Consultant, Project Manager AP-CAR

POSITION : Consultant, Project Manager AP-CAR
ORGANISATION : African Parks – RCA
LOCATION : Bangui / Central African Republic
DURATION OF THE CONTRACT : Tree (3) Months
REPORTING TO : Park Manager & FOM
EXPECTED START DATE : As soon as possible
BACKGROUND:
African Parks (AP) is a not-for-profit conservation organisation that takes full responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks currently manages 23 national parks and protected areas in 13 countries, covering more than 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Zambia, South Sudan and Zimbabwe.
In eastern Central African Republic (CAR), African Parks has been working for over 10 years to restore and manage the Chinko Conservation Area (CCA), which covers over 55,000 km² with a core conservation area of 24,300 km². The CCA is situated at the heart of a larger wilderness with no human settlement, covering 200,000 km² straddling CAR, South Sudan and Sudan, linking the forests of the Congo Basin with Sahelian ecosystems in a single ecotone. Despite the many challenges inherent of the operating context (political instability, cross-border transhumance, deforestation, remoteness), African Parks has succeeded in building robust and resilient management systems within a protected area that is now recognized for the innovation developed in terms of peaceful transhumance management (TANGO teams), land-use planning, fire management, and carbon finance. In this context, the management and development of a substantial and diversified funding portfolio is essential to continue the restoration of key species (elephants, northern lion, wild dog, leopard, chimpanzee, Giant eland, bongo, etc.) and to support inclusive local development based on the sustainable harvest of natural resources.
JOB OVERVIEW:
African Parks – RCA, engaged in the protection and rehabilitation of the Chinko Conservation Area in the Central African Republic, is seeking a dynamic Consultant – Project Manager for a short-term 3-month contract.
The Consultant will be responsible for leading and coordinating the preparatory phase for the construction of the new African Parks – RCA Headquarters in Bangui. The proposed facility will include:

Office space for approximately 30 staffs

Accommodation for approximately 20 staffs

Garage and parking areas

Depot and related support infrastructure

Any other infrastructure that will be deemed necessary during the preparatory design phase.

The Consultant will act as the focal point for all project stakeholders, ensuring that all necessary documentation, approvals, and design elements are completed to African Parks’ standards and aligned with the long-term vision for the Chinko Conservation Area.
KEY FUNCTIONS & RESPONSIBILITIES :
Stakeholder Coordination

Liaise with Park Management Units, governmental bodies, and other relevant authorities to obtain all required permits and authorizations for construction.

Ensure that all documentation/permits are aligned with the PPP documentation.

Ensure timely communication and alignment between stakeholders.

Design Development

Draft concept notes for the new HQ in line with African Parks’ design guidelines and long-term operational vision.

Work closely with appointed architect to develop architectural designs, including 3D visualisations and layout plans.

Ensure designs incorporate functional requirements and sustainable building practices.

Technical Documentation

Coordinate the development of structural drawings, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing) drawings, and other technical documentation as required.

Ensure all designs are in compliance with local regulations and African Parks’ internal standards.

Project Planning & Costing

Prepare a detailed Bill of Quantities (BOQ) covering civil works, MEP works, and other construction components.

Develop a Gantt chart outlining project timelines and milestones.

Conduct a Return on Investment (ROI) analysis based on current expenses and projected efficiencies from the new HQ.

Contractor Identification

Research and compile a list of qualified potential contractors for the execution of the works, including pre-qualification assessment where applicable.

DELIVERABLES
Architectural & Technical Designs:

Complete and approved architectural design drawings for the HQ, including MEP drawings.

Project Planning Documents:

Detailed BOQ (civil & MEP works), Gantt chart, and ROI analysis report.

Permits & Authorizations:

All required documentation and authorizations from relevant ministries and authorities to proceed with construction.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).

Minimum 5 years’ experience in project management for medium to large-scale construction projects, ideally in remote or developing country contexts.

Proven experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and liaising with government agencies for permits and compliance.

Strong understanding of MEP systems and integration into civil works.

Demonstrated ability to prepare BOQs, project schedules, and ROI analyses.

Proficiency in relevant design and project management software (AutoCAD, MS Project, etc.).

ROLE REQUIREMENTS

Ability to work under pressure and deliver results within tight timelines.

Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.

Fluency in English and French (written and spoken) is essential.

Willingness to be based in Bangui with potential travel to Chinko or other sites.

Familiarity with conservation sector operations is an advantage.

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