Senior Community Development Officer
Ngo & Social Services Jobs
- African Wildlife Foundation (…
- Expires 14 Feb 2020
- Bulawayo
- Full Time
Job Description
Senior Community Development Officer
Ethiopia, Debark
Description
The Senior Community Development Officer (SCDO) will be responsible for overseeing AWF’s community engagement in the Simien Mountains. They will work with different stakeholders, to assist local communities living around Simien Mt. National Park and other adjacent areas including the Geech community who were recently resettled out of the Simien Mountain National Park. The SCDO will help to implement a joint project between EWCA and AWF funded by KfW “Conservation and Sustainable Use of Biodiversity in Ethiopia”. This position will be based in Debark with frequent travel to the National Park and report to the Project Chief Technical Advisor.
Duties and Responsibilities
KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Responsible for community engagement in the Landscape
Establish good working relationship with local communities and their leaders including other stakeholders.
Support communities to communicate with other stakeholders such as local authorities and with other potential collaborators.
Support the establishment and development of community conservation areas and ensure the CCA’s key stakeholders participate in the development of the management plans
Support the local communities establish new or adapt existing institutions responsible for the management of the CCAs.
Support communities gain access to information, resources and opportunities that are likely to empower them to manage their natural resources more effectively.
Work with Park Ecologists to conduct a rapid assessment of threats facing key species conservation and management in community areas bordering the National Park including Human Wildlife Conflicts hotspot mapping
Strengthen mitigation of human-wildlife conflicts and work with Community Development Officer and Ecologist assist SMNP team in addressing the most common types of Human-Wildlife Conflicts which include crop raiding, attacks on livestock and disease transmission to livestock & wildlife.
Support communities in implementing activities and land uses that take place around CCAs that can have a significant impact on the areas and the natural resources have been established to conserve.
Work with Community Officer and possible consultants in conducting targeted social economic studies for communities residing around the National Park.
Support Community Officer in the implementation of a livelihood strategy for Gich Community.
In close collaboration and under guidance from AWF’s communication team at HQ, proactively identify media opportunities and, in close liaison with partners, plan and implement media events including press releases, and report launches.
Compile and write technical reports
Represent AWF in Community strategic forums in the Landscape
Qualifications and Experience
Requirements
Bachelor’s degree in Community Development or Natural Resources Management or related fields. Postgraduate (Masters) in relevant field is added advantage.
A minimum of 5 years working experience in community development.
Familiarity with dynamic and key issues relating to community-based wildlife conservation in Tanzania
Direct experience of Community Development and fieldwork in Ethiopia
Ability to communicate effectively with a wide range of stakeholders.
Proven ability in project planning, budgeting and writing quality project reports.
Fluency in spoken and written English and Amharic. Knowledge of other local languages is an added advantage
Willingness to work long hours/weekends when required.
Ability to appreciate diversity such as gender.
Ability to work independently and or as part of a team
Excellent interpersonal skills
Ability to take initiative and make sound decisions
Computer literacy and ability to work efficiently in word, excel and internet skills
Regular travel within the landscape
Willingness to spend days out in the field Ability to work under pressure and meeting deadline
