Community Development Officer

Organisation: Greater Kafue Landscape Limited (GKLL)

Location: Kafue South, Kafue National Park, Zambia

Reports to: Community Development Manager

Contract Type: Fixed-Term Contract

Background

African Parks is a non-profit conservation organisation that takes on complete responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of protected areas in partnership with governments and local communities. We currently manage 24 protected areas across 13 countries, covering over 20 million hectares in Angola, Benin, Central African Republic, Chad, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, the Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Greater Kafue Landscape Limited (GKLL) is responsible for supporting the management of Kafue National Park through a long-term partnership with the Government of Zambia, working closely with communities, government agencies and conservation partners to protect biodiversity while improving livelihoods across the Greater Kafue Landscape.

Position Overview

The Community Development Officer will support the implementation of community governance, livelihoods, conservation education and enterprise development programmes across the Namwala, Nkala, Sichifulo and Mulobezi Game Management Areas (GMAs).

Working closely with Community Resource Boards (CRBs), Village Action Groups (VAGs), government departments and development partners, the role will strengthen Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM), Village Land Use Planning processes, promote nature-based enterprises, and increase awareness of the link between biodiversity conservation and sustainable community development.

Key Responsibilities

Community Governance and CBNRM

• Strengthen CRBs, VAGs and other community governance structures through capacity building, monitoring and mentoring.
• Promote transparent community participation in natural resource management and decision-making processes.
• Deliver training on governance, financial management, CBNRM principles and relevant Standard Operating Procedures.
• Support Village Land Use Planning (VLUP) processes across the designated GMAs.
• Raise awareness of African Parks' community development approach and the contribution of CBNRM to biodiversity conservation and rural livelihoods.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships with government departments, Community Resource Boards and conservation partners.
• Support sustainable fisheries management activities in collaboration with the GKLL Fisheries team.

Community Development and Livelihoods

• Support the implementation of community development and livelihood initiatives aligned with local needs.
• Facilitate conservation education programmes in schools and strengthen environmental clubs.
• Promote awareness on climate change, conservation agriculture, environmental stewardship and community advocacy.
• Support communities in identifying and developing sustainable nature-based enterprises.
• Assist communities in identifying practical approaches to reducing Human-Wildlife Conflict while promoting coexistence.
• Promote understanding of the relationship between biodiversity conservation and sustainable community development.

General Responsibilities

• Represent the Community Development Department during meetings and field engagements as assigned.
• Ensure responsible use and care of project vehicles, equipment and other organisational assets.
• Maintain accurate records and contribute to programme reporting.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Community Development Manager in support of GKLL's community development objectives.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in Community Development, Rural Development, Social Sciences, Wildlife Management or a related field.
• Grade 12 School Certificate.
• Demonstrated experience working with Community Resource Boards (CRBs), Village Action Groups (VAGs) and rural communities in Zambia.
• Good understanding of Community-Based Natural Resource Management (CBNRM) principles.
• Experience community meetings, training and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to live and work in a remote field-based environment.
• Valid Zambian driver's licence; motorcycle riding experience will be an added advantage.
• Knowledge of the Kafue ecosystem and surrounding communities will be an added advantage.

Competencies

• Strong interpersonal and community engagement skills.
• Excellent communication and abilities.
• Good planning, organisational and reporting skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to conservation and community development.

How to Apply

Greater Kafue Landscape Limited is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Applicants must have a clean record and provide traceable references.

Interested candidates should submit:

• A detailed Curriculum Vitae (CV);
• A cover letter explaining their suitability for the position;
• At least three contactable professional references; and
• A daytime contact number.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. GKLL reserves the right not to make an appointment.