application Process:

For a more detailed job description, or to apply, please send the following to: susan@wildbirdtrust.com and use “Landscape Conservation Manager” as the subject line:

• Cover letter outlining motivation
• Curriculum Vitae including at least three contactable references

Please note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Applications close at 17:00 on 30 June 2026.