1.0. INTRODUCTION – WWF ZAMBIA
WWF is an independent conservation organization, with over 38 million followers and a global network active through local leadership in over 100 countries, WWF Zambia was established in 1962. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which people live in harmony with nature, by conserving the world’s biological diversity, ensuring that the use of renewable natural resources is sustainable and promoting the reduction of pollution and wasteful consumption.
At its core, WWF Zambia envisions a future where both people and nature thrive. The organization works across key thematic areas: Biodiversity, Food Systems and Green Economy and Climate Action. WWF Zambia operates in three key landscapes: the Kavango Zambezi Transfrontier Conservation Area, the Kafue System, and the Upper Zambezi. These landscapes are critical for sustaining biodiversity, supporting livelihoods, and enhancing climate resilience. Driven by science, advocacy, and multi-sector partnerships, WWF Zambia catalyzes impactful solutions that ensure communities benefit from healthy ecosystems while safeguarding vital habitats for future generations.
WWF is hiring for the two (02) roles listed below:
2.0. PROJECT MANAGER – ENVIRONMENTAL GOVERNANCE AND
COMMUNITY BASED RESTORATION
Location : North-Western Province of Zambia
2.1. MAJOR FUNCTIONS
The Project Manager will oversee and have overall responsibility for effective and efficient delivery of a multi-year, multi-stakeholder programme of work addressing the social, environmental and livelihood impacts of critical minerals mining. The role will focus on project coordination, stakeholder engagement, and delivery of agreed outputs in areas of High Conservation Value in the Upper Zambezi landscape in Zambia.
2.2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
A. Project Planning, Coordination, and Delivery
• Lead the planning, implementation, and day-to-day management of all project activities.
• Ensure activities meet quality standards and are delivered on time, within scope and budget, in line with approved logical frameworks and annual workplans, and in alignment with stakeholder expectations.
• Support technical teams in the facilitation of fieldwork actvities, ensuring timely execution within agreed timelines and budgets.
• Coordinate closely with project staff and implementing partners (local organisations / Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), consultants, government agencies, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) centres, academic institutions) to ensure coherent delivery across work packages.
• Represent WWF during external meetings and workshops.
B. Technical Oversight and Quality Assurance
• Provide technical oversight for all project activities.
• Ensure gender, youth and social inclusion are meaningfully integrated across all activities.
• Ensure Free, Prior and Informed Consent (FPIC) processes are applied consistently and ethically, supported by the Environment and Community Engagement Officer.
• Ensure Environmental Social Safeguard Frameworks (ESSF) are applied consistently and ethically, supported by the Monitoring and Evaluation/ESSF Officer.
C. Stakeholder Engagement and Partnership Management
Serve as the primary lead point for the project with respect to engagement with:
• Government institutions (parastatals, agencies, district authorities, line ministries).
• Traditional authorities and community leadership supported by the Environment and Community Engagement Officer.
• Civil Society Organisations and local/community-based groups supported by the Environment and Community Engagement Officer.
• Private sector actors.
• Facilitate inclusive multistakeholder engagement platforms and awareness-raising activities at community, district, provincial, and national levels, supported by the Environment and Community Engagement Officer.
• Support dialogue and trust-building between communities, private sector, and government actors, supported by the Community Engagement Officer.
D. Strategic Planning, Budget & Risk Management
• Working closely with the finance team, monitor project budgets, ensuring alignment with donor requirements and internal financial policies.
• Working closely with the finance team, coordinate and monitor the preparation of project forecasts and tracking of actual spending, while ensuring that scope and schedule are within budget.
• Identify potential risks (such as geopolitical events, market shifts, technological changes and local communities) related to scope, operations, reputation and budget; escalate and communicate risk factors to office and regional leadership as needed.
• Maintain risk register throughout the project life cycle.
• Coordinate with WWF-Germany project management team and relevant WWF-Zambia management team to review requests for activities and budget revisions, realignments and other grant modifications.
• Ensure FPIC and ESSF standards are applied throughout implementation according to organisational policies.
• Escalate issues proactively and support conflict-sensitive approaches.
E. Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
• Serve as the primary point of contact for both internal and external stakeholders relevant to the project activities.
• Ensure effective communication and foster collaboration with project teams, partners, and external stakeholders to support conservation goals and long-term sustainable development.
• Provide regular updates to internal leadership, and other key stakeholders to ensure alignment and transparency.
• Develop and manage stakeholder engagement plans, collaborating with partners, mining companies, government agencies, and communities to enable project implementation and incorporate their insights.
• Facilitate meetings, workshops, events, and presentations, and prepare reports accordingly.
• Represent WWF-Zambia in various forum, conferences, and meetings to communicate conservation priorities.
• Establish and maintain effective relationships with key programmatic counterparts at WWF-Zambia and WWF-Germany.
F. Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning (MEL)
• Oversee project execution to ensure alignment with contractual obligations and donor expectations.
