Community Development Extension Senior Officer

Senior Community Extension Officer (GMA) This role involves leading and implementing community development initiatives under the Urban Wastewater Zanzibar Global Management Alliance (GMA) framework. The successful candidate will be responsible for coordinating stakeholder engagements, designing and delivering extension programs, and monitoring project outcomes to enhance sustainable sanitation and hygiene practices in urban communities. Key requirements include a minimum of five years of relevant experience in community development, extension services, or public health, along with strong leadership, communication, and project management skills. Fluency in English and Kiswahili is essential, and expertise in participatory approaches is highly desirable. Reporting to:Community Development Manager Contract Type:Full Time Location: Position is based in Iowa Plain National Park (LPNP) within 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. Founded in 2000, the organization currently oversees 24 protected areas spanning 13 countries, encompassing over 20 million hectares of ecologically significant landscapes. Operating across Angola, Benin, the Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, African Parks is committed to fostering ecological resilience, financial viability, and socio-political stability within these protected areas to benefit both wildlife and human populations. The AP vision is centered on advancing ecological, financial, and socio-political sustainability within protected areas to benefit both people and wildlife. A critical factor in achieving socio-political sustainability is the acknowledgment of local communities as rights-holders, alongside a dedication to fostering their meaningful engagement in natural resource management. These communities must be included in pivotal strategic matters, including the establishment or modification of park status, boundary adjustments, regulation of resource use, broader land-use planning, resource utilization, adherence to customary practices, and other consequential decisions affecting their livelihoods. Among other key responsibilities, the Senior Community Extension Officer plays a central role in this process. Role Profile The Senior Community Extension Officer (CEO) functions as the Deputy Head of the Community Development Department, offering specialized technical and operational guidance to the Community Development Manager in the coordination, execution, monitoring, and evaluation of Community Development initiatives throughout Iowa Plain National Park and the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area (GMA). This role is chiefly accountable for directing the formulation and implementation of Community Development strategies within the APZ mandate area of the Upper West Zambezi GMA, encompassing key responsibilities such as stakeholder engagement, community mobilization, environmental education, governance enhancement, safeguards implementation, conservation awareness-raising, and the development of livelihood initiatives compatible with conservation objectives. The Senior Community Engagement Officer (CEO) is responsible for providing ongoing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to staff within Community Development, including Community Extension Officers and the Environmental Education Officer. Additionally, this role oversees critical functions such as stakeholder mapping, community entry protocols, partnership development, baseline assessments, and the establishment of community engagement frameworks. The position further plays a key role in facilitating the implementation of the Land Use Plan, Grievance Redress Mechanism (GRM), and other Environmental and Social Safeguards (ESS) requirements, while ensuring seamless coordination among APZ, communities, traditional authorities, Community Resource Boards, government institutions, and other relevant stakeholders. The Senior Community Extension Officer is responsible for: Establishment of operational frameworks and facilitation of stakeholder coordination within the GMA. Establish and oversee APZ’s Community Development initiatives within the Upper West Zambezi Game Management Area, ensuring cohesive planning and execution of all related activities. Conduct oversight of stakeholder mapping initiatives, baseline evaluations, and community profiling activities to guide the development and execution of program strategies. Develop and nurture key partnerships with traditional authorities, Community Resource Boards, governmental bodies, local leaders, non-governmental organizations, civil society groups, and development collaborators. Coordinate community entry, consultation, engagement, and awareness initiatives in strict adherence to APZ policies and established local protocols. Facilitate the development and enhancement of community governance and communication frameworks within the designated APZ mandate area. Effectively coordinate and supervise Community Extension Officers and the Environmental Education Officer within the GMA. Monitor stakeholder interactions, identify emerging trends, assess community feedback, and evaluate potential opportunities and risks, before offering strategic recommendations to senior leadership. Department Coordination and Oversight, along with Strategic Leadership Provide leadership as the primary technical authority within the Community Development Department, functioning in a deputy capacity to the department head. Provide support to the Community Development Manager by helping to plan, coordinate, and oversee all Community Development initiatives. Oversee the department’s ongoing activities to ensure seamless daily functionality. Supervise and mentor: Environmental Education Officer Community Extension Officers Community Engagement Officers Community Engagement & Project Development Coordinator (where applicable) Develop and oversee departmental work plans while tracking and evaluating implementation progress. When the Community Development Manager is unavailable, this position will serve as their authorized representative. Community Development Program Coordination This role involves overseeing the planning, implementation, and monitoring of community development initiatives to foster sustainable growth and social well-being. The position requires strong project management skills, collaboration with stakeholders, and the ability to assess community needs effectively. Responsibilities include coordinating program activities, ensuring alignment with organizational goals, and maintaining transparent communication with partners and beneficiaries. The ideal candidate should demonstrate expertise in program development, data-driven decision-making, and a commitment to inclusive community engagement. Facilitate the execution of all Community Development initiatives, ensuring seamless integration and alignment with strategic objectives. Deliver programs in strict adherence to authorized work plans and allocated budgets. Evaluate program performance and propose enhancements to optimize efficiency and effectiveness. Facilitate the annual planning, budgeting, and reporting initiatives to ensure alignment with organizational objectives and regulatory standards. Maintain precise program documentation and meticulous record management. 