For more than 50 years, the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) has been a key player in African Conservation and sustainable development. AWF is currently seeking a talented professional to work with different stakeholders, to assist selected local communities undertake different conservation activities that would include sustainable livelihood options, profitable wildlife business ventures that ensure positive conservation impact.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Kazungula Heartland Director the Community Development Officer will work with community land trusts in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe, to link them to the private sector and wildlife authorities in promoting conservation and livelihood enhancement. Develop and implement participatory tools for mobilizing and organizing communities to effectively implement and sustain wildlife conservation activities and business ventures. Conduct awareness training and educational activities which assist communities to explore options for natural resource management in their area. Facilitate the process of identifying viable alternative livelihood, including sustainable agriculture for the communities with Kazungula Heartland, and develop plans for their implementation. Develop an enabling environment for community based natural resource management. Prepare the communities, including building their capacity to tap into the conservation-based enterprise development opportunities. Contribute to policy level interventions that border on conservation enterprise development and community-private sector partnerships. Participate in monitoring and evaluating the quality and impact of alternative livelihood options and feedback into conservation strategic planning.
The successful candidate will;
þ A University Degree, Development/ Social Science or related field.
þ A minimum of 4 years working experience in Community Conservation.
þ Familiarity with dynamics and key issues relating to community based wildlife utilization in Southern Africa.
þ Understanding of factors constraining community based wildlife and other conservation related enterprises; creativity on how to respond to these challenges.
þ Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of collaborators.
þ Proven ability to write project reports.
þ Knowledge of local languages.
þ Computer literacy – an ability to work efficiently in Word and Internet skills.
þ Ability to work as part of a team.
þ Gender sensitivity.
þ Willingness to work long hours when required, occasionally over weekends.
þ Frequent field trips away from the station.
A professional operating environment with latitude to innovate and deliver value as well as a competitive remuneration package is available to the right person who shares an interest in AWF’s mission and core values.
If you are interested in this position, please send a cover letter and your detailed CV indicating daytime telephone numbers, address and names of three referees with subject ”CDO”, to jobs@awf.org. Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
- Application deadline
- August 31, 2012
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