• Effectively manage assigned project(s), monitor and report on progress and achievements using relevant KPIs and program management frameworks, supported by the Monitoring and Evaluation/ESSF Officer and Environment and Community Engagement Officer.
• Ensure accurate data collection, documentation, and reporting of outputs, outcomes, and lessons learned, supported by the Monitoring and Evaluation/ESSF Officer and Environment and Community Engagement Officer
• Conduct project evaluations at close-out and document key lessons learned.
• Prepare donor reports, internal updates, and presentations that effectively communicate project progress, achievements, and outcomes
• Ensure accurate and up-to-date maintenance of all project documentation, including work plans, progress reports, risk registers, presentations, and meeting minutes.
• Coordinate annual project review meetings and contribute to adaptive management processes.
G. Reporting and Communication
• Prepare high-quality narrative and technical reports for internal management, donors, and consortium partners.
• Contribute to policy briefs, communication materials and knowledge products for national, regional, and international dissemination.
• Coordinate with communications teams to ensure visibility, messaging alignment, and stakeholder outreach.
2.3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in environmental management, Environmental Conservation, Natural Resources Management, Development Studies, Social Sciences, or a related field.
The Master’s degree requirement may be waived for candidates with a relevant Bachelor’s degree and a strong, demonstrable track record of professional experience in related roles.
Experience
● Minimum of 5 years’ experience in natural resources governance, environmental/ natural resource management, development, forest conservation and management, environmental or conservation management, livelihoods and rural development, development studies, bioregional planning, or other relevant fields.
● Minimum of 5 years’ of progressively responsible experience managing complex development or conservation programmes or projects in Zambia in NGOs or private sector governance.
● Proven experience in forest and/ or freshwater restoration is desirable.
● Proven experience managing donor-funded projects, such as development aid agencies, with strong reporting and compliance requirements.
● Experience of working in multi-cultural environment and international organisations.
● Project management certification is advantageous.
● Proven experience of leading teams to a shared vision and achieving project objectives.
Required Knowledge
• Familiarity with the topic of mining, specifically on critical mineral supply chains, with a focus on environmental and social risks and safeguards is desirable.
• Solid knowledge of land and environmental governance policies, and other relevant topics.
• Knowledge of Zambia mining policy, regulatory frameworks, ESG standards, and environmental and social safeguards are advantageous.
• Working knowledge of environmental conservation and forest as well as freshwater restoration, livelihoods and natural resource management matters and principles
• Demonstrated ability to engage and collaborate effectively with government, private sector, civil society, and local communities using inclusive, rights-based approaches.
Skills and Competencies:
● Strong project management, team coordination and leadership skills.
● Experience managing consultants and third-party vendors.
● Excellent multi-sectoral stakeholder facilitation and negotiation abilities is desirable.
● Strong analytical, reporting and documentation skills.
● Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
● Ability to work independently and in multi-country, multicultural teams.
● Excellent written and spoken English is required.
● Fluency in spoken and primary local language in priority project locations is an added advantage.
● Excellent presentation and communication skills, both oral and written English.
● Willingness to undertake frequent travel to rural and remote locations.
● Working under pressure, with minimum supervision and under tight deadlines.
● Strategic thinking with strong problem-solving skills and risk management skills.
● Hands on knowledge on forest, freshwater and/or riparian restoration is an advantage.
2.4. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
• WWF Zambia: Works closely with the Conservation Director Zambia, Initiative leads, Landscape Managers, relevant Practice Leaders, their core teams, Zambia Country Office Leadership Team. Engage with and support WWF-Zambia staff.
• WWF-Germany: Interact and report on a regular basis with the programme team in WWF-Germany supervising the grant.
• WWF-Zambia: Liaise with relevant team in WWF-Zambia for regular exchanges on the topic.
External
Creates and fosters close collaboration with external partners comprising governments, intergovernmental institutions, business and industry, donors, research and academic institution, local NGOs and local communities.
3.0. ENVIRONMENT AND COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT OFFICER
Location : North-Western Province of Zambia
3.1. MAJOR FUNCTIONS
Supporting the Project Manager – Environmental Governance and Community Based Restoration, the Environment and Community Engagement Officer leads community engagement in the design and implementation of community-facing initiatives that advance the NGO’s conservation and responsible mining goals. The Officer will engage directly with communities in High Conservation Value locations in the Upper Zambezi landscape affected by mineral extraction, facilitating participatory, community-based approaches to environmental monitoring, natural resource management, and collaborative, multi-stakeholder partnerships. Emphasis will be placed on issues that affect local environment, livelihoods, and cultural heritage.
The Officer is responsible for ensuring that all engagement activities comply with Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (FPIC) principles. They will build and maintain trust-based relationships with communities, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders, and support the implementation of conservation strategies that balance ecological priorities with community needs.
3.2. MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Supporting the Project Manager, the Officer will be responsible for the following:
A. Community Engagement & Outreach
• Build and maintain strong, respectful relationships with community leaders, households, and local / Civil Society Organisations.