4. Education Support Facilitate the execution of educational initiatives throughout the park. Develop and implement conservation education initiatives targeting school communities. Supervise Environmental Education Officers. You will facilitate the administration and advancement of scholarship programs and learner support initiatives. The position involves managing school conservation clubs and organizing environmental awareness campaigns. Engage and educate local communities on environmental awareness and sustainability initiatives. Community Engagement and Stakeholder Relations We foster meaningful connections with local communities and key stakeholders to enhance mutual understanding, support sustainable development initiatives, and address shared concerns. This role involves cultivating partnerships, facilitating open dialogue, and ensuring transparent communication to build trust and alignment with organizational goals. Responsibilities include organizing engagement activities, representing the organization at public forums, and addressing inquiries or feedback from community members and partners. Facilitate and oversee community engagement initiatives, ensuring robust participation and input during consultation phases. Maintain strong relationships with: BRE Traditional Authorities Lewanika CRB Village Action Groups Government Departments NGOs Cooperating Partners Facilitate the scheduling and management of Chiefs’ meetings, community forums, and stakeholder consultations to ensure productive engagement and alignment on key initiatives. During meetings and public events, you will serve as the department’s representative, acting as its official spokesperson and ambassador. Community Enterprise and Livelihood Support Officer You will provide strategic direction and hands-on support to local entrepreneurs and small business owners, helping them build sustainable livelihoods through targeted training, mentorship, and access to resources. Your responsibilities include designing and delivering business development programs, facilitating market linkages, and offering financial literacy workshops to foster economic resilience within the community. Additionally, you will collaborate with stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and private sector partners, to create an enabling environment for enterprise growth and job creation. A minimum of three years of relevant experience in community development, entrepreneurship, or a related field is required, along with strong project management, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills. Proficiency in data analysis to measure program impact and adapt strategies accordingly is also essential. Deliver community enterprise initiatives by putting comprehensive programs into action, with responsibilities encompassing: Beekeeping Agrovet operations Mango processing Community tourism enterprises Other livelihood projects Monitor enterprise performance Enhance the governance framework of community-based enterprises to ensure robust oversight and sustainable operations. Support market linkage initiatives. Environmental and Social Safeguards Support involves providing specialized assistance to ensure compliance with environmental and social standards throughout project implementation. This role requires expertise in assessing potential risks, developing mitigation strategies, and monitoring adherence to safeguard policies. Responsibilities include conducting environmental and social impact assessments, collaborating with stakeholders to address concerns, and ensuring projects align with applicable regulations and best practices. The position demands strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to communicate findings effectively to diverse audiences. In close collaboration with the Social and Environmental Safeguards Officer, the Social and Environmental Compliance Officer (CEO) will be responsible for: Assist in the execution of the Iowa Plain National Park Land Use Plan implementation. Collaborate in the establishment and execution of the Grievance and Redress Mechanism (GRM). Investigate grievances as required to ensure thorough resolution. Facilitate engagement with stakeholders and ensure adherence to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent (EPIC) protocols throughout consultations. Foster understanding and recognition of Environmental and Social Safeguards Standards to ensure compliance and best practices are upheld across all operations. Ensure vigilant oversight of safeguard commitments throughout the duration of project implementation. 8. Community Governance Support Strengthen the capacity of: Village Action Groups Lewanika CRB Community committees Support governance training Promote transparent benefit-sharing Offer expert advice on matters pertaining to community governance. Monitoring, evaluation, and reporting activities are conducted to systematically track progress, assess outcomes, and ensure accountability. This involves collecting and analyzing data, measuring performance against established indicators, and generating comprehensive reports to inform decision-making and strategic adjustments. Oversee the execution and management of Community Development initiatives. Prepare and submit weekly, monthly, quarterly, and annual reports punctually. Oversee and manage existing program databases and digital reporting systems to ensure their accuracy, integrity, and accessibility. Track departmental KPIs. Develop comprehensive management reports and detailed implementation summaries to support organizational decision-making and strategic planning initiatives. 10. Communication and Outreach Coordinate departmental communication. Draft

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