Position Title: Conservation Officer

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Location: Liuwa Plain National Park (LPNP)

Type of contract: Fixed Contract

Position: One

Background

African Parks (AP) is a non-profit conservation organization that takes on responsibility for the long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. AP manages 23 protected areas in 13 countries covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Job Overview

To provide support to the Field Operation Manager in ensuring Liuwa Plain National Park applies the highest standards in Conservation in order to facilitate the implementation of the Conservation Strategy.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Manage conservation programs in Liuwa plains national park, Including Vegetation, Alien plants, wildlife, HWC and Biodiversity monitoring.
• Together with the DNPW and the CRB, co-plan, coordinate and monitor of a fire management program that includes controlled early burning and establishment of fire breaks with village scouts
• Support the implementation of a forest structure and biodiversity monitoring program
• Support monitoring and evaluation through valuable data collection on the different conservation programs
• Prepare reports on performance of the different conservation programs and infractions against the wildlife and forest act
• Be the focal point and ensure best relations are kept with the (local departments of the) Department of National Parks and Wildlife and with the Liuwa Community Resources Board
• Be the focal point for conservation related matters from the private landowners and their staff and ensure that best relationships are kept with these stakeholders

Required Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and analytical skills
• Knowledge of the Wildlife act and forestry act is a strong plus
• General knowledge of fauna and flora and specific knowledge on forest restoration and regeneration techniques is a strong plus.
• Competent with Microsoft Office applications, email and other relevant computer skills.
• Knowledge of SMART Tools, Earth Ranger and other tools to monitor sustainable forest management
• Be willing to (relocate and) live in Liuwa where the office is based
• Be comfortable with the challenging conditions associated with the remote area and wilderness

Role requirements

• Minimum of Diploma in Forestry, Biology, Conservation, Wildlife Management or equivalent
• Language: Fluent in Lozi and English (both spoken and written)
• Work experience: minimum 5 years relevant work experience in the sector

African Parks Zambia is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants for this position must have a clean record and traceable references. Candidates must include a daytime contact number.