BCP is a leading African conservation company which aims to generate sustainable conservation finance through the forest carbon markets.  We are working with Community and Government partners to help improve the conservation management over 1 million hectares of globally significant wildlife habitats in Zambia, and to benefit 225,000 people.   Most of the project areas are located in Game Management Areas bordering strategic National Parks in Eastern and Lusaka Province, governed by management agreements between local communities, the Government of Zambia, and BCP.

BCP is recruiting for Chiefdom Officer for NYIMBA Site. The Chiefdom Officer will be responsible for the successful implementation of  REDD+ Project activities in the assigned Chiefdoms.  The Chiefdom officer will report to the Chiefdom Lead and supervise the Chiefdom Assistant in all aspects of community sensitisation. This is a development facilitation role and in this regard, the Chiefdom officer will work closely with the CFMG/CRB substructures (Finance, Community Development, and Natural Resource or Forest User groups) and the traditional Leaders (Indunas and headmen) with the aim of increasing community understanding and participation in the implementation of REDD+ project activities.

The Chiefdom Officer will collaborate with key government departments and provide technical support to the CFMG/CRB and its substructures in the implementation of community-driven household-level livelihood improvement and community impact projects in the assigned Chiefdom. The Chiefdom Officer is responsible for supporting the VAGs in conducting a needs assessment to feed into the CFMG/CRB annual work plans. The Chiefdom Officer takes accountability over the data collection, entry, and updating of all Community Engagement chiefdom databases and performance trackers and dashboards. The position will report to the Chiefdom Lead.

PRIORITIES THAT WE’LL TRUST YOU WITH.

This is a field-based position that requires a wide range of field-based skills in rural and remote locations and has the following;

• The implementation of Community engagement, and livelihood community development activities aligned to REDD+ in the assigned Chiefdoms.
• Encourage participation of households in developmental activities intended to create lasting financial returns at the household level.
• Implement awareness creation strategies aimed at promoting broad participation of the CRB Sub structures or Forest user groups in the development and implementation of CRB annual work plans.
• Provide technical support to the CRB/CFMGs in the implementation of Project activities to ensure adherence to VCS and CCB standards.
• Support the CFMG in delineating and maintaining of REDD+ Zone boundaries.
• Promote a participatory and inclusive approach involving all communities in AWP development.
• Participate in the weekly, monthly, and quarterly site review and planning meetings.
• Escalate to CL any significant project risks likely to affect the smooth implementation of project activities.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders (CRB, VAG committees, etc) day-to-day operations in the Chiefdom including documenting lessons learnt in order to enhance project delivery.
• Provide technical support to the Chiefdom assistant in awareness creation at the household level and in the development of Information Education and Communication materials appropriate for use at the community level.

ALLIANCE BUILDERS WANTED.

• Minimum of a Diploma in Forestry, Natural Resource Management Community Development or any other relevant field;
• 2 -3 years’ experience in Forestry, Community Based Natural Resource Management, and Community Development is a plus.
• Strong people skills with communication capabilities in written and spoken English and local chiefdom language.
• Excellent community facilitation skills and application of Participatory Rural Appraisal/Participatory Learning and Action Methodologies and Tools
• A strong commitment to community development and conservation approaches
• Self-motivated, results oriented and performance driven with good planning and time management skills, willing to work with community based organisations (CRBs, VAGs, CFMGs) and lead by example.
• Adaptability, including the willingness to camp in the community under basic conditions
• Computer proficiency in MS Office suite, GPS, ODK, and other Android device applications
• Strong report writing and data management capabilities.
• Valid Zambian Motorcycle riders license.

WHAT YOU’LL TELL YOUR CONTACTS.

Helping to conserve over 565 million trees, and with close to 7 million tons of carbon emissions reduced to date, both BCP implemented REDD+ Projects have been verified against the Verified Carbon Standard, the world’s leading voluntary Greenhouse Gas program. In 2021, the LZRP is the only project in Africa to receive 8 consecutive verifications and only the second in the World to achieve this! While it is also Africa’s first CCBA Triple Gold Project, with ‘Gold’ level verification against all three categories of the Climate, Community, and Biodiversity Standard (CCBA) for its exceptional climate change impacts and community and biodiversity benefits. The LCFP has achieved CCBA Triple Gold Validation for exceptional community impact. Awarded Best Individual Offsetting Project and Impact Monitoring Report in the World in the Environmental Finance Voluntary Carbon Markets Ranking 2021, and ranked in the top 0.5% of B Corps globally 2021, BCP offers carbon offsets with World class benefits. Under our 30 – Cubed goal, by 2030, BCP is set to deliver on our goal of avoiding 30 million tons of emissions annually, benefitting 3 million people, and partnering with communities across 30 million acres of globally significant wildlife habitat.

WE EVEN DO BENEFITS DIFFERENTLY.

As an equal opportunity employer, a competitive salary will be offered, plus training, plus the potential for performance bonuses, plus travel opportunities for work, plus health benefits, plus a great work culture, plus career growth, plus working with a diverse and committed team.