Position Title: Data Manager
Location: CSL Head Office, Mfuwe, Zambia
Reports to: Head of Data and Technology
Member of: Middle Management Team
Key working relationships: CEO, Head of Data and Technology, Head of Resource Protection
Terms: This is a full-time role. A competitive salary based on experience will be offered.
Conservation South Luangwa (CSL) has worked in partnership with Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) since 2003 to protect wildlife and habitats across the South Luangwa ecosystem. Its integrated conservation work spans wildlife protection and law enforcement, community engagement, human-wildlife coexistence, and wildlife veterinary and rescue services.
As CSL’s program and operational activities generate increasing volumes of information, reliable data is essential to effective planning, coordination and decision-making. The Data Manager will ensure that information is systematically collected, quality assured, managed, analyzed and translated into practical outputs, with a primary focus on strengthening DNPW and CSL law-enforcement and HWC planning and operations, while supporting wider organizational reporting and decision making.
Purpose of the Role
The primary purpose of the Data Manager role is to strengthen the collection, management, analysis and use of reliable data to support DNPW and CSL law-enforcement and HWC planning and operations across the South Luangwa National Park and its surrounding Game Management Areas.
The Data Manager will coordinate key aspects of the CSL/DNPW SMART data system including patrol debriefings, data transfers, training, quality assurance, analysis, mapping and reporting. The role will work closely with DNPW officers and staff, Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC), CSL Resource Protection Department and the Head of Data and Technology to ensure that field information is accurately captured, processed and available for operational use.
Key Responsibilities
Data Systems and Quality Management
- Develop, maintain and coordinate reliable data systems supporting CSL and DNPW law-enforcement & HWC operations.
- Coordinate the collection, transfer, cleaning, verification and secure storage of field data, with particular responsibility for SMART datasets.
- Conduct SMART patrol debriefs and work closely with DNPW personnel and CSL field teams to ensure data is complete, accurate and submitted on time.
- Review datasets and resolve errors, inconsistencies, missing information and other data-quality issues.
- Maintain well-organized databases, spreadsheets, digital records and appropriate systems for data backup, archiving and documentation.
- Manage and monitor SMART Mobile devices and other digital data-collection platforms, ensuring they are appropriately configured, maintained and available for field use.
- Maintain accurate records and inventories of data-collection equipment, including SMART devices, GPS units, InReach devices, radios and associated equipment.
- Ensure sensitive law-enforcement, HWC and organizational information is managed securely, confidentially and in accordance with DNPW and CSL procedures.
- Identify opportunities to improve data systems, workflows and quality control processes and provide practical solutions.
Analysis, Mapping and Reporting
- Analyze law-enforcement and other conservation data using Microsoft Excel, GIS and other appropriate analytical tools to identify trends, patterns, gaps and areas requiring management attention.
- Produce clear tables, charts, dashboards, maps and visualizations that support operational planning, management and reporting.
- Prepare and maintain maps of patrol activities, wildlife observations, incidents, interventions and other relevant information using QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth or comparable platforms.
- Prepare timely monthly and quarterly data summaries, reports and presentations and compile verified information for internal, partner and donor reporting.
- Translate technical and spatial data into clear, practical information for DNPW officers, CSL management and other non-technical audiences.
- Provide analysis and data products that support intelligence-led law-enforcement planning, resource allocation and operational decision-making.
Team Support & Capacity Building
- Work directly with DNPW officers and staff and CSL field teams to strengthen data collection, management and use.
- Provide training, guidance and technical support to users of SMART, GPS and other digital data systems when required.
- Support field teams with data collection, verification and troubleshooting during field operations.
- Identify data management, IT and technical capacity gaps and recommend practical solutions.
- Develop and maintain simple user guides, data-collection procedures and SOPs to promote consistent data practices.
- Undertake regular field visits to remote areas to provide training, equipment maintenance, data verification and monitoring.
- Work collaboratively with the Head of Data and Technology and relevant CSL and DNPW personnel to improve the effective use of data and technology across the organization.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resource Management, Information Systems, Computer Science, Data Science or a related field.
- Strong working knowledge of advanced Microsoft Excel, including formulas, charts and dashboards.
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and general IT systems.
- Practical experience in data management, analysis, quality assurance and M&E.
- Experience with SMART, GIS, GPS or digital data-collection systems is highly desirable.
- Knowledge of QGIS, ArcGIS, Google Earth and Kobo Toolbox is an advantage.
- Knowledge of Power BI, R, Python, SQL or similar analytical, database or visualization tools is an advantage.
- Experience working with government agencies, conservation organizations or field-based operational teams is desirable.
- Experience in wildlife conservation, protected-area management, law enforcement, human-wildlife conflict or field-based data collection is an advantage. Strong report writing and presentation skills.
- Willingness and ability to travel regularly to remote field locations and work in challenging field conditions.
- A valid manual driver’s license and passport are an advantage.
Core Competencies
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
- Strong organization and analytical thinking, with the ability to manage data, deadlines and competing priorities.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with DNPW officers, CSL staff and external partners.
- Teamwork and cross-cultural awareness, particularly when working across government, conservation and field-based teams.
- Problem solving and initiative, with the ability to remain effective under pressure and develop practical solutions.
- Independence and reliability, with the ability to work with minimal supervision while contributing effectively to a team.
- Integrity, discretion and confidentiality when handling sensitive law-enforcement information and organizational data.
- Adaptability and resilience, including the ability to work effectively in remote and challenging field environments.
- Professionalism and accountability, with a strong commitment to data quality and responsible use of organizational resources.
- Commitment to CSL’s mission and values, particularly wildlife conservation, protected-area management, HWC and law enforcement.
How to Apply
Interested candidates should send the following documents to jobs@cslzambia.com ensuring the subject line states “CSL Data Manager”.
Applicants should submit:
- A CV of not more than 2 pages.
- A cover letter of not more than 1 page, addressed to the Head of Data and Technology, demonstrating how their qualifications, technical skills and experience meet the requirements of the position and explaining why they are interested in the role.
- The cover letter should include the applicant’s salary expectations and earliest possible start date.
- Copies of relevant academic qualifications and transcripts.
- Three contactable professional referees, including a short description of the working relationship and their contact details.
Application deadline: 13th September 2026
CSL is committed to high standards of integrity, safeguarding, accountability and professional conduct. The successful candidate will be expected to uphold CSL’s Code of Conduct and relevant organisational policies.
CSL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from suitably qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds.
Applicants must have the right to work in Zambia or be able to clearly demonstrate their eligibility to obtain the necessary work authorisation.
Due to the expected volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. CSL regrets that it will not be able to respond to applicants who are not shortlisted.
