Project Manager: Copperbelt Branch, Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia

The Wildlife and Environmental Conservation Society of Zambia (WECSZ) was founded in 1953 and is the oldest wildlife and environmental NGO in Zambia. Its mission is to 'spearhead environmental awareness at all levels of the community, promote the wise use of natural resources and to become the most effective independent environmental action group in Zambia'.

The World Land Trust (WLT) is an international conservation organisation that takes direct action to save threatened habitats worldwide in partnership with local conservation 'Partners'. A partnership between WLT and WECSZ was established in 2012 and WLT are now assisting in the recruitment of this position on behalf of WECSZ.

Job role

The successful candidate will be responsible for the day-to-day management, co-ordination and development of WECSZ’s Copperbelt Branch in Zambia.  He/She will report to the Chairman of the WECSZ Copperbelt Branch, but also work under the guidance of the WECSZ National Office in order to develop conservation and education programmes that will encourage wider membership and promote improved environmental stewardship in the Copperbelt region. It is intended that in the longer term the successful applicant will also take on fundraising initiatives to develop sustainable income sources to the society.

The successful applicant will be

• Committed to achieving challenging goals with a strong problem-solving approach;
• Capable of multi-tasking, able to work under pressure to tight deadlines, and willing to work outside normal working hours if required;
• A team player, but equally confident working under own initiative.

Person Specification

Essential

• Degree or equivalent levels of experience in environmental science, conservation or natural resource management;
• At least 3 years work experience within the environment sector;
• Computer literacy and ability to manage social network sites;
• Excellent communication skills in English and experience working on multi-stakeholder projects;
• Familiarity with current methodologies and issues in conservation and wildlife management;
• A proven interest in environmental issues and a commitment to WECSZ’s mission.
• Driving licence

Desirable

• Experience of project and budget management, preferably within the environment sector;
• Previous field experience in the conservation management of habitats;
• Qualification in permaculture design
• Ability to develop websites
• Entrepreneurial and self-motivated
• Other language skills

Job Description

According to skills and experience, and following appropriate inductions (including 1-2 weeks at the WLT office in Suffolk, UK), day-to-day activities will include:

• Administration and co-ordination of WECSZ’s Copperbelt Branch programmes including the monitoring of programme progress and management of budgets to report to WECSZ staff, Board and members.
• Management of junior staff and volunteers
• Direct management and development (including potential expansion) of the Chembe Bird Sanctuary as a conservation and recreational area under the WECSZ agreement with the Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA).
• Promotion of sustainable farming methodologies in farms surrounding Chembe Bird Sanctuary.
• Promotion of support for WECSZ programmes and institutional development from local business with special attention to the mining sector.
• Promotion of WECSZ’s Chongololo and Chipembele environmental education programmes in Copperbelt Schools.
• Development of partnerships with new and existing project contacts and donors
• Development of communication material such as PowerPoint presentations and the presentation of these to the public, corporates and internally within WECSZ and WLT.
• Representation of WECSZ at external meetings and/or conferences.
• General administration assistance for WECSZ.

Important information

• Location: The successful candidate will be based in the town of Kitwe or Kalalushi, Copperbelt Province, Zambia.
• International travel: Cost of first return airfare from UK – Ndola will be covered.In-country travel: Day to day means of transportation to Chembe Bird Sanctuary will be provided.
• Contract: One year short-term contract, including 3 month probationary period.
• Eligibility: Applicants must be eligible to work within Zambia.Salary:  Competitive local salary i.r.o. US$ 24,000 (Zambian Kwatcha equivalent).

The closing date for applications will be Friday 17th May. Those selected for interview will be notified by Wednesday 22nd May (by email).  Interviews to be held in Halesworth, UK OR Lusaka, Zambia on Wednesday 29th May.   Please ensure that you mention in your application if you will be out of contact or unavailable at any of these key dates.

To Apply: please  send your CV,  together with a covering letter outlining why you are applying for this post, how your experience fulfils the person specification and your salary aspirations, to Jenny Chattington, Head of Operations: jobs@worldlandtrust.org