The Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) is a global conservation organisation dedicated to protecting biodiversity and wilderness areas through resource protection and sustainable management, and promoting 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 under the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) and, since 2017, in Nsumbu National Park through the Nsumbu Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP). 
 
FZS in Zambia focuses on field operations, ecological monitoring, endangered species recovery, and community engagement. With North Luangwa home to Zambia’s only black rhino population and Nsumbu marking significant conservation milestones with the recent reintroduction of lions, both landscapes are advancing ambitious, integrated conservation strategies. These ecological gains increasingly rely on strong resource and financial partnerships. The majority of activities conducted by NLCP / NTCP are thanks to donors, including international government institutions, foundations and trusts, and private individuals.

North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) is looking for experienced Community Conservation Officers x 2 with a strong background social work, conservation and natural resources management to support the NLCP Landscape Integration Unit operations. The role will generally involve the integration and strengthening of community natural resource management institutions, improving and strengthening livelihood opportunities, including ensuring decreased cost of living with wildlife for resident communities in the chiefdom and Game Management Areas (GMAs). S/he will have Hands-on experience in the working with communities, traditional structures and strategic partners in and around the North Luangwa Landscape.

This is a chiefdom-based role and the successful candidate will be required to live in the assigned chiefdom. The successful candidate will assume responsibility of implementing and helping to improve a consistent and effective bottom-up community engagement programme with the custodian communities in the Chiefdom of the Game Management Areas surrounding North Luangwa National Park (collectively termed North Luangwa Landscape) in line with NLCP’s strategy. The candidate will have the responsibility to supervise the chiefdom LIU team, execute chiefdom implementation plans and ensure timely delivery of objectives.

• Strengthen the governance of Community Resources Boards (CRB), Village Action Groups (VAG) and Community Forest Management Groups
• Manage the tracking of stakeholder engagement in the Chiefdom (keeping a record of areas and people engaged).
• Strengthen the capacity of CRB and VAG to monitor wildlife and participate in quota setting.
• Strengthening the CRB’s participation in the Northern Region and National CRB Association.
• Support and strengthen the Chiefdom Conservation Committees to ensure effective and efficient coordination among conservation stakeholder in the NL landscape.
• Build, maintain and monitor positive relationships, liaison and collaboration with chiefs and district authorities locally and with relevant Ministries, civil society and partners locally.
• Ensure regular and close communication, coordination and involvement of Government departments (DNPW, FD, MOA, DOF, council etc.) and in the NL landscape for all aspects of the community outreach activities.
• Support the roll out of Grievance procedures mechanism and its ongoing functionality between community members and other stakeholders.
• Facilitate and implement community-based conservation initiatives around improved alternative livelihoods, human/wildlife co-existence management, and other natural resource management initiatives
• Responsible for overseeing HWCoex Management within the working area
• Facilitate and implement conservation enterprise and partnerships including support of the community bush tourism camps, especially within the tourism sector, for the development of revenue streams to NL landscape communities
• Facilitate, implement and monitor strategic interventions to improve rural livelihoods within resident custodians of the NL landscape through, for example, micro-credit schemes (such as COCOBA), improved markets and conservation agriculture

• Holder of Degree in social science, wildlife management, community development or rural development.
• A Bachelor’s degree in social science, wildlife management, community development or rural development will be an added advantage. 
• At least 4 years of practical field experience in working with rural communities.
• Must possess fair knowledge and workings of CBNRM, principles of good governance, and general wildlife and natural resources management in Zambia
• A clear understanding of existing natural resources and wildlife policies, as well as legal frameworks and legislation, will be an advantage.
• Practical experience working with traditional authorities will be an added advantage.
• Strong livelihoods skills will be an advantage

• Experience the chance to live in and understand the breathtaking North Luangwa landscape while making a positive impact.
• Engage in meaningful work that allows for your innovation and creativity.
• Join a dynamic and motivated team in Zambia, along with the FZS Africa team.
• Enjoy a fair and competitive salary that reflects your qualifications and experience.

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 to join Frankfurt Zoological Society. The application due date is 14 September 2025.