Job title: Barotse Landscape Program Officer

Location: Mongu, Zambia

Report to: Upper Zambezi Landscape Manager

Major Function

The Program Officer plays a supportive role to the Upper Zambezi Manager in the planning, coordination, and implementation of WWF’s multi-sectoral landscape-based interventions in Liuwa Plains National Park and the Barotse Floodplains. He/She would have the role of supporting the implementation and monitoring of key programmatic aspects of the Upper Zambezi Landscape; engaging with stakeholders; providing assistance with research projects on the ground.

Major Duties & Responsibilities

• Support partners such as the Department of Fisheries and Forestry Department in the design and implementation of innovative community-based conservation solutions for the protection of ecosystems on the Barotse Floodplains;
• Support partners such as African Parks and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife in the implementation of innovative wildlife and fisheries conservation projects in the Greater Liuwa ecosystem;
• Support the planning and execution of socio-economic and biological research fieldwork in the Barotse Focal area
• Within the Environmental Social Safeguards Framework, support engagement and outreach activities (including those of partners such as the National Heritage Conservation Commission) with local communities and civil society organizations
• Support the Upper Zambezi Landscape Manager to prepare reports and technical documents when required.
• Support the Upper Zambezi Landscape Manager in the planning and execution of program activities with the district, provincial government officials and the Barotse Royal Establishment (BRE)
• Support operational efficiency of the Barotse Field Office in regard to financial management, procurement processes and administrative systems
• Support the communication team in the documentation of field activities, development of field stories (including photography and videography) and maintenance of cloud-based data base
• Perform any other project related activities/duties as required and directed by the Upper Zambezi Landscape Manager.

Working Relationships

Internal

• WWF Zambia: Interact on a daily basis with the Upper Zambezi Landscape Manager and weekly/monthly basis with the Conservation Manager, Technical Conservation Teams, Communication Team and Finance Team. Engage with and support WWF Zambia staff to understand and contribute towards the landscape programme.
• WWF Network: Liaise with network partners, regional leads and the practice teams to mobilize support, technical expertise and guidance as required.

External

• Interact with all relevant stakeholders at the community, district, and provincial level of provinces in the landscape.
• Interact with donors (including facilitating donor and stakeholder visits to project sites), central government partners, and NGOs on ad-hoc basis).
• Interact with research institutions, consultants and private sector partners.

Desired profile 

Qualifications: 

A Bachelor’s degree or advanced diploma with significant equivalent field research experience.

Experience: 

• Experience in natural resource research with a focus on design and execution of qualitative and quantitative research projects and landscape-based approaches;
• Field experience as a project/programme officer and team member of multidisciplinary research teams;
• Experience in the development and execution of research projects, data collection and basic statistical analyses;
• Experience in participatory and multi-stakeholder engagement processes;
• Experience in working in a remote setting, basic facilities and infrastructure and with a high level of independency;

Knowledge 

• Knowledge of freshwater ecosystems, fisheries, wildlife and forest management with strengths in ecological and social research, fisheries/wildlife management operations and rural development;
• The ability to work well with people from different cultures and backgrounds;
• Understanding of the actors in the field of ecological and conservation research in Zambia would be beneficial;
• Familiarity with key Zambian natural resource management policy, legislation and government departments is an added advantage.

Skills and Competencies: 

• Ability to work as part of a team while at the same time be able to work independently if needed;
• Proficient writing, speaking and listening skills in English and Lozi.
• Strong financial planning and management skills;
• Ability to work under tight deadlines, high pressure situations;
• Accountability and commitment to WWF’s mission;

Embodiment of WWF Global behavioural competencies: 

Strive for Impact «I am results driven. Everything I do, the way I think, plan and implement is driven by a relentless search for impact.»
Listen Deeply «I go beyond my point of view and strive to see the bigger picture from different perspectives. I stay curious and listen deeply to what others have to say.»
Collaborate Openly «I’m a global citizen working for a living planet. I am constantly thinking of how with others, together, we can be more impactful. I work across boundaries, openly ask for help and share what I know, both internally and externally.»
Innovate Fearlessly «I take risks to find better solutions. I measure progress and learn from mistakes. I share both success & failures. I encourage others to do the same.»