20 Mar 2025

Chief Development Executive at Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust

Never Miss a Job Update Again. Click Here to Subscribe

We have started building our professional LinkedIn page. Follow

Job Description


Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust (CWET) is a dynamic and award-winning conservation education NGO that is based in Mfuwe, a rapidly growing rural settlement close to South Luangwa National Park in Zambia. Our mission is to educate, empower and inspire youth and communities to engage in sustainable practices that protect wildlife and their habitats and promote environmental
stewardship. Our outreach work extends across Mambwe District and occasionally into adjacent
Districts, with our Educators facilitating community-resonant programmes that also have a global
outlook. The organisation is small but high impact, with 22 full time employees. See http://www.chipembele.org

POSITION OVERVIEW
The key purpose of this new position is to ensure the financial well-being, long-term sustainability
and positive promotion of CWET, enabling it to effectively fulfill its mission of conservation education
for local communities. The Chief Development Executive (CDE) is a senior management role that will
play a crucial role in advancing the mission of the organisation by leading efforts in financial
management, fundraising and marketing. This senior position will be responsible for developing and
implementing strategies that enhance the organisation’s visibility, secure funding and ensure sound
financial practices. It requires a creative and strategic thinker who can positively engage diverse
audiences, build solid relationships, secure monetary support and ensure long-term financial health
for the organisation.

KEY STAKEHOLDER INTERACTION
– The CDE reports to the Founding Director (FD).
– The CDE is the line supervisor for the Operations Manager (OM) and the Accounts Officer (AO).
– The CDE will develop close working relationships with all CWET staff, donors and other relevant stakeholders.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Financial Management
– Oversee the implementation and maintenance of financial systems and processes to improve efficiency and accuracy.
– Ensure CWET’s financial practices and systems adhere to best practices in non-profit financial management.
– Ensure CWET’s Finance Policy is kept up-to-date, relevant and complaint with statutory requirements.
– Implement effective financial policies and procedures to support sustainable growth.
– Develop and implement financial strategies aligned with the organisation’s mission, goals, policies and Strategic Plan.
– Work closely with the AO to monitor cash flow, funding allocations and financial performance.
– Innovate and refine operational systems to create capacity in support of future growth initiatives.
– Ensure compliance with financial regulations and reporting standards and be the main point of contact for them.
– Prepare the annual budget and present to the Board for approval.
– Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting processes to ensure financial accountability across all programmes and initiatives.
– Present financial reports, updates and forecasts to the FD, Board of Trustees, donors and other stakeholders as required.
– Monitor, review and report financial expenditure and achieve budget and fund-raising targets.
– Work closely with the OM to ensure that up-to-date inventories and an assets register are maintained for the organisation.
– Supervise the preparation of the accounts for the professional annual audit.
– Develop and implement efficiency and cost-effectiveness strategies in relation to both financial and physical resources.
– Authorise and monitor expenditure on major and minor capital works.
– Authorise petty cash dispersal, administer bank transactions and oversee staff payroll and
statutory employment payments, etc.
2. Fundraising and grant management
– Collaborate with the FD to develop and implement a comprehensive and rigorous fundraising
strategy that includes a range of fundraising initiatives to meet the organisation’s financial
goals.
– Work closely with the Conservation Education Manager to ensure fundraising efforts
appropriately and adequately support operational work.
– Identify, solicit and cultivate relationships with major donors, corporate sponsors and grantmaking bodies.
– Systematically research and identify funding opportunities.
– Prepare and submit grant proposals.
– Manage grants and funding from donors, ensuring compliance with all financial requirements.
– Organise fundraising events and campaigns (physically or on-line) to engage supporters and
raise awareness.
– Prepare and submit accurate narrative and financial reports for grant-making bodies, and
other project funding entities or individuals.
– Monitor and report on fundraising progress and programme impact to stakeholders.
3. Marketing
– Manage public relations efforts to enhance the organisation’s image and outreach.
– Create and execute a comprehensive marketing strategy plan that promote CWET’s mission,
programmes and achievements.
– Oversee the development of marketing materials, including brochures, social media content
and newsletters.
– Build and maintain strong operational relationships with partners and stakeholders, ensuring
effective coordination with the FD on donor reporting and compliance.
– Foster partnerships with the local tourism industry, businesses and organisations to expand
the trust’s network and visibility.
– Work closely with CWET’s Digital Marketing Assistant to ensure engaging content for various
platforms including social media and the quarterly e-newsletter.
– Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all communication channels.
– Regularly review CWET’s website to make sure it is kept up-to-date and accurate. Make or
arrange design changes as necessary.
– Track and analyse marketing and fundraising metrics to evaluate the effectiveness and
performance of strategies. Adjust plans based on data insights to improve outreach and
funding efforts.
4. Operational Oversight
– Closely supervise and upskill the AO as appropriate, providing leadership and mentorship.
– Support and train other members of staƯ who are managing programme budgets or staƯ
expenses to ensure they have the appropriate skillset.
– Implement eƯective internal controls and risk management strategies in line with good NGO
governance.
5. Deputise for the FD
– Act as deputy to the FD, representing the organisation in meetings, conferences and other forums as required.
– Provide leadership and decision-making support in the FD’s absence.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE
Essential
– Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, non-profit management, financial management or a related field. Master’s degree or further relevant qualifications preferred.
– Minimum of 5 years of experience in financial management, fundraising and/or marketing preferably in the non-profit sector or conservation related environment.
– Extensive experience in project and organisational financial management tools and systems.
– Strong understanding of financial regulations, compliance and risk management.
– Proven track record in grant writing and managing fundraising campaigns, leading to
successfully securing significant donations.
– Proven experience and strong financial acumen in budgeting, forecasting and financial
reporting.
– Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
– Exceptional written and oral communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to
engage diverse stakeholders.

