Job Details

Job Description

About the Organization: WCP Zambia is a leading international non-governmental organization committed to tackling wildlife and environmental crime. Working across Zambia and throughout Southern Africa, we work with partners across landscapes to empower communities and foster positive change.

Job Description: We are currently seeking two highly motivated Legal Officers to be based in Mumbwa (1) and Chipata (1) to join our dynamic team.The Legal Officers will play a key role in our efforts to combat wildlife and timber trafficking by conducting courtroom monitoring, building relationships with relevant government agencies and stakeholders, and providing skills-based training for the investigation and prosecution of wildlife and timber cases.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Conduct courtroom monitoring and case tracking to support the prosecution of wildlife and timber-related offenses (environmental crimes).
2. Build and maintain relationships with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, the National Prosecutions Authority, and other relevant government agencies and stakeholders.
3. Provide skills-based training and capacity-building initiatives for law enforcement officers, prosecutors, and judicial officials involved in wildlife and timber crime investigation and prosecution.
4. Conduct legal research and analysis to support the development and implementation of wildlife crime prevention strategies and policies.
5. Assist in the preparation and review of legal documents, including affidavits, briefs, and prosecution files, related to wildlife and timber cases.
6. Manage financial resources allocated for legal activities, including budget planning, expenditure tracking, and reporting.
7. Prepare regular progress reports and updates on legal activities for the Wildlife Criminal Justice Programme Manager and Programme Coordinator.
8. Collaborate with other members of the Wildlife Crime Prevention team to coordinate and implement organisation’s activities effectively.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Law or related field; Master’s degree preferred.
• Admitted to practice law in Zambia.
• Minimum of 2 years of experience in legal practice, with a focus on criminal law, environmental law, or wildlife law preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in courtroom monitoring, legal research, and case management.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Experience in conducting training and capacity-building activities preferred.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and legal research tools.

We offer

• Opportunity to contribute to an organisation pioneering wildlife and environmental protection, climate resilience and behaviour change in southern Africa.
• Form part of a dynamic and motivated team working in Zambia and across regional and international borders with partners to secure wild places and people across the globe
• Flat hierarchy with opportunities for further training and career progression
• Engagement and meaningful work with room for your own ideas
• Additional benefits include medical insurance, transport, and communication costs.

Application Instructions: Interested candidates should submit a cover letter, curriculum vitae (CV), and contact information for three professional references to [email protected] with the subject line “Legal Officer – Wildlife Crime Prevention Program Application.” Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 30 March 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.

WCP is committed to diversity and inclusion and encourages qualified candidates of all backgrounds to apply. We are an equal-opportunity employer.

Expected Start Date: As soon as possible

Join our team and make a difference in conservation and combating environmental crime!