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Business Development & Sustainability Manager

at Forgotten Parks
Published November 20, 2025
Location Upemba National Park, Congo, the Democratic Republic of the
Category Management  
Job Type Full Time  

Description

Position Summary:

We are looking for a dynamic young professional with a background in economics, business development, and project management to strengthen the financial sustainability of Upemba National Park. This role will focus primarily on devising and implementing innovative, long-term revenue streams for the park—while also supporting project management, fundraising, and the introduction of tools and systems that enhance efficiency.

Key Responsibilities

Development of Sustainable Revenue Streams
Identify and design innovative models to generate revenues for the park (eco-enterprises, hydropower partnerships, tourism concessions, private sector collaborations).
Develop feasibility studies, business plans, and joint ventures aligned with conservation and community objectives.
Advise on governance frameworks for revenue-generating facilities and partnerships.
Build capacity within the park team to manage and grow enterprises that contribute to long-term sustainability.
Explore innovative financial mechanisms (trust funds, blended finance, green bonds, payment for ecosystem services).
Project Management

Manage key projects in Upemba in collaboration with departmental heads.
Prepare project timelines and plans with clear responsibilities.
Ensure commitments and deadlines are met, maintaining quality, scope, and budget.
Introduce and oversee the use of project management tools and provide training.
Produce regular project reports for management, donors, and partners.
Fundraising and Donor Engagement

Assist in preparing funding proposals, reports, and presentations.
Manage submission timelines and donor deadlines.
Support donor prospecting and outreach to diversify funding sources.
Provide strategic input on aligning fundraising activities with long-term revenue generation strategies.
Requirements:

Degree in Economics, Business Administration, Finance, or related field.
Strong knowledge of business planning, joint ventures, and financial mechanisms.
Experience in project management and fundraising.
Entrepreneurial mindset with proven ability to innovate and problem-solve.
Excellent communication, partnership-building, and reporting skills.
Willingness and ability to live and work in demanding field conditions in Southeastern DR Congo (Grand Katanga)
Fluency in spoken and written French and English
Interest in conservation, sustainable development, and community impact.
Preferred:

Previous working experience in relation to DRC and/or Africa is preferred
Private sector experience in a high-pressure environment is preferred
Also:

Have a passion for conservation and development work, and what Forgotten Parks is striving to achieve in and around Upemba
Have common sense and be a creative thinker; not afraid to try something new
Able to motivate and inspire others, and keen to share knowledge and skills
Have a very high level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness
Have a strong work ethic and require minimal direction
Work well independently as well as part of a team

Please send your application including a cover letter and a chronological CV in PDF format. The cover letter will be used to judge the quality of your application.