Community Conservation Officer - Governance

Community Conservation Officer – Governance

CAREER OPPORTUNITYPositionCommunity Conservation Officer – GovernanceContract TypeFixed-term local: 1 year with possibility of renewalLocationDuty station: Nsumbu

About Us

The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to protecting biodiversity and wilderness areas through sustainable resource management, partnerships, and the promotion of environmental and social equity. In Zambia, we have been working in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) for nearly 40 years in North Luangwa National Park and, since 2017, in Nsumbu National Park through the Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP). The Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP) is a collaborative initiative focused on protecting biodiversity and supporting community livelihoods around Lake Tanganyika, particularly in and around Nsumbu National Park in Zambia’s Northern Province.

About the Role

This position offers an exciting opportunity to support the implementation of holistic conservation and community natural resource governance initiatives in the Nsumbu-Mweru Landscape. Under the partnership between Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) and the Department of National Parks, the CCO will play a key role in strengthening local capacity for natural resource management by maintaining consistent and effective community engagement, supporting local governance structures and promoting participatory and inclusive approaches to conservation planning and decision-making.

Your Tasks

• Strengthening governance and institutional capacity of Community-Based Organisations (CBOs) through training and continued mentorship.
• Supporting the development, implementation, and monitoring of CBO workplans.
• Building and maintaining positive relationships and collaboration with traditional leaders, district administration, relevant government departments, civil society, and other operating NGOs.
• Supporting the rollout of the Grievance Redress Mechanism and its ongoing functionality between community members and other stakeholders.
• Coordinating and supporting participatory land‑use planning processes, including development and implementation of land‑use plans.
• Coordinating awareness events and working with CBOs, government and private sector partners to promote coexistence and local stewardship of wildlife and other natural resources.
• Supporting development of livelihood initiatives, including micro‑credit schemes (COCOBA), conservation agriculture, and fisheries‑related enterprises.
• Overseeing the coordination of HWC management activities within the operational area.
• Any additional duties as required.

Your Profile

• A Degree in Sociology, Agriculture, Agroforestry, Wildlife Management, Natural Resources Management, or any related programme.
• Minimum 3 years’ work experience in a relevant field; experience working in a rural setup will be an added advantage.
• Good written and spoken communication skills.
• Strong facilitation and presentation skills.
• Must be able to communicate in English and Bemba or Tabwa.
• A sound understanding of community engagement and conservation principles.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.).

We Offer

• Engaging and meaningful work with room for your own ideas and creativity.
• Opportunity to get to know impressive wilderness areas and to contribute towards their protection.
• Form part of a dynamic and motivated team as well as the larger FZS team, working to secure outstanding wild places.
• A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience.

Application Deadline: 27th March 2026.

If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation by clicking Apply for this Job using the link below:
three (3) traceable references with a short description of your working relationship and their contact details. The appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA‑certified qualifications. Note: Due to a high volume of applications, we will only contact short‑listed candidates.