Beekeeping Extensionist WeForest Zambia

Job Title: Beekeeping Extensionist

Reports to: Project Manager

WeForest

WeForest is a fast-growing international non-profit association headquartered in Belgium and with current projects in Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Tanzania, Malawi, Senegal and Zambia. The mission of the organisation is to advance innovative, scalable and lasting solutions to restore forest and landscapes for climate, people and planet. We promote scientific evidence for the ways in which forests contribute to climate change mitigation, beyond their impacts as stocks of carbon, by increasing water availability, enhancing local biodiversity conservation and rural livelihood and resilience.

WeForest has been active around reforestation and non-timber livelihood creation with local communities in Zambia since 2011. Currently, five projects are running, two in the Copperbelt and three in Muchinga province.

We are looking for an experienced Beekeeping Extensionist role to reinforce the existing team under the Mpumba Community Conservation project, in Mpumba Chiefdom, Lavushimanda

Job Summary

The beekeeping Extensionist will work in a dynamic team on our objective towards implementing a beekeeping program to promote sustainable Forest Management of miombo woodlands on farms as a scalable solution for climate mitigation and adaptation, livelihood improvement and gender equitable development. The Beekeeping Extensionist will work under the direct supervision of the Project Manager and will have their office base in Lavushimanda District. The Extensionist will be active in the field

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Be the liaison between the community and WeForest Zambia.
• Assist in the implementation of alternatively livelihoods, with a strong focus on beekeeping
• Assist with the selection of farmers for these livelihood activities
• Support trainings among farmers with project manager and other colleagues
• Assist in conducting socio-economic surveys and with training of facilitators to assess baseline and follow-up
• Collect field data and assist in the mapping processes
• Responsible for training and coordinating the activities of Bee mentors, ensuring they are active and motivated, well trained and take care of their equipment.
• Responsible for sustainable and timely harvesting of beehives by the mentors conducting regular retraining and spot checks.
• Responsible for hive maintenance through coordinating the bee mentors and a team of carpenters.
• Responsible for increasing honey production with the farmers through sharing best practices, making sure mentors are following recommendations and regularly rebait.
• Plan and communicate directly with the project manager regarding project activities and reporting.
• Maintain cleanliness and take good care of the assets provided by WeForest Zambia, as well as basic checks to control equipment with mentors in the field.
• Be a responsible staff member and understand that you are always representing your organization at the same place as where you live.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

• Education: Min. Grade 12. Preferably a certificate of Forestry, Agriculture, Agroforestry or equivalent
• Language: Fluent in English (both speaking and writing) and Bemba/Bisa
• Experience: Theoretical and relevant practical experience with beekeeping especially in honey harvesting, rebaiting. Candidate will be required to hang and harvest a beehive as part of recruitment process. Familiarity with working with applications on smartphone such as ODK and Kobo
• Driving license: A valid motorcycle license & proven ability to drive in challenging conditions

Skills:

a. Excellent planning, training and communication skills
b. Strong and persistent with fieldwork
c. Strong and comfortable working and living in the field with the local community
d. Honest and down-to-earth, being aware of different cultures and mind-sets.
e. Ability to work with little or no supervision
f. Ability to work flexible hours
g. Ability to work in all weather conditions
h. Able to work effectively in stressful conditions/under pressure
i. Should be comfortable working with large groups of people
j. Should have strong cultural values

Terms & Conditions

Start date: As soon as possible, but not later than 1st June 2024.
Duration of Contract: One year with possibility of a renewable 2-year contract afterwards upon performance
Salary: Level 2b. Field Extensionist
Location: Willing to live and work in Lavushimanda, with office in Mununga.
Extras: Bonus of 5% based on performance, please note that there are no field allowances as this position is also expected to carry out fieldwork regularly.
Hours of Work: Full-time, or 6 days per week, working a minimum of 8 hours per day and up to 44 hours per week. Hours will however vary depending on project needs and flexibility is essential.
Reporting line: Will work under the supervision of and report to the project manager with regular contacts with other team members.