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES
Essential
– Proven commitment to or interest in wildlife conservation, sustainable development and
community education principles.
– Demonstrated excellent interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with the ability to
engage and influence various audiences in a wide range of circumstances.
– Demonstrated high level skills in clear, logical and concise written communication for
diverse purposes and readership.
– Experience in the cost-effective management and planning of financial, physical and human
resources.
– Proficiency in public presentations and managing relationships with key donors and other
stakeholders.
– Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
Desirable
– An understanding of and sincere desire to work and live in a remote yet rapidly developing
rural area of Zambia among disadvantaged communities with all the associated logistical
challenges.
– Proficiency in design software to create visually appealing marketing materials.
– Knowledge and understanding of funding sources, issues and challenges to the delivery of
contemporary conservation and education programmes within a rural Zambian setting.
– Experience in dealing with children, Government departments, local communities,
international stakeholders and a broad range of people from diverse backgrounds.
– Knowledge of contemporary conservation issues and educational challenges in Africa.
– Knowledge of Zambian Labour Laws and other statutory legislation.
– Experience in Quick Books accounting software.

OTHER CONDITIONS
– If the successful applicant is not a Zambian citizen or permanent resident s/he will be required to
satisfactorily fulfil the legal requirements of the Ministry of Immigration for entry into Zambia and
would be subject to approval of a Zambian employment permit.
– A current valid and full Zambian driver’s licence is essential.
– There will be an initial 6-month probationary period.
– Working hours are nominally 5 days/40 hours per week. However, a flexible approach to
working hours is required; some out-of-hours work is inevitable from time to time.
– All travel expenses and relocation costs at the job start-up are at the CDE’s expense
– The CDE will primarily work in an office environment but may also spend time in the field to
network with stakeholders and to understand the organisation’s programmes and impact.

Sharing is Caring! Click on the Icons Below and Share


Method of Application

– Interested candidates should submit a CV of no more than 3 pages and a cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience and motivation to the FD, anna@chipembele.org – Please use the subject line: Application – CDE

– Closing date: 4th April 2025. No applications will be accepted after this. – Due to the anticipated high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be replied to Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. CWET complies with all Zambian employment and equal opportunity laws.

Join us in making a meaningful impact on nature conservation and education in Zambia.




Subscribe



x