Chiefdom Officer (Zambia) Peace Parks Foundation

BioCarbonPartners (BCP) and Peace Parks Foundation (PPF) have entered into a strategic partnership to develop and implement the Kafue Zambezi Community Forest Project (KZCFP) Western. The aim of KZCFP is to enhance conservation of the forest catchment areas of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers and the near continuous wildlife corridors between Sioma Ngwezi National, Kafue National Park and Simalaha Community Conservancy.

The project targets 17 Chiefdoms and 1 Mha of forest.

BCP is a leading African Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) Developer and conservation organization which seeks to sustainably finance wildlife and habitat conservation through the forest carbon markets. BCP’s mission is “making conservation of wildlife habitat valuable to people”. BCP works with Community and Government partners to help improve the conservation management of over 1 million hectares of globally significant wildlife habitats in Zambia, benefiting over 225,000 people.

Peace Parks Foundation is a leading African conservation NGO working to re-establish, renew and preserve large functional ecosystems that transcend man-made boundaries. It capacitates those people living in and adjacent to Trans Frontier Conservation Areas (TFCAs ) in the sustainable use of natural resources that unlocks opportunities for deriving equitable benefits from conservation. PPF’s mission is to protect and regenerate natural and cultural heritage vital to enable and sustain a harmonious future for humankind and the natural world.

KZCFP Western is recruiting for 17 Chiefdom Officers (CO), to be located in Kazungula, Mwandi, Sesheke and Mulobezi. The CO will be responsible for the coordination of REDD+ project activities within his/her assigned Chiefdoms. The Chiefdom officer will report to the Site Operations Manager (SOM) and will be responsible for all aspects of community sensitization. This is a development

facilitation role and in this regard, the Chiefdom officer will work closely with the Community Forest Management Group (CFMG)/Community Resource Board (CRB) substructures (Finance, Community Development, and Natural Resource or Forest User groups) and the traditional Leaders (Indunas and headmen) with the aim of increasing community understanding and participation in the implementation of REDD+ project activities.

The Chiefdom Officer will collaborate with key government departments and provide technical support to the CFMG/CRB and its substructures in the implementation of community-driven household-level livelihood improvement and community impact projects in the assigned Chiefdom. The Chiefdom Officer is responsible for supporting the Village Action Groups (VAGs) in conducting a needs assessment to feed into the CFMG/CRB annual work plans. The Chiefdom Officer takes accountability over the data collection, entry, and updating of all Community Engagement chiefdom databases and performance trackers and dashboards. The position will report to the Site Operations Manager.

Responsibilities:

• Day to day in the field engagement with rural Communities at chiefdom level.
• Support the formation of CFMG and help the Chiefdom secure forest carbon user rights.
• Implement Community Engagement, and livelihood community development activities aligned to REDD+ in the assigned Chiefdoms.
• Encourage participation of households in developmental activities intended to create lasting financial returns at the household level.
• Implement awareness creation strategies aimed at promoting broad participation of the CRB Sub structures or Forest user groups in the development and implementation of CRB annual work plans.
• Provide technical support to the CRB/CFMGs in the implementation of project activities to ensure adherence to Verified Carbon Standard (VCs) and Climate, Community & Biodiversity Alliance (CCB) standards.
• Support the CFMG in delineating and maintaining of REDD+ Zone boundaries.
• Promote a participatory and inclusive approach involving all communities in Annual Workplan (AWP) development.
• Participate in the weekly, monthly, and quarterly site review and planning meetings.
• Report to SOM any significant project risks likely to affect the smooth implementation of project activities.
• Coordinate with key stakeholders both Government and community based (CRB, VAG committees, etc.) in their day-to-day operations in the Chiefdom including documenting lessons learnt in order to enhance project delivery.

REQUIRED EXPERIENCE:

• Minimum of a Diploma or advanced in Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Community Development or any relevant field.
• Minimum of 3 years’ relevant work experience in biodiversity conservation, community engagement, natural resource management, livelihood interventions, agriculture development, project management or other relevant fields. Experience with REDD+ will be an added advantage.
• Experience working with government stakeholders.

REQUIRED SKILLS:

• Strong people skills with communication capabilities in written and spoken English and above all, local Chiefdom languages.
• Excellent planning, time management and coordination skills.
• Ability to multitask and prioritize tasks.
• Excellent facilitation skills and application of Participatory Rural Appraisal/Participatory Learning and Action Methodologies and Tools.
• Strong leadership traits.
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, GPS, Open Data Kit (ODK), and other Android device applications.
• Advanced alliance building and collaborative skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent report writing.
• Management, administrative and organizational skills.
• Demonstrate attention to detail.
• Demonstrate professional discretion.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Must be prepared to be away from home for extended periods of time.
• Must be able to adapt to various field conditions e.g., no Wi-Fi, camping, poor road conditions and long journeys.

REMUNERATION: A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.