Reporting to : Site Operations Manager
Duration: Permanent
Location: Sesheke/Mulobezi Sector, Zambia
Position Overview:
The Chiefdom Officer will collaborate with key government departments and provide technical support to the Community Forest Management Group (CFMG) /Community Resource Board (CRG) and its substructures in the implementation of community-driven household-level livelihoods improvement and community impact projects in the assigned Chiefdom. The Chiefdom Officer is responsible for supporting the Village Action Groups (VAGs) in conducting a needs assessment to feed into the CFMG/CRB annual work plans. The Chiefdom Officer takes accountability for data collection and entry, and updating of all Community Engagement chiefdom databases, performance trackers and dashboards. The position will report to the Site Operations Manager.
Role Responsibilities:
- Day-to-day, in-the-field engagement with rural communities at chiefdom level.
- Support the formation of CFMG and help the Chiefdom secure forest carbon user rights.
- Implement 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 the 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 verified carbon.
- Ensure Standard (VCs) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCB) standards.
- Support the CFMG in delineating and maintaining REDD+ Zone boundaries.
- Promote a participatory and inclusive approach involving all communities in annual work plan development.
- Participate in weekly, monthly and quarterly site review and planning meetings.
- Report to the Site Operations Manager on any significant project risks likely to affect the smooth implementation of project activities.
- Coordinate with key stakeholders, both government and community based (CRB, VAG committees, etc) in their day-to-day activities.
- Operations in the Chiefdom including documenting lessons learnt to enhance project delivery.
Qualifications
- Minimum of a Diploma or advanced in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Community Development or any relevant field, with a minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in biodiversity conservation, community engagement or natural resources.
- Experience working with government stakeholders.
- Strong people skills, with communication capabilities in written and spoken English, and above all, local Chiefdom languages.
- Excellent planning, time management and coordination skills.
- Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
- Excellent facilitation skills and application of participatory rural appraisal/participatory learning and action methodologies and tools.
- Strong leadership traits.
- Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, GPS, Open Data Kit (ODK), and other Android device applications.
- Advanced alliance building and collaborative skills.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent report writing.
- Management, administrative and organisational skills.
- Demonstrate attention to detail.
- Demonstrate professional discretion.
- We offer a supportive and collaborative work environment dedicated to conservation efforts and community empowerment. If you are passionate about making a positive impact, we welcome you to apply and be part of our team at Simalaha Community Conservancy Association.
Remuneration: A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter detailing their interest in and suitability for the position, as well as a curriculum vitae and contact details of three references by 16 October 2024 to: [email protected]
Only SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be contacted to attend an interview.