About the Project

North Luangwa Conservation Programme is a partnership entity formed between FZS and DNPW Zambia with the mandate of conserving the North Luangwa Landscape. The partnership has been in place since 1986 and the programme has grown to be one of the leading conservation programmes in the region.

The conservation programme has grown over the years and is now recognised as one of the most effective and equitable conservation management programmes in the region, the first to be recognised by IUCN Green List in Zambia. With extensive, inclusive and innovative approaches to Landscape Integration and Law Enforcement operations, NLCP continues to innovate and set benchmarks for gender mainstreaming, equitable management and stakeholder inclusion under the mission of “Linking Livelihoods and Landscape.”

About the Position

This is an entry-level field-based position to assist in implementing and improving a consistent and effective bottom-up community engagement programme with the custodian communities in the chiefdom of the game management area surrounding North Luangwa National Park in line with NLCP’s strategy. This is in line with the partnership between Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). 

The Community Liaison Assistant will work closely with the Community Conservation Officer, community leaders, and other stakeholders in the smooth implementation of field activities to strengthen governance structures, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance community participation in conservation efforts.

Your Tasks

KPA 1. Integration and strengthening of community natural resources management institutions

• Strengthen the governance of Community Resources Boards (CRB) and Village Action Groups (VAG) by:
• Ensure effective and transparent community representation, and decision-making through monitoring and reporting on community institutions as a means for consistent community engagement.
• Assist community-based management staff and VAG/CRB representatives on relevant aspects of management, administration and governance
• Assisting to organise and co-ordinate community exposure tours, workshops and seminars

KPA 2. Strengthen institutional and organisational capacity of community outreach

• To plan, coordinate and implement community outreach activities with the CCO, CCE and enumerators.
• To assist CCO with all the CRB day to day activities, help in organising the paperwork and ensuring it is updated continuously.
• To contribute to improvement of performance monitoring frameworks through consistent reporting and information sharing to NLCP and resident custodians,

KPA 3. Improve and strengthen livelihood, including opportunities while decreasing the cost of living with wildlife for resident custodians in the chiefdom and GMA

• Assist implementation of community-based conservation initiatives around wildlife protection, human/wildlife interaction management, WASH, and other natural resource management initiatives;
• Assist with implementation and reporting on conservation enterprise and partnerships, especially within the tourism sector, for the development of revenue streams to NLCP communities
• Assist the implementation, and monitoring strategic intervention to improve rural livelihoods within resident custodians of the NLCP through, for example, support to social service provision (health and education), micro-credit schemes (such as COCOBA), improved markets and conservation agriculture
• Assist the development, implementation and monitoring of land use and associated general management plans within respective Game Management Areas and the establishment of activities and bylaws for their implementation and enforcement.

Your Profile

• Grade 12 school certificate
• A Diploma in Ssocial Science, Wildlife Management, Community Development or Rural development will be an added advantage. 
• At least 3 years living with the rural communities in assigned location/station for the position.
• Must possess knowledge and workings of CRB/VAG. Knowledge in CBNRM, principles of good governance, and general wildlife and natural resources management in Zambia will be an advantage
• Clear understanding of existing natural resources and wildlife challenges within the resident custodian area will be an advantage.
• Practical experience working with traditional authorities will be an added advantage.
• Willing to work in a rural setup and with community structures
• Comfortable and capable conducting strenuous work in remote and rugged field environments
• Good written and spoken English communication skills
• Experience riding a motorbike with a valid riders license will be an added advantage
• Able to communicate in Bemba and Nyanja

We Offer

• An opportunity to live in, understand and have an impact in the spectacular North Luangwa Landscape
• Engagement and meaningful work with room for your innovation and creativity 
• Inclusion in a dynamic and motivated team in Zambia as well as the  FZS Africa team.

Your Application

If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge to make a difference, please submit your curriculum vitae and cover letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation. Include the contact details of three (3) traceable references with a brief description of your working relationship.

Due Date:  23^rd April 2025

About us

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is an internationally operating conservation organisation based in Germany that has been supporting conservation projects in Africa, South America, South East Asia and Europe for many decades. Following our mission to conserve wildlife and ecosystems we are focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places.