Senior Community Conservation Officer
ZMB: Chama, ZMB: Frankfurt Zoological Society Zambia, ZMB-Field Operations, Local Employee, full-time, 7-10 years of experience
About the Project
Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an international conservation organisation dedicated to conserving wildlife and ecosystems in some of the world’s most outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long-term conservation programmes in Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe.
FZS Zambia, through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP), has been active in the North Luangwa ecosystem since 1986 and currently supports conservation and community development across protected areas and surrounding Game Management Areas.
Under the EU NaturAfrica–funded “Connecting Livelihoods and Landscape (CoLiLa)” project, FZS is expanding its work within the Malawi–Zambia Transfrontier Conservation Area (MAZA TFCA), strengthening biodiversity conservation, inclusive livelihoods, and community-based governance.
About the Position
The Senior Community Conservation Officer (SCCO) will provide technical leadership and field-level coordination for community-based conservation activities under the NLCP EU-supported NaturAfrica CoLiLa Project. The role focuses on strengthening community governance structures, supporting Human–Wildlife Coexistence (HWCoex), implementing safeguards and grievance mechanisms, and supervising community field staff.
The SCCO will work closely with Traditional Authorities, Community Resource Boards (CRBs), Community Forestry Management Groups (CFMGs), Village Action Groups (VAGs), and other community institutions to ensure conservation actions are participatory, rights-based, and aligned with project objectives.
Your Tasks
The Senior Community Conservation Officer will:
- Provide day-to-day supervision and mentoring to Community Conservation Officers and Community Liaison Assistants
- Support establishment, strengthening, and functionality of community governance structures (CRBs, CFMGs, CCCs, VAGs, Cooperatives)
- Coordinate community-level implementation of Human–Wildlife Coexistence (HWCoex) interventions, including prevention, mitigation, and response measures
- Support community conservation agreements, stewardship arrangements, and Collaborative Management Partnerships (CMPs)
- Facilitate community engagement processes, including meetings, consultations, and feedback sessions
- Support implementation of Grievance Redress Mechanisms (GRMs) and rights-based safeguards
- Contribute to community conservation education and awareness activities
- Support land-use planning processes (VLUPs / CLUPs) in collaboration with technical teams
- Ensure accurate field reporting, documentation, and contribution to MERL systems
- Perform any other duties as required to support effective project delivery
Your Profile
Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, Forestry Sciences, Community Development, or a related field
- Postgraduate qualification is an added advantage
Experience
- Minimum 7 years’ experience in community-based conservation or natural resource management
- Proven experience working with community governance structures in rural settings
- Practical experience in HWCoex interventions and community engagement
- Experience supervising field teams
- Familiarity with donor-funded projects is an advantage
Key Competencies & Attributes
- Strong leadership and mentoring skills
- Excellent community facilitation and communication skills
- Ability to manage conflict sensitively and professionally
- Strong organisational and reporting skills
- Willingness to work in remote field locations
We Offer
- Meaningful work contributing to biodiversity conservation and community resilience
- Opportunity to work in a unique transboundary conservation landscape
- Supportive and professional working environment
- Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience
Your Application
If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter outlining your relevant experience and motivation by clicking Apply for this Job below.
Applicants should include three (3) traceable referees with a brief description of the working relationship and contact details. Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications.
Application Deadline: 2nd April 2026.
We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.