Community Outreach Coordinator

Responsabilités

Position title:Community Extension Officer The successful candidate will report directly to the Senior Community Extension Officer – GMA. Contract Type:Full Time Location: Iowa Plain National Park (LPNP) and Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area (GMA) Background African Parks (AP) is a non-profit conservation organization dedicated to the long-term stewardship of protected areas through collaborative partnerships with governments and local communities. Established in 2000, the organization currently oversees 24 protected areas spanning 13 countries, encompassing over 20 million hectares across Angola, Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, South Sudan, Rwanda, Zambia, and Zimbabwe. By leveraging its partnership-based approach, African Parks strives to foster ecological, social, and financial sustainability, ensuring that these protected areas yield enduring advantages for both wildlife and human populations. The AP vision prioritizes ecological, financial, and socio-political sustainability in protected areas, ensuring benefits for both people and wildlife. Central to socio-political sustainability is acknowledging local communities as rights-holders and fostering their active engagement in natural resource management. Communities must be included in critical decisions such as park proclamations, boundary modifications, use regulations, land-use planning, resource utilization, customary practices, health concerns, and other livelihood-affecting matters. The Community Extension Officer plays a pivotal role in this framework by providing assistance to the Senior Community Extension Officer, the Safeguards Officer, and, when relevant, the Reproductive Health Officer. Role Profile The Community Extension Officer may be deployed to fulfill any role within the scope of the African Parks Zambia (APZ) mandate across the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area (GMA) and Iowa Plain Landscape, contingent upon operational needs. While responsibilities may vary, the core objective of this position will involve facilitating community engagement, fostering stakeholder collaboration, and advancing conservation-development initiatives in and around communities within the Upper West Zambezi GMA under the APZ mandate. As APZ’s operations in this region are still in their formative stages, the officer will assume a vital role in advancing community engagement initiatives, cultivating partnerships with local stakeholders, conducting baseline assessments, developing communication frameworks, reinforcing local governance systems, and establishing the groundwork for sustainable collaborations between APZ, governmental bodies, traditional leaders, and community representatives. The officer will offer ongoing operational support and act as the primary intermediary between APZ’s field teams and the communities they serve. The Community Extension Officer is responsible for implementing and overseeing community-based initiatives and outreach programs designed to address local needs and foster development. This role involves collaborating with community leaders, stakeholders, and other agencies to identify priorities, design interventions, and evaluate outcomes. Key responsibilities include conducting needs assessments, coordinating training workshops, and facilitating access to resources and services for underserved populations. The successful candidate must possess strong interpersonal and communication skills, a deep understanding of community dynamics, and the ability to work effectively in diverse and challenging environments. A degree in social sciences, community development, or a related field is required, along with prior experience in community engagement or extension services. Initiating operational frameworks and conducting comprehensive stakeholder mapping are essential responsibilities for this role. The position requires the development of foundational processes to ensure seamless business activities, alongside identifying and engaging key stakeholders to foster collaborative relationships. Facilitate APZ’s successful entry and operational establishment within the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area (GMA). Identify, establish, and nurture strategic relationships with essential stakeholders, such as local communities, traditional leaders, governmental bodies, Community-Based Organizations (CBRs), non-governmental organizations (NGOs), civil society groups, and private sector collaborators. Facilitate the initial engagement with communities, conduct consultations with key stakeholders, and lead introductory interactions to establish APZ’s presence and forge strategic partnerships within the landscape. Develop and maintain comprehensive databases to record stakeholder information, track engagement activities, and facilitate seamless communication channels, ensuring efficient stakeholder coordination. Gather and compile essential socio-economic, environmental, governance, and community data to guide strategic planning and program execution. Evaluate community needs, potential benefits, risks, and concerns related to APZ interventions and conservation initiatives. Facilitate the development and enhancement of community governance frameworks, communication channels, and mechanisms for gathering stakeholder input. Communicate APZ’s mandate, objectives, policies, and conservation partnership approach to stakeholders and communities to foster greater awareness. Facilitate land-use planning, natural resource governance initiatives, and community consultation processes throughout