Sustainable Project Development Manager at African Parks Zambia

Liuwa Plain National Park is a 3660km2 conservation area in the Western Province of Zambia. Liuwa is managed by African Parks, an NGO that takes total responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of National Parks in partnership with governments and local communities.

Liuwa is currently seeking to employ a suitably qualified Sustainable Project Development Manager (SPDM). The position is complex and diverse and requires an adaptable person with experience in conservation management, community development, agriculture, finance, and entrepreneurship. Primarily, the SPDM responsibilities are the management of the “Game Changer Project” and overseeing the Lewanika Community Resource Board (LCRB) operations and finances. The “Game Changer Project” is a significant social change initiative looking to produce real economic change through sustainable livelihood projects, including beekeeping, conservation agriculture, and aquaculture. It also includes the implementation of LPNP’s Land Use Plan. The SPDM will oversee the operations of the Lewanika CRB with a goal to create conservation led to economic opportunities for the board, which will benefit the people of Liuwa. Please refer to the Job Description for further information.

The position is based in Kalabo, a remote village in the Western Province. Applicants should be comfortable living in a remote area for extended periods of time. This is a Zambian citizen preferred role and only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Interested applicants should email a 5-page CV with a 1-page cover letter to

Please use the subject line: Vacancy – Sustainable Projects Development Manager

Deadline for applications: 14 August 2019 (close of day, 17:00)

Interviews to be held between the 21st and 28th of August 2019

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Title: Sustainable Project Development Manager (SPDM)

Supervisors: Conservation Development Facilitator (1), Temporary staff when required, Consultants/Contractors when required

Location: Kalabo, Western Zambia

Reports to: Field Operations Manager

Management Level: Management

Job overview

The Sustainable Project Development Manager (SPDM) is a key member of the LPNP Management Team. His or her primary responsibilities are the management of the “Game Changer Project” and overseeing the Lewanika Community Resource Board (LCRB) operations and finances. The “Game Changer Project” is a significant social change initiative looking to produce real economic change through sustainable livelihood projects, including beekeeping, conservation agriculture, and aquaculture. It also includes the implementation of LPNP’s Land Use Plan. The SPDM will oversee the operations of the Lewanika CRB with a goal to create conservation led economic opportunities for the board, which will benefit the people of Liuwa.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Socio-Economic Project Development Management:

a. Manage all programs related to the Game Changer Project

b. Liaise and assist all partners (DNPW, BRE, NGO’s and other) with regard to the implementation of their individual projects.

c. Implementation of day to day operational tasks and special projects as determined by the project and/or senior park management.

d. General logistical problem solving

Management of the Lewanika Community Resource Board Operations and Finances

a. Oversees the day-to-day operations of the LCRB towards the Boards objectives

b. Drive the 3 “secretariat” functions, and oversee Village Action Groups to ensure that the CRB’s objectives are met

c. Manage finances, assets, income, and expenses, ensuring that the financials are up to date and auditable

d. Develop and present sound potential income-generating initiatives to the LCRB for approval

e. Manage all LCRB Projects from inception, through implementation, and if required close-out

LPNP Land Use Plan

a. Implement the LPNP Land Use Plan (LUP) alongside the Community Extension / Education Department, through community engagement, sensitization, and enforcement

b. Analyze and report back on implementation and possible improvements

Park Infrastructure & Asset Management:

a. Timely report any technical maintenance issues with regards to all assets related to the project.

b. Supervision of contractors/interns/temporary workers as required.

c. Provide operational support to works projects as required.

Other Duties:

a. Assist and support the Community department as required.

b. Assist with African Parks (AP) events as well as Local and Provincial Community events.

c. Regular reporting, including compiling a monthly report of all operations.

Any further reasonable and lawful request made to you by the Field Operations Manager or Park Manager.

What success looks like in 5 years

1. Liuwa Plain National Park and its wildlife provide benefit to both conservation and communities

2. The General Management Plan and Land Use Plan accepted by DNPW, the BRE and the greater Liuwa community

3. The GMP and LUP have been rolled out successfully; are rigorously implemented and yielding results

4. Socio-economic intervention projects are implemented, improving livelihoods for the communities of Liuwa

5. All social ecology projects run smoothly and efficiently

6. Community Resource Board operations run smoothly and the board is financially sound

7. LPNP community development goals are being achieved

8. LPNP wildlife taking tangible steps towards recovery

9. The greater Liuwa community find value in wildlife conservation and exhibit a greater connection to the Park

Key measures and targets

1. Community Project Operations and social change interventions run smoothly with limited disruptions

2. GMP and LUP rolled out successfully

3. Socio-economic Interventions in place and are well supported

4. Lewanika Community Resource Board operationally effective

5. Annual and long term community conservation management goals are met

6. Assets are adequately cared for and preventative maintenance limits both breakdowns and costs

7. The administration is up to date and accurately completed

Key relationships

1. APZ Management Team (Conservation, Law Enforcement, Community, Tourism and Administration)

2. All APZ Staff

3. Project Implementation Partners and other NGO’s

4. External suppliers and service providers.

5. APN and LPNP Donors

6. The Greater Liuwa community and local authorities

7. DNPW and Barotse Royal Establishment

8. Community Resource Board

Capabilities, competencies, and experience needed for the job

1. Demonstrable experience of at least 3 years in community development

2. A Degree in Nature Conservation or Social Sciences

3. Business acumen and an entrepreneurial spirit

4. Strong organizational skills and an ability to manage several tasks at one time

5. Must be able to work under pressure and achieve strict deadlines

6. Strong disciplined character, willing to work long hours in a remote environment, with limited resources

7. Ability to problem-solve, make do with what one has to solve often complicated problems

8. A strong leader, who can persevere, with excellent people management skills and an ability to work with people from diverse cultures and backgrounds

9. Fluent English (written and spoken)

10. Good computer and report writing skills

11. A valid driver’s license and experience driving a 4-wheel drive vehicle

12. Good team player and experience in managing teams

13. Knowledge of wildlife industry and standards