Senior Environmental Education Coordinator

Responsabilités

Position title:Environmental Education Officer Reporting to the Senior Community Extension Officer for the Urban Water and Sanitation Governance and Management Activity (GMA), this position will be responsible for overseeing community-based initiatives aimed at improving water and sanitation practices. The role involves collaborating with local stakeholders, conducting training sessions, and monitoring project progress to ensure alignment with GMA goals. Key responsibilities include assessing community needs, facilitating stakeholder engagement, and reporting on program outcomes to senior management. Candidates should possess a degree in environmental science, public health, or a related field, along with at least five years of experience in community development or water and sanitation projects. Strong communication, project management, and problem-solving skills are essential for success in this role. Contract Type:Full Time Location: Iowa Plain National Park (LPNP) and the 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 now oversees 24 protected regions spanning 13 countries, encompassing over 20 million hectares in 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-driven approach, African Parks strives to balance ecological integrity, social well-being, and financial viability, ensuring that these protected areas yield sustainable advantages for both wildlife and human populations. The AP vision is centered on fostering ecological, financial, and socio-political sustainability within protected areas, ensuring benefits for both people and wildlife. Central to socio-political sustainability is the acknowledgment of local communities as rights-holders, alongside a dedication to facilitating their engagement in the stewardship of natural resources. Environmental education (EE) initiatives within protected areas play a pivotal role in enhancing public understanding of these areas’ critical importance for ecosystem health and biodiversity preservation. Moreover, EE initiatives cultivate favorable perspectives toward wildlife and equip individuals with strategies to reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Role Profile The Environmental Education Officer will provide direct assistance to the Senior Community Extension Officer (GMA) in the design, coordination, execution, and evaluation of environmental education, conservation awareness, and youth development initiatives in Iowa Plain National Park and the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area. This role involves close collaboration with educational institutions, local communities, traditional leadership, governmental agencies, youth organizations, and other key stakeholders to enhance environmental literacy, foster conservation stewardship, and encourage active community involvement in conservation programs. As African Parks Zambia (APZ) expands its footprint in the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area (GMA), the Environmental Education Officer will be instrumental in launching environmental education initiatives and fostering strategic partnerships across the region. The role entails conducting comprehensive stakeholder mapping, cultivating relationships with educational and community stakeholders, assisting in baseline assessments, raising awareness of APZ’s mission, and guiding the integration of conservation education into local schools and communities throughout the operational establishment phase. The Environmental Education Officer will be responsible for delivering comprehensive educational programs focused on environmental conservation and sustainability initiatives. Key duties include developing and implementing instructional materials, organizing workshops and community outreach events, and collaborating with schools, local organizations, and government agencies to promote eco-friendly practices. The role requires a strong background in environmental science or education, excellent communication and presentation skills, and the ability to engage diverse audiences. Additionally, the officer will monitor program effectiveness, gather feedback, and prepare reports for stakeholders to ensure continuous improvement in educational outreach efforts. We will develop and implement environmental education initiatives while fostering collaborations with key stakeholders. Provide assistance in developing and implementing environmental education and conservation awareness initiatives within the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area. Key stakeholders, which encompass schools, educators, DEBS offices, traditional leaders, community groups, youth organizations, NGOs, government departments, and other education partners, must be identified, mapped, and actively engaged. Conduct baseline assessments to evaluate environmental education requirements, potential opportunities, current initiatives, and stakeholder capabilities within the designated landscape. The role involves leading initial meetings and interactive sessions to cultivate productive partnerships with key education sector stakeholders, ensuring a solid foundation for collaboration with APZ. We aim to enhance comprehension and recognition of APZ’s conservation mission, strategic goals, and collaborative community engagement methods within educational institutions and local neighborhoods. “Facilitate the development and enhancement of conservation clubs, youth networks, and other environmental education initiatives.” Develop and maintain comprehensive records and databases related to stakeholder engagement and educational programs. Regularly prepare and deliver comprehensive reports detailing stakeholder engagement activities, program development progress, potential opportunities, identified challenges, and community feedback. Environmental education and outreach initiatives are essential components of this role, focusing on fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues and promoting sustainable practices. The position requires developing and delivering educational programs, workshops, and campaigns to engage diverse audiences, including schools, communities, and local stakeholders. Responsibilities include creating informative materials, such as brochures, guides, and digital content, as well as organizing events and activities that raise awareness about environmental conservation and climate action. The ideal candidate will possess strong communication skills, a passion for sustainability, and experience in environmental education or related fields. Develop and oversee the execution of the Learning and Environmental Education Program (KEEP) alongside additional environmental education initiatives within school districts and local communities. Craft and distribute educational materials, awareness campaigns, and promotional content focused on environmental topics, tailored to learners, educators, conservation organizations, and community groups. Additionally, ensure these resources are regularly reviewed and revised to maintain relevance and accuracy. Foster environmental stewardship by implementing conservation awareness initiatives and integrating both local expertise and scientific insights to drive impactful outcomes. 