Community Conservation Officer – Governance and Institutional Development & Support Frankfurt Zoological Society Zambia

FZS Zambia North Luangwa Conservation Programme Vacancy: Community Conservation Officer—Governance and Institutional Development & Support
The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) 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’s 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-ZM) has been active in the North Luangwa Ecosystem since 1986 and Nsumbu-Tanganyika since 2017, working to conserve these globally important wilderness areas. FZS-ZM’s mission is to link livelihoods and landscapes through conservation and enrichment. FZS-ZM continues to expand its activities both in geographical and thematic scope. FZS-ZM’s work is currently funded with significant grants from FZS core funding, international government partners, and private donors.

The North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) was first supported by FZS in 1986 and formally absorbed into its Africa Programme in 1994. NLCP is a partnership between the Government of Zambia’s Department of National Parks and Wildlife and FZS-ZM.

Learn more at northluangwa.org/about our conservation programme.

Purpose and Objectives of the Position
In line with the NLCP strategy, the Community Conservation Officer—Governance and Institutional Development & Support is a 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 surrounding North Luangwa National Park (collectively termed the North Luangwa Ecosystem). This aligns with the partnership between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW).

For this key role in the NLCP Integrated Landscape Unit (ILU), the ideal candidate will be well-versed in:

• Community Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM): Proficiency in understanding and implementing CBNRM principles, strategies, and practices, with an emphasis on integrating conservation and community development.
• Wildlife Management and Conservation: Knowledge of wildlife management techniques, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable use of natural resources, particularly within the Zambian context.
• Local and Regional Governance Structures: Familiarity with the workings of local governance structures such as Community Resources Boards (CRB), Village Action Groups (VAG), and Community Forest Management Groups (CFMG). Understanding Zambian laws and regulations related to wildlife and natural resources is crucial.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Skills in effectively engaging with diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government agencies and non-governmental organizational partners. Ability to communicate conservation needs and strategies effectively.
• Project Management and Implementation: Experience in managing and implementing field-based conservation projects, including planning, budgeting, monitoring, and evaluation.
• Conflict Resolution and Grievance Handling: Ability to manage community grievances and resolve conflicts in a manner that is sensitive to local cultural and social dynamics.
• Training and Capacity Building: Experience in conducting training sessions and building the capacity of community leaders, local institutions, and team members in conservation and governance aspects.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Proficiency in managing budgets, financial reporting, and administrative tasks related to conservation projects.
• Cultural Sensitivity and Community Engagement: Strong understanding of and sensitivity to the cultural dynamics of rural communities in Zambia. Ability to work collaboratively with communities to foster conservation initiatives.
• Adaptability and Problem-Solving: Capability to adapt to changing circumstances and creatively solve problems encountered in the field.
• Teamwork and Leadership: Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a team and lead project components with minimal supervision.

• Required skills, experience and qualifications
  Holder of a Diploma with experience in social science, wildlife management, community development or rural development.
• 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.
• A clear understanding of existing natural resources and wildlife policies; legal frameworks and legislation will be an advantage.
• Practical experience working with traditional authorities will be an added advantage.
• Strong CBNRM skills will be an advantage.

In return, the role offers the opportunity to work with Zambia’s longest conservation partnership within a global organisation.

Salary: competitive and commensurate with qualifications and experience

Start Date: As soon as possible

Location: Chifunda Chiefdom, Chama District, in the North Luangwa Landscape. However, there may be occasions when the incumbent is required to work at other locations in line with the job requirements.