Terms of Reference (ToRs)

Position Title: Program Manager

Duty Station: Gilgit, Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan

Reports to:Director (or as designated)

1. Background

The Snow Leopard Foundation (SLF) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to conserving snow leopards, sympatric carnivores, their wild prey, and critical habitats across northern Pakistan. Our approach integrates ecological research, community-based conservation, capacity building, and awareness-raising initiatives. Ecological research underpins all SLF programs and guides informed conservation action.

SLF employs modern, non-invasive techniques such as camera trapping, genetic sampling, field surveys, and social science tools to assess species presence, distribution, abundance, human-wildlife conflict, and ecosystems services. SLF is seeking a qualified and motivated Lead Scientist to lead and strengthen its research initiatives.

2. Purpose of the Position

The Program Manager will provide strategic and operational leadership for the Snow Leopard Foundation’s Regional Program Office in Gilgit-Baltistan. The incumbent will be responsible for the effective management of regional operations, implementation of conservation and community development programs, staff supervision, stakeholder engagement, donor reporting, research support, monitoring and evaluation, and resource mobilization.

The position will ensure high-quality program delivery, compliance with organizational policies and donor requirements, and strong partnerships with government agencies, communities, academia, development partners, and the private sector.

3. Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership and Management (45%)

• Lead the planning, implementation, monitoring, and reporting of all regional conservation and livelihood programs in accordance with organizational strategies, donor agreements, and annual work plans.
• Manage community-based conservation initiatives including Human-Wildlife Conflict mitigation (predator-proof corrals), Livestock Insurance Schemes, Ecosystem Health Program, Snow Leopard Enterprises, ecosystem restoration, and climate-resilient livelihood interventions.
• Prepare annual, quarterly, monthly work plans and budgets and ensure timely implementation.
• Develop valley conservation and development plans based on socioeconomic assessments and community consultations.
• Ensure timely delivery of project outputs, quality assurance, and achievement of project indicators.
• Identify implementation challenges and develop adaptive management solutions.
• Ensure proper documentation and maintenance of program records and digital databases in accordance with organizational standards.
• Prepare high-quality monthly, quarterly, mid-term, annual, and donor reports.

Regional Office Operations and Administration (20%)

• Provide overall management of the Regional Program Office and ensure efficient day-to-day operations.
• Supervise, mentor, and evaluate regional staff and consultants.
• Ensure compliance with organizational policies, financial procedures, procurement guidelines, safeguarding requirements, and donor regulations.
• Support activity budgeting, financial forecasting, expenditure monitoring, and operational planning.
• Coordinate logistics, procurement, office administration, and asset management.
• Ensure effective coordination between regional and head office teams.

Partnerships, Community Engagement, and Capacity Building (15%)

• Establish and maintain productive partnerships with government departments, local communities, civil society organizations, academia, donors, development partners, and the private sector.
• Lead community mobilization, organization, awareness campaigns, and participatory planning processes.
• Coordinate capacity-building initiatives for community organizations, women groups, youth, Wildlife Department staff, teachers, and other stakeholders.
• Represent the organization at meetings, workshops, conferences, and official forums.

Research, Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (10%)

• Support ecological and socio-economic research activities by facilitating planning, permits, logistics, and field coordination.
• Coordinate with the Monitoring & Evaluation team to collect, verify, analyse, and synthesize program data.
• Maintain project databases, impact tracking sheets, and documentation.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making through lessons learned, case studies, and knowledge products.
• Contribute to publications, technical reports, and strategic documents.

Resource Mobilization and Business Development (10%)

• Identify funding opportunities and contribute to the development of concept notes, technical proposals, and donor submissions.
• Maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective donors and partners.
• Support program expansion and development of new conservation initiatives in Gilgit-Baltistan.
• Contribute to organizational visibility through success stories, communication materials, and outreach initiatives.

Qualification:

• Master’s degree (or higher) in Conservation Biology, Natural Resource Management, Environmental Sciences, Forestry, Wildlife Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a closely related discipline.

Experience:

• Minimum 3–5 years of progressively responsible professional experience in conservation, natural resource management, community development, or rural livelihood programs.
• Demonstrated experience managing donor-funded conservation or development projects.
• Experience working with local communities and government agencies in remote mountain landscapes is highly desirable.
• Experience supervising multidisciplinary teams is preferred.
• Experience in proposal development and donor reporting will be an advantage.

Required Competencies and Skills

Technical Competencies
• Strong understanding of community-based conservation approaches.
• Knowledge of biodiversity conservation, protected area management, ecosystem restoration, and climate resilience.
• Experience implementing Human-Wildlife Conflict mitigation and community livelihood interventions.
• Sound understanding of project cycle management.
• Familiarity with Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL) systems.
• Knowledge of donor compliance and reporting requirements.
• Understanding of socioeconomic surveys and participatory rural appraisal techniques.

Management Competencies

• Excellent leadership and team management skills.
• Strong planning, coordination, and organizational abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Ability to work independently under minimum supervision.

Communication Skills

• Excellent report writing and documentation skills.
• Strong planning, coordination, and organizational abilities.
• Excellent presentation and facilitation skills.
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Urdu.
• Knowledge of local languages of Gilgit-Baltistan will be considered an asset.

Computer Skills

Personal Attributes

Key Performance Indicators (KIPs)

The Program Manager’s performance will be assessed against:
• Timely delivery of approved work plans and project milestones.
• Achievement of project outputs and conservation outcomes.
• Quality and timeliness of donor and organizational reports.
• Financial and operational compliance.
• Effective management and development of regional staff.
• Quality of stakeholder engagement and partnerships.
• Success in proposal development and resource mobilization.
• Data quality, documentation, and knowledge management.
• Community satisfaction and organizational representation.


Remuneration


A competitive salary will be offered based on qualifications and experience, in line with SLF’s HR policies.

Application Process


Interested candidates are invited to send a cover letter, detailed CV, and contact information for three referees to: info@slf.org.pk
Deadline for applications: August 25, 2026

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for test and interview.

 


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