Senior Community Officer

CAREER OPPORTUNITYPositionSenior Community OfficerContract TypeFixed-term (Local Contract)LocationChama About UsFrankfurt 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 RoleThe Senior Community Officer will support the implementation of Approved Annual Operational Plans by guiding, coordinating, and backstopping field teams in the delivery of Chiefdom Implementation Plans within assigned chiefdoms.The role focuses on community engagement, stakeholder coordination, governance support to CRBs, VAGs, CFMGs, cooperatives and other CBOs, FPIC, grievance redress mechanisms, conservation education, human-wildlife coexistence, land-use planning, GMP implementation, livelihoods, enterprise development, value chain support, community monitoring, and reporting.The position serves as a link between field teams, community structures, and the Community Conservation and Livelihoods Department, ensuring effective communication of activities, feedback, grievances, risks, and lessons from assigned chiefdoms. Your TasksImplementation Support for Approved Annual Operational and Chiefdom Implementation PlansCommunity Engagement and Stakeholder CoordinationGovernance Support to CCC, CRBs, VAGs, CFMGs, Cooperatives and CBOsSafeguards, Grievance Redress and Community FeedbackLand Use Planning, GMP Implementation and Natural Resource GovernanceCoordinate community-level implementation of Human–Wildlife Coexistence (HWCoex) interventions, including prevention, mitigation, and response measuresSupport the implementation of conservation education activities in schools and communities in a manner that complements and reinforces the work of the Conservation Education Specialist.Livelihoods, Enterprise Development and Value Chain SupportSupport routine field data collection, community-based monitoring, monthly data uploads, and verification of activity outputsEnsure that the organisational structure of the NLCP is adhered to and develop any workplans, reports, SOPs, policies required by the department together with programme management. Field teams supported to develop, update, and track Chiefdom Implementation Plans for assigned chiefdoms.Your ProfileQualificationsBachelor’s degree in Natural Resource Management, Wildlife Management, Forestry Sciences, Community Development, or a related fieldPostgraduate qualification is an added advantageExperienceMinimum 7 years’ experience in community-based conservation or natural resource managementProven experience working with community governance structures in rural settingsPractical experience in HWCoex interventions and community engagementExperience supervising field teamsFamiliarity with donor-funded projects is an advantageKey Competencies & AttributesStrong leadership and mentoring skillsExcellent community facilitation and communication skillsAbility to manage conflict sensitively and professionallyStrong organisational and reporting skillsWillingness to work in remote field locationsWe OfferMeaningful work contributing to biodiversity conservation and community resilienceOpportunity to work in a unique transboundary conservation landscapeSupportive and professional working environmentCompetitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experienceApplication DeadlineIf you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae (max 3 pages) and Cover Letter (max 1 page) detailing your relevant experience by using the link below:Senior Community Officer | Jobs at Zoologische Gesellschaft Frankfurt von 1858 e.V.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: 23rd October 2026.We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.