Community Conservation Officer (Senior)

COMMUNITY CONSERVATION OFFICER (SENIOR)

Conservation South Luangwa,

Mfuwe

Conservation South Luangwa works in collaboration with Department of National Parks and Wildlife and Community Resource Boards to help protect wildlife in the South Luangwa Ecosystem (SLE). Conservation South Luangwa supports Community-based Scouts for law enforcement in South Luangwa National Park by providing training, salaries, rations, and patrol equipment. The vision of Conservation South Luangwa is the long-term survival of wildlife and habitats in South Luangwa under the custodianship of the Zambian people (www.cslzambia.org).

Frankfurt Zoological Society conserves wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long-term conservation programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. The Africa Programme is FZS’ largest and oldest and is active in five focal countries: The Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe (www.fzs.org). FZS Zambia (FZS-Z) has been active in the North Luangwa Ecosystem since 1986 working to support effective and efficient protected area management, with a focus on law enforcement and community outreach.

FZS and CSL are partnering on a USAID funded project that will lever private sector partner resources and expertise to achieve integrated outcomes for biodiversity conservation, economic prosperity, human well-being, and governance in and around key Game Management Areas in the Luangwa Valley. As part of this project, FZS and CSL seek to employ a community conservation officer (Senior), employed by FZS but seconded to CSL in Mfuwe, to work in local chiefdoms to improve governance in natural resource management CBOs, particularly CRBs as well as support other outreach activities such as Human wildlife Interactions, village land use planning and community fisheries management, as budgets allow.

COMMUNITY CONSERVATION OFFICER (Senior), Conservation South Luangwa

1. Job title: Community Conservation Officer

2. Reporting to:

Conservation South Luangwa, but coordinating closely with the FZS Community Outreach Manager on technical aspects

Working Closely with:

DNPW Area Warden

DNPW Extension Officer

3. Location/Station

Mfuwe working in the Chiefdoms of Nsefu, Kakumbi, and Malama but will be required to work at other locations as the job requires.

4. Objective

This is a middle-management field-based position to implement and help improve a consistent and effective bottom-up community engagement programme with the custodian communities in the Chiefdoms of the Game Management Areas around Mfuwe in South Luangwa National Park. This is in line with the partnership between CSL and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

5. Duties

The Community Conservation Officer Senior shall be responsible for smooth implementation of field activities for the community outreach services. Specifically, the duties shall be as follows:

a. Integration and strengthening of community natural resources management institutions

• Strengthen the governance of Community Resources Boards (CRB) and Village Action Groups (VAG) by:
• Strengthen the capacity of CRB and VAG to monitor wildlife and participate in quota setting.
• Build and maintain positive relationships, liaison and collaboration with chiefs and district authorities locally and with relevant Ministries, civil society and partners locally.
• Ensure regular and close communication, coordination and involvement with Government departments (DNPW, FD, MOA, DOF, council etc.)
• Support the roll out of Grievance procedures mechanism and its ongoing functionality between community members and other stakeholders.

b. Improve and strengthen natural resource management by communities in the target area

• Facilitate and support community-based conservation initiatives around wildlife protection, human/wildlife interaction management, Fisheries management groups, and other natural resource

c. General

• Adhere to annual budgets, following NGO and donor financial management policy and procedures for proper and transparent use of project funds;
• Ensure responsible use and care of any project assets and equipment assigned to the community outreach team, including vehicles for field teams.
• To attend such meetings, seminars and conferences as may be directed to do;
• Work closely with the office of the DNPW Area Warden, and other DNPW/FD/DOF staff within the operational area;
• Perform any other duties that may be delegated in line with CSL/ FZS strategy.
• The Community Conservation Officer is expected to be competent in each of the following areas and exhibit these competencies while carrying out their duties;

Teamwork, Initiatives, Problem analysis, Planning and organising, Management control, Flexibility,
Honest and reliable, show respect and fairness when dealing with others

6. Experience and qualifications

The position holder shall:

• A Bachelor’s degree in social science, wildlife management, community development or rural development will be an added advantage.
• At least 3 years of practical field experience in working with rural communities.
• Must possess fair knowledge and workings of CBNRM, principles of good governance, and general wildlife and natural resources management in Zambia
• Hold a minimum of a class B (manual) Zambian Driver’s licence
• Clear understanding of existing natural resources and wildlife policies; legal frameworks and legislation
• Practical experience working with traditional authorities will be an added advantage.
• Strong governance and livelihoods skills will be an advantage.

Other attributes:

• Self-motivated, disciplined and determined to work within the flexibility nature of the work
• Good communication skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a rural setting
• Ability to work as team
• Ability to adhere to work ethics

APPLICATION PROCESS

Only candidates who meet the specified qualifications should apply. Please submit an application with the following:

1. Cover Letter – 1-page description of why you are suitable for the CCO (Senior) role

2. Curriculum Vitae (CV) – 3 pages describing your experience, qualifications and 3 traceable referees.

Send via email the stated documentation only (4 pages) (NO NRCs, NO Driving Licenses, NO certificates) to [email protected], make sure you indicate in the email subject line the position you are applying for or drop your applications at the Frankfurt Zoological Society / Department of National Parks and Wildlife Offices in Mpika.  Note that your cover letter and CV must be emailed as a single document.

Applications should be addressed to: The Community Outreach Manager, North Luangwa Conservation Programme, Frankfurt Zoological Society, P.O Box 450189, Mpika

Closing Date: 29th November, 2022 at 23:59. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

Only shortlisted candidates will be notified. FZS-NLCP is an equal opportunity employer, and everyone is free to apply. Women and custodian residents of Chikwa, Chifunda, Mukungule and Nabwalya Chiefdoms are encouraged to apply.