Jobs in Zambia and Zimbabwe

BioCarbon Partners: Community Engagement Manager

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BioCarbon Partners (BCP) is a dynamic African-registered and headquartered REDD+ development and management company. BCP is a social enterprise that engages in community-focused conservation work that aims to involve and empower local people in the areas in which it operates, so that together they can work as allies in their effort to conserve the landscapes for their benefit. BCP is implementing the Community-based Forests Program (CFP) funded by USAID/Zambia. The CFP award represents a significant addition to the BCP portfolio and budget and enables BCP as a company to expand its operations.

BCP seeks a dynamic, talented, hard-working individual to serve as the Community Engagement Manager for the Rufunsa Site (Rufunsa Site CEM). This is a field-based position, located in Rufunsa District. This position is NOT based in Lusaka.

The Rufunsa Site CEM is ultimately responsible for the oversight and implementation of community engagement activities related to CFP-supported REDD+ projects taking place in Rufunsa District, including: livelihoods activities, deforestation-mitigation activities, sensitization, etc. The Rufunsa Site CEM is responsible for managing a field-based team including local community hires, members of the CFP Engagement Team, and implementing partner(s) / organizations. The CEM is also responsible for the oversight, management and tracking of impacts related to the implementation of community-based deforestation mitigation projects that are designed to reduce poverty, reduce deforestation, improve local livelihoods, promote sustainable natural resource management, and build local institutional capacity within the context of REDD+ project implementation. The CEM is responsible for managing relations with local Traditional Authorities and GRZ partners, and ensuring there is close collaboration and communication within and between Team members and external implementing partners.

We are looking for a responsible, experienced, mature Manager capable of managing multiple projects and overseeing a field-based implementation team. We are looking for someone who has managed complicated projects in rural settings, before. The individual in this role must have a passion for conservation and community engagement, and must be very comfortable with working in remote, rural, field-based locations. We want you to love what you do!

Job Title: Community Engagement Manager, Rufunsa Site

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, Maintain and Implement the Site Specific Community Engagement Strategy for the Rufunsa Site, which identifies key priority areas for investment (staff time, resources) and outlines a realistic plan for accomplishing tasks. The Site Specific Plan should be an “adaptive management” plan that is flexible and changes according to changing circumstances and lessons learned. The plan should be designed to achieve BCP/CFP core objectives of maximizing positive community impacts through an effective REDD+ based conservation program. The CEM should provide thought leadership, and should lead the site-specific Community Engagement Team to develop, maintain and implement the site-specific Plan.
  • Team Management: The CEM is responsible for planning, tracking and coordinating movements / activities of Community Engagement Team members, as well as key implementing partners responsible for delivering activities / services at the Site.
  • Livelihoods and Engagement Activities Implementation: Play a leading role in the oversight and implementation of community engagement activities related to CFP REDD+ projects within Rufunsa District.
  • Partner Coordination: Coordinate among partner organizations / individuals in order to deliver and track progress against livelihoods and engagement targets.
  • Grant(s) Management: Assist in management of grants related to the provision of services, including livelihoods activity implementation, implementation of social services and/or sensitization/educational programs. This involves: Technical input to support design of RFAs, coordination and oversight to support activity implementation, oversight/management/tracking of deliverables and assistance in managing budgets / completing reconciliations.
  • Planning: Develop monthly and quarterly plans for CET activities at the Rufunsa Site; maintain updated calendars of CET activities and staff movements; represent the Rufunsa Site CET and participate in quarterly multi-stakeholder Work Planning workshops.
  • Monthly and Quarterly Reporting: Compile feedback from CET members and implementing partners, to track and report on progress against work plans on a monthly and quarterly basis, in line with USAID and BCP reporting expectations.
  • Financial Management: Manage Site-Specific community engagement activity budgets and petty cash accounts; complete reconciliations on monthly basis (or more frequently as needed); ensure CET members complete reconciliations; ensure vehicle log-sheets and fuel reconciliations are complete, in compliance with USAID and BCP regulations.
  • Sourcing – Rufunsa District (Site Selection Process, CFP): Assist with “sourcing” activities related to the potential expansion of BCP’s pilot REDD+ project model within Rufunsa District. This includes: identification of potentially viable new project areas to be considered under an expanded “Rufunsa Site,” and promoting stakeholder identification, mapping and consultation and other general assessment activities as part of BCP’s “viability assessment process” for each site.
  • Site Visit Coordination: Lead Site Visits that demonstrate key community engagement accomplishments and models, including: coordination of Site Visits, presentations to guests/visitors, preparation of informational guides / flyers.
  • Data Collection / Monitoring and Evaluation: Assist in collection of data related tomonthly, quarterly and annual reporting requirements for USAID.
  • File Management: Maintain updated / complete hard copy files and soft copy files (shared online filing system) in line with verification and audit requirements.
  • Local Governance and Engagement: Engage with local Traditional Leaders and
  • Governance Institutions to support local decision-making and involvement / empowerment of local community leaders and institutions.
  • Stakeholder Consultation and Sensitization: Coordinate public meetings; conduct visits to local villages; present of information about BCP, REDD+ and CFP activities in line with relevant national and international standards (including Free, Prior and Informed Consent – FPIC); document of community stakeholder consultation and sensitization using template Meeting Minutes formats.
  • Community Relationships: Develop and maintain positive relationships with local traditional leaders and community stakeholders.
  • Training and Capacity Building: Ensure field-based CET members are capable of collecting data, reporting, coordinating and supporting BCP activities according to BCP expectations. This includes team building and capacity building.
  • Conflict Resolution: Identify and work through locally appropriate mechanisms to address any conflicts that may arise within communities related to REDD+ activities.
  • Leadership: Serve as a leader, mentor, partner and inspiration to team members, implementing partners and community stakeholders.
  • Messaging: Work with the Communications Specialist to identify key “messages” to promote positive, correct and consistent messages and understanding about REDD+ activities supported under the CFP.

Competencies:

Required:

  • Minimum BA Degree in relevant field (Community Engagement, Development, Social Work, Environmental / Natural Resource Management, other)
  • Minimum 5 years relevant professional experience.
  • Strong communication skills—written and spoken—in English and relevant local languages (Soli, Tonga).
  • Proficiency with computer programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint preferred).
  • Demonstrated Leadership and previous Management experience.
  • Mature, self-starter, initiative-taking, responsible individual capable of working in rural areas with minimal oversight.
  • Valid Driver’s License.
  • Experience living and working in rural areas; comfort with basic field-based accommodation and camping in remote/rural areas, and significant time spent in rural villages.
  • Experienced and comfortable working with Traditional Authorities and GRZ.

Preferred:

  • Motorbike license / ability and/or interest in riding a motorbike in rural areas
  • Relevant livelihoods project experience (conservation farming, livestock, education, incomegenerating activities) is a plus.
  • Relevant REDD+ implementation experience, to support and guide REDD+ project sourcing process.
  • Experience implementing USAID-funded projects.

Compensation:

A competitive salary will be offered.

How to Apply:

Interested candidates, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter explaining how you match these requirements by email to: [email protected], with CEM-RUFUNSA in the title.

Applications will be accepted until 12:00 noon March 30th.