Summary
Date Posted: Tuesday, September 21, 2021 , Base Salary: Not Disclosed

JOB DETAILS:

Commmunity Conservation Officer (Senior), Conservation South Luangwa
Conservation South Luangwa works in collaboration with DNPW and CRBs to help protect wildlife in the South Luangwa Ecosystem (SLE). CSL supports community-based scouts for law enforcement in SLNP by providing training, salaries, rations, and patrol equipment. The vision of CSL 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, 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 landuse planning and community fisheries management, as budgets allow.
COMMUNITY CONSERVATION OFFICER (Senior), Conservation South Luangwa
Conservation South Luangwa, but coordinating closely with the FZS Community Outreach Manager on technical aspects

Salary:
A competitive salary will be paid based on qualifications and experience

Objective
This is a mid-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).

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

Integration and strengthening of community natural resources management institutions
• Strengthen the governance of Community Resources Boards (CRB) and Village Action Groups (VAG) by:
• Facilitating effective and transparent community representation, and decision-making through these community institutions as a means for consistent community engagement.
• Providing training to community-based management staff and VAG/CRB representatives on relevant aspects of management, administration and governance
• Organising and co-ordinating community exposure tours, workshops and seminars
• Facilitating effective and regular communication and feedback between VAGs/CRBs and their respective constituent communities.
• Facilitating effective and transparent revenue and other benefits/opportunities distribution mechanisms to ensure the maximum impact and incentives to communities from conservation and wildlife related business within the SLE.
• Working closely with the CRB, its secretariat and VAGs, and any other community-based organisations in encouraging local people to support in sustainable conservation of the biodiversity of the area;
• Facilitating community mobilisation, organisation of community meetings and support infrastructure development;
• Attending at least all meetings of the CRB, VAG and community general meetings;
• Work with the CRB and secretariat in participatory project planning, budgeting, implementation, and monitoring.
• Providing monthly reports on the work of the CRB in governance and financial management and general record keeping
• Provide support to CRB to ensure that Community Scouts are recruited, contracted and managed, including training to ensure they understand use of firearms, human rights, bush patrol craft among others, in accordance with their conditions of service and disciplinary codes.
• 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
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 management initiatives;
• Facilitate and support the development and implementation of land use and associated general management plans within respective Game Management Areas and the establishment of activities and bylaws for their implementation and enforcement

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: Cooperate, support and work well with others to achieve project goals. Share information, and contribute effectively to CSL’s objectives and solving problems.
Initiatives: Pro-active, energetic, and a self –starter. Recognise and discuss new opportunities report and address problems in a timely manner. Maintain effective communication with management, project partners, and stake holders.
Problem analysis: recognise relevant and importance information. Identify problems and /or potential problems, and trace the cause of problems.
Planning and organising: Plan and organise complex activities and work on multiple tasks. Determine actions, time frames and required resources for projects and monitor progress. Set goals and budget estimates effectively, and manage time effectively.
Management control: Establish and implement procedures to regulate own task activities and responsibilities.
Flexibility: Adaptable, resourceful, and receptive to new ideas; willing and able to adjust to changing circumstances.
Integrity: Honest, reliable, and maintain high ethical standards. Show respect and fairness when dealing with others

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 license
• 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

Work Hours: 8

Experience in Months: 36

Level of Education: Bachelor Degree

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Job application procedure
To apply for this job email your details to https://fzs.org/en/projects

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