Liuwa Camp – Camp Manager African Parks

Position title: Liuwa Camp – Camp manager

Location: Liuwa Plain National Park, Zambia

Starting date: 10 July 2023

Duration : Initial 1 Year Contract

Overview:

Liuwa Camp will be a newly built camp in Liuwa Plain National Park. Zambia and will be managed by the non-profit organization African Parks, on a long-term basis, to protect its wildlife and uplift the surrounding local communities for the ecological, financial and social sustainability of the park. Under African Parks’ management since 2003, Liuwa Plain has one of the oldest conservation histories in Africa, dating back to the 19^th century when the King of Barotseland, Lubosi Lewanika, appointed his people as custodians of the landscape. However, by the early 2000s, decades of unsustainable land use, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict resulted in a steep decline of wildebeest and zebra; the grasslands were threatened by agriculture, and just one lioness remained. In 2003, African Parks was invited by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) and the Barotse Royal Establishment to join them in helping ensure the King’s legacy. In 2008, African Parks began a series of lion reintroductions, followed by eland and buffalo to provide a healthy prey base for the growing predator populations. As a result of effective law enforcement, poaching levels subsided and community land use plans were implemented, along with sustainable fish harvesting and other community projects, providing alternative livelihoods for local people. Today, the park hosts the second-largest wildebeest migration in Africa, serves as a stronghold for hyaena, cheetah, lions and wild dogs, and is designated as an Important Bird Area. Liuwa Plain is the largest employer in the region and provides critical educational and health benefits to its approximately 12,000 community members – demonstrating a unique synergy between people and wildlife.

The camp would be designed on an eight-unit concept with main area tent and back of house kitchen, storage and staff accommodation.

• 6 single units en suite
• 2 Family units en suite

It will be a total of 16 adult beds and 4 child beds. The camp will be semi permanent and employ within budget, the latest technology in light touch infrastructure, power, refrigeration and alternative energy where possible. This camp will be designed to be installed in 3 months.

Role and Responsibilities:

The role and responsibilities are wide and varying due to the location and environment. They include but are not limited to the following:

1. Camp Management

• Overall responsibility for the running of the camp to a high standard of service
• Delivery of a world class tourism product synonymous with African Parks
• Management of up to 16 local staff including refresher training and upskilling
• Daily hosting of the clients in conjunction with private guides, donor account managers and from time to time senior park management
• Adherence to the Expenditure budget

2. Logistics

• Movement and setup of Liuwa Camp depending on access and water levels
• Logistics and procurement of camp supplies
• Liaison with APN Commercial for trip itineraries.
• In country logistics for guests between Kalabo and Liuwa Camp.
• Accurate and careful pack up of camp at season end.

3. Reporting

• Monthly expenditure reporting
• Inventory reports
• Producing client trip reports
• Maintaining and improving the CRM records

4. Reporting Lines
   • Operational execution and Logistics:
     • Commercial Development manager
     • Park Management
   • Product design, delivery and reporting:
     • Commercial Development Manager

A comfortable but basic tented accommodation will be provided.

Role requirements:

• A practical, adaptable, enthusiastic and independent manager with luxury camp and F&B management experience
• At least 5 years experience living and operating in remote safari locations
• Excellent planning and organizational skills
• Strong initiative and creativity
• Team player who share ideas and learning with others
• Professional with a sense of fun
• Excellent ability to build and manage relationships with a wide variety of people and cultures
• Computer literate
• Fluent in English and Lozi

Key relationships

1. Park Management Team in Liuwa Plain National Park
2. Commercial Development Manager
3. Tourism Supervisor

Summary

This is a unique opportunity to be part of the leading conservation organization in Africa. Liuwa Camp will be a flag ship product of African Parks. The aim is that we can drive much needed revenue for the park operations and ultimately significant funding can be raised to help drive conservation at scale in Africa.