Job Title: Community Extension Officer
Background:
African Parks is a non-profit organization that takes total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long term management of national parks in partnership with governments and local communities. African Parks Zambia ( A company limited by shares) has signed a management agreement for the management of LPNP and has been in existence for the last 11 years.
1. Job Description and Position in the organisation
- The Community Extension Officer will report directly to the Assistant Community Manager.
- The Community Extension Officer will also work alongside other field officers such as the law enforcement team and stakeholders.
- The Community Extension Officer will directly work with LPNP communities in sustainable natural resource utilisation and management.
- The Community Extension Officer will empower local communities in LPNP to engage in the conservation of wildlife and other natural resources and adopt conservation-compatible livelihoods. The Community Extension Officer will be responsible for undertaking and implementing field activities in accordance with the project logframe in support of the LPNP Ecosystem Management.
- This position will provide facilitation and backstopping in support of Wildlife Management Area(s) in LPNP ecosystem, and Community Resource Board (CRB) and Village Action Groups (VAGs).
- This position is also responsible for maintaining strong relationships between the African Parks and local communities and partners throughout LPNP ecosystem. A successful candidate will have extensive experience with community based natural resource management and sustainable rural livelihood.
1.1 Main outputs and responsibilities:
- Planning, design and implementation of community development programmes.
- Spearhead implementation of land use plan in all its components – from training to outreach and enforcement.
- Supporting Community Resource Board activities.
- Supervision of community projects funded by African Parks.
- Development of strong working relationships with traditional authorities, government institutions, NGOs and CBOs.
- Responsible for implementing AP/Department of wildlife service’s conservation activities within communities of LPNP in accordance with the work plan and logframe
- Ensuring accurate and timely collection of monitoring data based on monitoring plan
- Mobilising communities, attending and organizing meetings in LPNP.
- Represent APZ in the communities.
- Represent APZ among stakeholders including government, NGOs, private sector
- Attend and participate in relevant meetings.
- Support and assist Wildlife Management Area(s) in achieving their conservation and targets.
- Work with DNW to develop strategies for translating park laws and permit systems for communities to understand and appreciate.
- Ensure CRB/VAGs are equipped with monitoring and evaluation tools and implementing plans.
- Work with local partners to develop strategies to address human-wildlife conflict.
- Monitor and advise CRB/VAG members to ensure sustainability of these structures
- Establish linkages between community institutions and other service providers within the LPNP ecosystem.
- Promote environmentally friendly income generating activities among CRB/VAGs (eg: conservation agriculture, growing of early and drought resistant crop varieties/beekeeping)
- Develop and implement strategies to improve linkages between CRB/VAGs and natural resources conservation outcomes
- Update Community Manager regularly on activities in the field and report immediate issues and be in constant communication Note: These outputs are general. Individual specific work plans will be prepared and updated annually. Project Administration:
- Report writing as needed and decided by Community Manager.
- Field activity reports to be prepared and submitted to Assistant Community Manager within two days of implementing a field activity.
- Assure proper, efficient and transparent use of project funds.
- Timely retirement of funds, well-organised financial management.
- Responsible use and care of project equipment and assets including vehicles, office equipment, field equipment, furniture, etc.
- Report any problems, damage or disrepair of APZ project assets including vehicles, office equipment, field equipment, furniture, etc.
1.2 Job requirements: Qualifications and experience required:
- Bachelor’s degree/ Diploma in wildlife Management/Environmental conservation/ Education/ community-based natural resource management
- At least three years of experience with community-based conservation
- Written and spoken English.
- Fluency in Silozi.
- A valid driving licence is an added advantage.
- Willingness to work long hours in remote areas with minimal supervision and willingness to ride a motorbike.
- Experience working or living in remote areas.
- Two or more years of experience working in wildlife conservation sector.
- Experience working with NGOs and donor-funded projects.
- Experience on issues of sustainable conservation and ecotourism development.
- Experience in monitoring and evaluation data collection.
1.3 Behaviour Competencies
- Integrity – Maintain high ethical standards, both personally and professionally; shows integrity, respect and fairness when dealing with others
- Teamwork – Co-operates and works well with others in pursuit of team’s goals; shares information; supports others. Contributes effectively towards a collective (organizational) goal or towards solving problems/conflicts even when the topic involved does not directly serve one’s own interests
- Flexibility – Adaptable; receptive to new ideas; willing and able to adjust to changing demands and circumstances. Willingness to work on week-ends and during holidays if needed
- Planning and organising – Setting goals and budgeting in a transparent and effective manner; indicating necessary action, time and resources and monitoring progress
- Initiative – Recognising opportunities and acting on them. Pro-active, self-starting rather than passively accepting; actively influencing events.
- Creativity – Conceiving original solutions to job-related problems.
- The position will be based in Kalabo District with extensive travel in Liuwa Plains National Park.
1.4. How to apply
To apply for this position kindly send us an application letter, a copy of your CV and certificates to walubitas@african-parks.org clearly stating your required monthly salary for the job and your date of availability.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.
Applications for this job should be sent before 08:00 on Friday 19th February 2016.
