Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust is not your typical NGO. Based in the lively community of Mfuwe, Eastern Province, near the breathtaking South Luangwa National Park in Zambia, we are a forward-thinking conservation education organization. Our mission? To ignite a passion for wildlife, the environment, and conservation in local children and communities. Small but mighty, we make waves globally, earning numerous international accolades for our impactful work. There’s never been a more exciting time to join us! With a fresh leadership team at the helm, we’re setting ambitious goals and pioneering new ideas for the future.

About you…

The ideal candidate will be a meticulous and capable administrator with outstanding interpersonal skills. We’re searching for a top-notch communicator and team player, someone who will own and expand our sponsorship scheme as a foundation of our programme. If you’re passionate about young people, gender equality and conservation, an organized dynamo, and excellent communicator, we want you on our team. This is your chance to be at the heart of it all, ensuring seamless relationships with our students and stakeholders, and providing the exceptional care and guidance that Chipembele is renowned for. Join us and be part of something extraordinary. Apply today and help us shape the future of conservation education!

Position: Student Support Officer (SSO)
Location: Chipembele Offices, Mfuwe, Eastern Province, Zambia
Role Overview:

The Student Support Officer (SSO) will manage the Student Sponsorship Scheme (Tertiary and Secondary) and provide support to Chipembele students through various activities, including mentoring, school liaison, gender awareness education, and career guidance. The SSO will also serve as the Gender Equality Champion and the Safeguarding Officer, ensuring the welfare and equitable treatment of all students. This role is office-based and will also involve outreach work in local schools and communities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage the Student Sponsorship Scheme for both tertiary and secondary education.
• Provide mentoring and support to sponsored students.
• Liaise with schools to monitor and support student progress.
• Conduct gender awareness education and promote gender equality.
• Offer career guidance and support to students.
• Serve as the Safeguarding Officer
• Conduct outreach activities in local schools and communities.

Person Specification

Qualifications:

• Tertiary qualification in Social Work, Youth Work, Gender, Psychology, or related fields is essential.
• Postgraduate qualification in a relevant subject is advantageous.

Essential Skills and Experience:

• At least 3 years’ experience in youth or gender work.
• Experience in student mentorship, counselling, and guidance.
• Strong administrative, organisational, and financial management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience in financial record keeping and Monitoring & Evaluating.
• Excellent English and fluent Chinyanja.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience working in rural Zambian communities, preferably for an NGO.

Essential Personal Aptitudes

• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle sensitive information confidentially.

Desirable Skills / Experience / Aptitudes

• Passion for wildlife and conservation.
• Innovative and creative approach to programme improvement
• Valid driver’s license

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:

At Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where all individuals feel valued and respected. We believe that diversity in our team enriches our perspectives and enhances our ability to achieve our mission. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and actively seek to foster an environment that is free from discrimination and harassment.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, including but not limited to race, colour, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, national origin, and
disability. We are committed to providing equal opportunities in all aspects of employment, including recruitment, promotion, and development.

We encourage applications from individuals who may bring unique perspectives and experiences to our organisation. We provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities to enable their full participation in the application and employment process.
Join us in our commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive community that promotes innovation, collaboration, and a shared passion for conservation education.