• Organize and lead community consultations, workshops, and information sessions on conservation and responsible mining practices (supported by the technical team’s responsible mining expert).
• Ensure community perspectives and traditional knowledge are incorporated into project planning and decision-making.
• Facilitate the inclusive design and implementation of community-facing activities, and, in so doing, ensuring the inclusion of women and youths.
• Ensure awareness of community members of WWF’s policies as appropriate and complaint resolution mechanisms.
• Ensure implementation of FPIC.
B. Support for Minerals & Conservation Projects
• Support the Project Manager and the technical teams to translate technical environmental and responsible mining information into accessible, culturally appropriate communication materials targeting communities and local / Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).
• Support the Project Manager in the establishment of community-facing public private partnerships.
• Support the Project Manager in the establishment and implementation of community-based social and environmental monitoring activities.
• Support the Project Manager in the establishment, implementation, and monitoring of community-based natural resources management and community-based freshwater habitat restoration activities.
• Support the Project Manager in the implementation of awareness-raising activities among targeted communities and local organisations/ CSOs.
C. Stakeholder Coordination
• Support the Project Manager to facilitate and/or support community-facing multistakeholder dialogues
• Assist in conflict resolution related to land use, resource extraction, or conservation restrictions.
• Represent WWF at local meetings, community forums, and stakeholder events.
D. Capacity Building & Education
• Support the Project Manager to develop and deliver awareness-raising and capacity development interventions on community-based: sustainable resource use and management, environmental monitoring, habitat restoration.
• Support local leaders, youth groups, and community-based organizations in enhancing conservation stewardship and understanding of community rights in mineral projects by building their capacity and environmental awareness, enabling meaningful participation in advocacy initiatives and decision-making processes.
E. Project Management & Reporting
• Prepare community-facing activity reports, meeting minutes, and documentation for timely internal and donor reporting.
• In coordination with community facilitators, support the Projects Manager to regularly communicate project progress to targeted community members/representatives.
• Support the Monitoring and Evaluation/ESSF Officer in the monitoring and tracking of community engagement metrics, noting risks, challenges, and successes.
• Support budgeting, logistics, and planning of community programs.
• Perform other duties as reasonably assigned by the Project Manager.
3.3. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS
• Bachelor’s degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, Environmental Studies, Conservation, or related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in community development, community based natural resources management (CBNRM) in Zambia.
• Demonstrable understanding of key challenges in related fields and working knowledge of policies, institutional context in CBNRM in Zambia
• Experience working with communities affected by mining or extractive industries, or natural resource issues advantageous.
• Familiarity with participatory methods and community-driven approaches.
• Knowledge of monitoring, evaluation, and learning (MEL) methodologies
3.4. REQUIRED SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES
Skills & Competencies
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build trust and navigate sensitive topics.
• Cultural humility and ability to work respectfully with diverse communities, including Indigenous or rural groups.
• Ability to translate technical subject matter (environmental or mining-related) into community-friendly language.
• Facilitation, mediation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Ability to work independently in remote field settings.
• Strong organizational, reporting, and project management abilities.
• Fluency in spoken and written English is required.
• Fluency in spoken and written primary local language in priority project location is required.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
Behavioural Attributes
• Empathetic, patient, and community-centred mindset.
• Integrity and commitment to environmental and social justice.
• Adaptability and resilience in dynamic, field-based environments.
• Collaborative attitude with multidisciplinary teams.
Working Conditions
• Full-time position based in the WWF Office in North-Western Province of Zambia
• Frequent field travel, often to rural and remote locations.
• Engagement in outdoor or rugged environments while accompanying the experts and supporting community-based assessments or monitoring.
• Occasional weekend work or travel may be required to accommodate community schedules; with overtime recoverable as time off in lieu
3.5. WORKING RELATIONSHIPS
Internal
Works closely with the WWF Zambia Finance Operations and Conservation teams, Zambia Country Office Leadership team as well as the broader programme team comprising WWF Zambia, WWF Germany, as well as other key stakeholders within the broader WWF network
External
External partners, Suppliers, Partners in governments including district and local level authorities, Statutory Institutions, local NGOs and Civil Society Organisations and local communities
4.0. EMBODIMENT OF WWF GLOBAL BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
Interested persons should have interest and align themselves with the WWF’s organization core values which are: Courage, Integrity, Respect & Collaboration
APPLICATIONS
Applications, consisting of cover letter, a detailed CV outlining relevant qualifications and experience with at least three (03) referees including a current/ previous employer, copies of Academic and Professional Qualifications certified by the Zambia Qualifications Authority (ZAQA) should be submitted via email to wwfcareers@wwfzam.org indicating the position you are applying for as the subject line. The closing date for applications is Friday, 30th January, 2026 at 18:00hrs.
Applications received after the closure time will not be considered and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