the operational establishment phase. Compile comprehensive reports and analyses on stakeholder engagement, community trends, emerging challenges, potential opportunities, and associated risks on a consistent basis. Community Mobilization and Engagement We are seeking a dynamic professional to lead strategic initiatives aimed at fostering active participation and collaboration within our community. The successful candidate will be responsible for designing and implementing engagement programs that promote inclusivity, strengthen relationships, and drive collective action toward shared objectives. Key responsibilities include identifying community needs, developing targeted outreach strategies, and cultivating partnerships with stakeholders to amplify impact. The ideal candidate will possess strong interpersonal skills, cultural competency, and a proven track record in community development, with the ability to mobilize diverse groups toward common goals. Facilitate community entry procedures while upholding local customs, traditional protocols, and APZ stakeholder engagement standards. Build and nurture robust professional relationships with traditional leaders, community representatives, local authorities, and influential stakeholders. Facilitate consistent bidirectional dialogue between APZ and local communities to address planned initiatives, shared expectations, potential opportunities, and any arising concerns. We facilitate community consultations for conservation planning, protected area management, livelihood enhancement, infrastructure development, and human-wildlife coexistence initiatives. Engage and mobilize communities to foster active involvement in conservation initiatives and community development programs. Organize and lead community meetings, consultations, and awareness and sensitization initiatives to engage stakeholders and promote understanding. Foster strategic partnerships with traditional leaders, Village Action Groups (Bags), Ward Development Committees (WDCs), Community Resource Boards (CRBs), governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and all relevant stakeholders. The Community Development Program Implementation role involves executing initiatives aimed at fostering sustainable growth and enhancing the quality of life within communities. Key responsibilities include planning, coordinating, and monitoring development projects to ensure alignment with program objectives. The position requires collaboration with stakeholders, local authorities, and community members to identify needs, assess progress, and address challenges effectively. Additionally, the role demands strong project management skills, proficiency in data analysis, and the ability to engage diverse groups in participatory decision-making processes. Prior experience in community development, public administration, or a related field is essential, along with excellent communication and interpersonal abilities to drive meaningful impact. Facilitate the execution of community development initiatives encompassing environmental education, livelihood enhancement, educational support, vocational training programs, community-based enterprises, reproductive health services, and other sanctioned interventions. Support the execution of initiatives outlined in the Community Development annual work plan. Advocate for sustainable livelihoods and natural resource management practices that align with conservation goals. Safeguards and Community Governance Support entails ensuring the protection of stakeholders and facilitating effective governance within the community. This role involves implementing measures to mitigate risks, uphold ethical standards, and promote transparency. Responsibilities include developing and enforcing safeguard policies, conducting risk assessments, and providing guidance on governance best practices. Additionally, the position requires collaboration with various stakeholders to address concerns, resolve conflicts, and foster a culture of accountability and compliance. Provide assistance in the execution of the Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) Standards, the Land Use Plan (UP), the Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), the Human-Wildlife Conflict (HWC) Policy, and additional community safeguard initiatives. Provide support in registering grievances, engaging with stakeholders, facilitating Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC) processes, raising community awareness, and resolving conflicts. Strengthen governance frameworks for Community-Based Organizations (CRO’s), Village Area Groups (Bags), and other relevant community structures. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting are critical components of this role, ensuring project objectives are met through systematic data collection, analysis, and progress tracking. You will be responsible for developing and implementing evaluation frameworks, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), and conducting regular assessments to measure impact and effectiveness. Additionally, you will prepare comprehensive reports to communicate findings to stakeholders, identify trends, and recommend improvements for future initiatives. Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable insights are essential for success in this position. Gather, validate, and ensure the integrity of community development data through authorized digital platforms. Oversee the execution of programs and ensure active engagement from the community. Compile and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, and activity reports in a timely manner. Maintain precise records of program activities and beneficiary information within designated databases. Professional Rewriting: 7. Stakeholder Engagement and Community Outreach Collaborate effectively with the Senior Community Extension Officer, Community Projects Development Facilitator, Environmental Education Officer, Safeguards Officer, Reproductive Health Officer, and other relevant departments to implement cohesive community initiatives. Facilitate the planning and execution of community events, outreach initiatives, and stakeholder engagement efforts. Financial and asset management responsibilities encompass overseeing fiscal operations, ensuring compliance with financial regulations, and optimizing resource allocation to support organizational objectives. This role involves maintaining accurate financial records, preparing comprehensive reports, and conducting thorough audits to verify data integrity. Additionally, the position requires strategic planning to enhance asset utilization, minimize risks, and maximize returns while adhering to budgetary constraints. Strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and adherence to ethical standards are essential for success in this position. Ensure the responsible utilization of project funds and the prompt reconciliation of any advances issued. Maintain and ensure the security of all project vehicles, equipment, furniture, and other assets. Promptly report any instances of loss, damage, or maintenance requirements. 8. General Responsibilities Prepare and submit consistent progress reports to the Senior Community Extension Officer regarding ongoing field operations and any developing concerns or challenges. Execute any additional duties lawfully assigned by the Senior Community Extension Officer or the Community Development Manager. Role requirements A bachelor’s degree or diploma in Wildlife Management, Environmental Conservation, Education, or Community-Based Natural Resource Management is required. With a minimum of three years of experience in community-based conservation initiatives. Proficient in both written and verbal English communication. Fluency in Silozi. A current, valid driver’s and motorcyclist’s license is required. Demonstrated ability to work extended hours in remote locations with minimal oversight and proficiency in operating a motorcycle. Professional Rewriting: Previous involvement in remote work settings or residency in isolated regions is required. Professionals with a minimum of two years of hands-on involvement in the wildlife conservation field are encouraged to apply. Professional experience in collaboration with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and initiatives funded by external donors is required. Proficiency in sustainable conservation practices and ecotourism development initiatives is required. Proven expertise in gathering and analyzing monitoring and evaluation data is required. Computer Proficiency: Demonstrates strong command of various computer applications and software tools. Handle confidential information with the utmost discretion and professionalism. Proficient understanding of the developmental prospects and opportunities within Western Province, both locally and regionally, is required. Proficient knowledge of applicable local laws, regulations, and operational protocols is essential. Skilled in creating and evaluating community development strategies and initiatives. Proficiency in the Wildlife Act and its impact on local communities is required. Accomplished in engaging stakeholders effectively, demonstrating cultural adaptability and a keen aptitude for cultivating collaborative partnerships. Experienced in remote locations, adept at operating independently and effectively in isolated environments. Behaviour Competencies Integrity Maintain unwavering ethical standards in all personal and professional interactions, demonstrating integrity, respect, and fairness in dealings with the community and colleagues. Teamwork Demonstrates strong collaboration and teamwork by actively engaging with colleagues to achieve shared objectives; ensures open communication by sharing relevant information and providing support to peers. Plays a pivotal role in advancing the organization’s mission by contributing to group goals and resolving challenges or conflicts, even when such efforts do not directly benefit their individual interests. Conflict resolution Demonstrated capability to navigate and resolve conflicts, as well as manage emotionally challenging situations with professionalism and composure. Flexibility Adaptability is essential, with a readiness to embrace innovative concepts and seamlessly adjust to evolving requirements and conditions. The ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and holidays when necessary, is required. Planning and organising – Establishing clear, actionable goals and allocating resources through transparent budgeting processes; defining required actions, timelines, and resource allocations, while continuously tracking progress to ensure alignment with objectives. Initiative – Identifying and seizing opportunities through proactive, self-driven initiative rather than adopting a passive approach; actively shaping outcomes. Creativity Developing innovative solutions to address workplace challenges and operational issues. African Parks Zambia adheres to a policy of equal opportunity in employment. Applicants must possess an unblemished background and verifiable references to be considered for this position. Additionally, candidates are required to provide a daytime telephone number for

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