Edwin Tambara

About Edwin Tambara

I am a mission-driven leader with over 15 years of experience at the intersection of conservation, development, and climate action across Africa and North America. My work has spanned field-based implementation to high-level policy influence, with a consistent focus on aligning strategy, systems, and people to deliver lasting impact for both communities and nature. Throughout my career, I have led the design and oversight of multi-donor, cross-sectoral programs exceeding, while building resilient teams. I bring deep experience in program management and oversight, conservation strategy, organizational leadership, fundraising, government relations, and program development—along with a strong commitment to values-based leadership and inclusive, community-led solutions. I thrive on navigating complexity—whether facilitating strategic dialogue between country teams, donors, and technical leads, or contributing to policy milestones that bring about conducive environment and opportunities for change. I have developed the skills and judgment to guide bold conversations, drive innovation, and steward change. What motivates me most is the opportunity to help shape conservation systems that are locally grounded, globally relevant, and inherently just. I am passionate about empowering the next generation of leaders, particularly young people and underrepresented voices, and regularly create spaces for their contributions to be seen, valued, and scaled. As a speaker and storyteller, I believe in the power of narrative to build empathy and drive change. Whether engaging decision-makers or grassroots partners, I strive to connect the dots between ideas, actions, and outcomes—and to help others do the same.

Experience

1. Director Global Leadership

   African Wildlife Foundation

   Feb 2021 — Present · Washington, DC, US

Education

• University of Zimbabwe

  BSc Hounours, Ecology and conservation

  2005 — 2008

• Vainona High School

  A-Level MBG

  2002 — 2004

• University of Zimbabwe

  MPhil, Ecology and Conservation

  2009 — 2011

• The African Leadership University

  Master of Business Administration - MBA, Business Administration and Management, General

  2017 — 2019

• Kinship Conservation Fellows

  Fellowship, Market Based Approaches for Conservation

  2016 — 2016

Skills

• Climate Change
• Sustainability
• Environmental Science
• Environmental Policy
• Biology
• Ecology
• Biodiversity
• Environmental Impact Assessment
• Natural Resource Management
• Report Writing
• Entomology
• Sustainable Development
• Zoology
• Environmental Awareness
• Field Work
• Microbiology
• Evolutionary Biology
• Research
• Science
• Microsoft Excel
• Conservation Issues
• Wildlife