WeForest
WeForest is an international non-profit Organisation 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
The Community Extensionist will be responsible for facilitating participatory land use planning processes in the Lavushimanda Community Conservation (LCC) landscape. The role involves working closely with local authorities, community members, and other stakeholders to promote sustainable land use practices, and ensure community participation and ownership throughout the process.
The LCC programme, launched in late 2022, supports three Community Forest Management Groups (CFMGs) in Mabonga, Mwenda, and Salamo of Mpumba Chiefdom while also engaging private landowners in the Mupamadzi Farmblock to create a holistic landscape vision benefiting both conservation and local communities.
RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Community Mobilization & Engagement
- Conduct community and school awareness campaigns on land rights, sustainable land use, and planning processes
- Organize and facilitate community meetings, workshops, and training sessions
- Build strong relationships with village leaders, traditional authorities, community groups and local government structures
- Act as a liaison between the community and WeForest Zambia
2. Facilitation of Village Land Use Planning (VLUP) and Climate Adaptation Planning (CAP) Process
- Support the formation of Village Land Use Planning Committees (VLUPC)
- Lead in participatory mapping, data collection, and boundary demarcation across the landscape
- Ensure inclusivity in decision-making, particularly for marginalized groups such as women, youth, and the elderly
- Work with technical experts to produce village land use maps and climate adaptation plans
3. Conflict Resolution & Mediation
- Identify and address project-related conflicts through dialogue and mediation
- Collaborate with local dispute resolution mechanisms, including customary institutions
4. Monitoring & Evaluation
- Assist in conducting surveys including the baseline survey
- Track progress on VLUP implementation and provide feedback to stakeholders.
- Document lessons learned and best practices for future land use and climate adaptation planning efforts.
- Prepare and submit regular reports to supervisors
5. Operational Responsibilities & Professional Conduct
- Maintain cleanliness and take good care of the assets provided by WeForest Zambia, as well as perform basic checks to control equipment with community facilitators (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
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- Education: Min. grade 12. Preferably a Diploma in community development, Forestry, Agriculture, Agroforestry or equivalent
- Language: Fluent in English (both speaking and writing) and Bemba or Lala or Bisa
- Experience: Theoretical and relevant practical experience with participatory village land use planning. 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:
- Excellent planning, training and communication skills
- Strong and persistent with fieldwork
- Strong and comfortable working and living in the field with the local community
- Honest and down-to-earth, being aware of different cultures and mind-sets.
- Ability to work with little or no supervision
- Ability to work flexible hours
- Ability to work in all weather conditions
- Able to work effectively in stressful conditions/under pressure
- Should be comfortable working with large groups of peopl
- Should have strong cultural values
TASKS
- Demonstrate leadership and show own initiative
- Work using correct engagement principles of Free Prior and Informed Consent
- Coordinate and assist community enumerators under your responsibility
- Provide technical advice ensuring a good partnership with all stakeholders to guarantee project outputs
- To facilitate effective communication between the local community and WeForest.
- Frequently liaise with local stakeholders working in the areas for effective work delivery
- Collect quantitative & qualitative field data (socio-economic data, GPS coordinates, geo-tracks etc.)
- Provide appropriate and frequent reporting in full transparency and integrity, being coachable for improvement
- Handle internal information and data as confidential
- Conduct safe and clean keeping of office, motorbike and other WeForest equipment
Terms & Conditions
Position: Full-time employee, 5 or 6 days per week.
Base: Based at Mununga, Lavushimanda district, Muchinga Province
Start date: As soon as possible, preferably by 01/04/2025
Package: Competitive package for a small organisation, level 2b salary package
Please send applications to recruitment.zambia@weforest.org with your CV, a motivation letter, and min.3 recent references by 28/02/2025. References must include at least one former employer and one enterprise that you have supported.
Make sure to mention the job title in the subject of the email, and to indicate where you saw the job post. In your motivation letter, we’d love to read about what makes you interested to work with WeForest Zambia and why you think you are best suited. Due to the anticipated high number of applicants, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. We thank you in advance for your interest.
