ICCN Kicks Off Rangers Recruitment at Upemba National Park

Communication
Apr 25
2 min read

The Congolese Institute for Nature Conservation (ICCN) has launched its annual recruitment drive for a new cohort of rangers to bolster protection efforts at Upemba National Park. The recruitment campaign, now underway across several locations in Haut-Lomami, Haut-Katanga and Lualaba provinces, is part of a broader initiative to strengthen the park’s frontline defenses against poaching, illegal fishing, and other threats to its biodiversity.

As one of the country’s oldest and most ecologically diverse protected areas, Upemba spans more than 13,000 square kilometers and shelters rare wildlife including savannah elephants, wild zebras, and species found nowhere else in the world.

Prospective recruits, aged between 18 and 25, are undergoing a multi-phase selection process that includes physical fitness assessments and background checks. According to the park’s management, applicants must demonstrate good moral character, a willingness to work under pressure, and strict adherence to paramilitary discipline.

“We are looking for individuals who are committed to protecting this extraordinary ecosystem,” said Director Innocent Mburanumwe (Deputy Site Manager, UNP). “It’s not just a job, but a mission that demands resilience, courage, and integrity.”

Candidates who pass the initial screening will be called to Lusinga for formal training, where they will learn the skills necessary to patrol, monitor, and enforce conservation laws within the park. The ICCN has reiterated that the process is entirely free of charge and warned that any attempt to engage in bribery will result in immediate disqualification.

Applications are being accepted both in person and via email, with female candidates particularly encouraged to apply in a push for gender inclusion in conservation roles. The recruitment marks a critical step in ensuring the long-term protection of Upemba’s landscapes and the communities that depend on them.