FZS Zambia North Luangwa Conservation Programme Vacancy: Community Conservation Officer – Livelihoods and HWCoex implementation
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.

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 https://northluangwa.org/ about our conservation programme.

Purpose and Objectives of the Position
In line with the NLCP strategy, the Community Conservation Officer – Livelihoods and HWCoex implementation 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 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:

• Livelihood Development and Management: Deep understanding of rural livelihood development, including the implementation of programs that enhance livelihood opportunities while reducing the cost of living with wildlife.
• Human-Wildlife Coexistence (HWCoex) Management: Knowledge of strategies and practices for managing human-wildlife coexistence, especially in areas where rural communities live close to wildlife.
• Conservation Enterprise and Community Engagement: Experience in developing and supporting conservation-based enterprises, such as community tourism, and engaging with communities for sustainable economic development.
• Project Implementation and Monitoring: Proven ability in implementing and monitoring community-based conservation initiatives, including alternative livelihood projects and natural resource management initiatives.
• Stakeholder Engagement and Communication: Skill in effectively communicating with and engaging diverse stakeholders, including local communities, government bodies, and international partners.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Ability to strengthen the organizational and institutional capacity of community outreach programs, ensuring alignment with the broader NLCP mission.
• Financial and Administrative Management: Competency in managing budgets, financial reporting, and administrative tasks related to community development and conservation projects.
• Policy and Legislative Frameworks: Familiarity with existing natural resources and wildlife policies, legal frameworks, and legislation, particularly within the Zambian context.
• Traditional Authority Liaison: Experience in working with traditional authorities and understanding the cultural dynamics of rural Zambian communities.
•  Behavioural Competencies: The candidate should demonstrate strong teamwork, initiative, problem-solving, planning and organizing abilities, management control, flexibility, and integrity.

• 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 and living with rural communities.
• Must possess good knowledge and experience in livelihood development programmes.
• 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 Livelihood Development 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: Mukungule Chiefdom – Mpika 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.