3. Development and Implementation of Educational and Youth Engagement Initiatives Coordinate and deliver a diverse range of extracurricular educational initiatives—such as KEEP lessons, conservation clubs, drama festivals, park study tours, interschool competitions, and the Vocational and Skills Training Support Program—ensuring seamless implementation and impactful engagement. Identify, engage, guide, and track participants in education support and vocational skills initiatives while fostering conservation-aligned competencies, employment opportunities for young people, entrepreneurial ventures, and sustainable livelihood strategies. Provide career counseling, facilitate life skills training, and establish connections with vocational training institutions and other educational partners. Stakeholder engagement and the cultivation of strategic partnerships are essential components of this role. The successful candidate will be responsible for fostering strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including clients, suppliers, and industry partners. Key responsibilities involve identifying partnership opportunities, negotiating terms, and ensuring mutually beneficial collaborations. Additionally, the individual will act as a liaison to address stakeholder concerns, facilitate communication, and drive initiatives that support organizational objectives. Strong interpersonal skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to influence across diverse groups are critical for success in this position. As the primary liaison for environmental education initiatives, foster strong and productive working relationships with key stakeholders, including the District Education Board Secretary (DEBS), educational institutions, vocational training providers, government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), community groups, and other relevant parties. We will lead initiatives to enhance teacher competencies and assist schools in creating and executing customized environmental education strategies tailored to their unique needs. Serve as the primary liaison for African Parks at educational meetings, forums, and stakeholder engagements to foster collaboration and advance organizational objectives. Program Planning, Monitoring, and Reporting encompass the strategic development, ongoing assessment, and systematic documentation of project initiatives. This entails designing comprehensive project frameworks, establishing key performance indicators (KPIs), and ensuring alignment with organizational objectives. Responsibilities include regular progress evaluations, data collection and analysis, and the preparation of detailed performance reports for stakeholders. Additionally, adjustments to project plans may be necessary based on monitoring findings to optimize outcomes. Proficiency in project management tools and reporting software is often required to facilitate these processes effectively. To oversee, coordinate, and assess environmental education and youth development initiatives, ensuring their seamless execution and ongoing enhancement. Gather, evaluate, update, and present program data, beneficiary databases, and performance indicators to ensure accuracy and compliance with organizational standards. Compile and present precise weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual, and other necessary reports in accordance with the directives issued by the Senior Community Extension Officer. Financial and asset management responsibilities encompass the oversight and strategic administration of organizational financial resources and tangible assets. This role requires meticulous attention to detail, proficiency in financial analysis, and adherence to regulatory compliance standards. Key duties include budget preparation, financial reporting, asset valuation, risk assessment, and the implementation of cost-effective strategies to optimize resource utilization. Candidates must possess strong analytical skills, proficiency in financial software, and a deep understanding of accounting principles. Additionally, they should demonstrate the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and provide actionable insights to support informed decision-making. Oversee approved program budgets with due diligence, guaranteeing the prompt and accurate disbursement of allocated funds. Ensure that all project assets, vehicles, equipment, and educational materials are used correctly, maintained diligently, and accounted for accurately. Additionally, report any damage or required maintenance without delay. 7. General Responsibilities Prepare periodic progress reports detailing program implementation status and any emerging issues for submission to the Senior Community Extension Officer. Provide assistance to additional Community Development initiatives and undertake any other lawful responsibilities as directed by the Senior Community Extension Officer or Community Development Manager. Role requirements Obtained a diploma in Environmental Science, Education, Conservation, Natural Resource Management, or a closely related discipline as an essential qualification. Seeking a professional with at least five years of proven experience in environmental education, community engagement, or social initiatives, showcasing expertise in managing related challenges effectively. Fluent and articulate English communication and presentation abilities are essential. Proficiency in the Loki language constitutes an added advantage. Computer skills: Strong command of various computer applications and programs. Professional Rewrite: Proven ability to exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality when handling sensitive data. Demonstrates proficiency in facilitating and enhancing training initiatives. Skilled in engaging stakeholders effectively, capable of operating across diverse cultural contexts and cultivating collaborative partnerships. Professional Rewriting: A strong commitment to conservation and social development initiatives in Africa is essential. Proficiency in operating within remote environments is required. Demonstrates resilience and composure in high-pressure environments while meeting tight deadlines and multitasking effectively to deliver consistent results. Work under minimum supervision. Behaviour Competencies Integrity Demonstrate unwavering ethical principles in both personal conduct and professional interactions, upholding integrity, respect, and fairness in all engagements with the community and colleagues. Teamwork. Collaborates seamlessly with colleagues to advance team objectives, fostering an environment of open communication and mutual support. Actively contributes to achieving shared organizational goals or resolving challenges, demonstrating a commitment to the broader mission even when personal interests are not directly involved. Conflict resolution. Capable of effectively managing conflict and emotionally taxing situations with professionalism and composure. Flexibility Highly adaptable, with a strong aptitude for embracing innovative concepts and adjusting seamlessly to evolving requirements and conditions. Demonstrates flexibility and openness to shifting priorities, as well as a commitment to accommodating operational needs, including availability on weekends and holidays when necessary. Planning and organising Establishing clear, measurable goals and allocating resources efficiently while maintaining transparency; determining required actions, timelines, and resource allocation, and tracking progress diligently to ensure alignment with objectives. Initiative Actively identifying and capitalizing on opportunities, this role demands a proactive and self-driven approach rather than passive compliance. It requires taking initiative and shaping outcomes through decisive action. Creativity. Developing innovative approaches to address challenges that arise in the performance of job duties. African Parks Zambia maintains a commitment to equal opportunity employment. Applicants must possess an unblemished background and verifiable references. Additionally, candidates are required to provide a

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