Lavushimanda Community Conservation REDD+ Programme Manager WeForest Zambia

WeForest

WeForest is an international non-profit association headquartered in Belgium with the mission to conserve and restore the ecological integrity of forests and landscapes, engaging communities to implement and deliver lasting solutions for climate, nature, and people. We promote science and best practices in a culture of sharing and inclusion so that others can replicate and augment what we do.

Job Summary

This strategic role is to oversee and coordinate all operations under the Lavushimanda Community Conservation REDD+ (LCC) Programme:

• Proactive and strategic thinker with a passion for managing complex projects from project concept to implementation and following sound monitoring and evaluation approaches.
• The LCC programme, which started at the end of 2022, supports three Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs) to manage their community forests in Mabonga, Mwenda, and Salamo areas of Mpumba Chiefdom as well as engages private landowners in the Mupamadzi Farmblock to support a holistic landscape vision that delivers long-lasting benefits for conservation and for the community. This project is developed as a REDD+ carbon project.

Roles and responsibilities

1. Responsible for developing, implementing and coordinating all programme operations under the LCC programme.
2. Responsible for Quarterly reporting to HQ and WFZ Board.
3. Support programme and organisational strategic planning and identify areas and opportunities for improvement and programme growth.
4. Supervise all programme-level staff with direct reporting lines and manage all HR obligations of the LCC Programme such as staff recruitment and performance appraisals as well as the Grievance Redress Mechanism for staff and stakeholders/partners.
5. Lead and responsible for annual project work planning and budgeting.
6. Responsible for budget disbursement and management and supporting the Finance & Admin Manager with financial quarterly reporting of the LCC Programme.
7. Identify potential risks and develop mitigation strategies to safeguard programme operations and growth.
8. Responsible for managing all partnerships and stakeholder engagements within the landscape e.g. with private landowners, local GRZ departments and other organisations operating in the area.
9. Responsible for programme visibility through production of mass media materials and representing the LCC Programme at various fora and networks.
10. Provide support to technical advisors and Country Director for program development.
11. Co-ordinate the deliverables of the MEL Manager and REDD+ Technical Advisor with regards to REDD+ MRV obligations.

CANDIDATE PROFILE

Education:

• Essential: M.Sc. or equivalent experience in Conservation, Development Studies, Project management, Climate change.
• Desirable: Certificates/training in leadership, human resources, monitoring and evaluation.

Work experience and skills:

Essential:

• Minimum 7+ years of relevant work experience, with demonstrated practical experience in leading multi-faceted and complex natural resource management and community engagement programs spanning different stakeholders and partners in the forestry sector or related fields.
• Excellent stakeholder and partnership management skills, including experience with leading multi-stakeholder conversations as well as in negotiating and conflict management.
• Strong leadership skills & team player, with a strong ‘can do’ attitude and excellent problem solver.
• Excellent management, coordination, training, reporting and communication skills.
• Ability to develop, manage and deliver timely on complex workplans and associated budgets.
• Competent with Google Work suite, Microsoft Office applications, and other relevant computer skills. A workable knowledge in GIS will be an added advantage.
• Clean and excellent track record and references.
• Excellent ability to produce technical and financial reports.
• Excellent analytical ability to review technical and M&E reports.
• Working knowledge of Statistical Analysis and data summarizations.

Desirable:

• Experience with specific Carbon project management is considered a plus.
• Knowledge on natural resource management.
• Exposure to and experience with the NGO sector.
• Experience with Natural resource management tools such as Earthranger, SMART.
• Knowledge in mapping and monitoring for conservation through GIS software, KoboToolbox/ODK and GIS Cloud, or other equivalent phone monitoring is considered a plus.

Language: Fluent in English (both speaking and writing) and Bemba/Bisa (both speaking and writing).

Other requirements:

• Driving license.
• Flexible in terms of travelling and working conditions.
• All academic and professional certificates should be certified by the Zambia Qualification Authority (ZAQA).