Conservation Education Coordinator

Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust in Zambia is seeking an enthusiastic and innovative Conservation Education Coordinator (CEC) with extensive experience as a conservation educator and proven project management skills. Chipembele is a Zambian registered charitable trust that operates in the rural development of Mfuwe, adjacent to South Luangwa National Park and primarily provides conservation education to local schools and communities. The vacancy will become available on 9th February 2018.

Overview
The CEC is responsible for Chipembele’s Conservation Education Outreach Programme which encompasses 18 local schools and their surrounding communities. S/he teaches lessons and organises activities in conservation clubs in the local schools most afternoons of the school calendar. Camping expeditions, workshops and excursions are scheduled during the school holidays.
S/he works closely with the Principal Conservation Educator and is responsible for supervising and training a team of 4 Community Conservation Educators. These Educators work in four different zones in the area and lead conservation education sessions in schools and community groups. The education work is directly supervised by the Executive Director but for all other matters the line manager is the Conservation Programme Manager. The Chipembele offices and classroom are located in the grounds of the local secondary school, so the position is suited to someone genuinely wanting to work in the heart of an energetic rural community. There is a designated office for the position. The role of the CEC is challenging, complex and fairly demanding but can also be great fun and very rewarding. For a full job description please email info@chipembele.org

Essential Skills

• Minimum B.Sc. (Master’s degree preferable) in an appropriate field, e.g. natural sciences / conservation / environment / natural resources management, etc. Other relevant tertiary qualifications (e.g. B.Ed. or MBA.) are acceptable IF the candidate has relevant experience in and knowledge of African wildlife and conservation.
• Fluent English (oral and written)
• Strong communication skills, particularly report writing.
• Excellent administrative, organisational and computing skills.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to relate well to people of all ages, gender, ethnic backgrounds and employment/community status.
• Experience of teaching, facilitating, training and curriculum development.
• Experience of project and staff management, particularly in strong leadership of a small but dynamic team and in managing complicated schedules.
• Experience using social media platforms, particularly Facebook.
• Knowledge of African wildlife and conservation issues.
• Current valid driver’s licence.

Other Skills/ Experience

• Experience of working within a rural African community, preferably for an NGO.
• Experience of youth camps/bush craft/outdoor youth activities for our student Nature Nights programme.
• Experience of 4-wheel drive vehicles and in driving off road, at times in difficult terrain, would be an advantage.
• The work would suit someone with a mature personality who is able to work largely unsupervised when in the community. They should also be flexible and confident in making appropriate on-the-spot decisions.
• Flexibility and willingness to work beyond office hours whenever necessary.
• Innovation and creativity in expanding and improving the programme.

Remuneration package

• Annual salary commensurate with experience and skill-set.
• Free furnished accommodation.
• Personal use of 4-wheel drive car.
• 30 days paid annual leave per year.

Period of contract
There will be an initial 3-month probationary period which either party can terminate without notice. If the trial period is successful, then a contract will be offered for a further 21 months, making a total of 2 years.
The contract may thereafter be renewable every 2 years. Foreign nationals would need an employment permit, approved and issued by the Zambian Department of Immigration. Someone who is looking for a long-term commitment to the project and the organisation is highly sought after.

How to Apply
Please send a covering letter and a copy of your current CV, to Anna Tolan, (Executive Director) via info@chipembele.org

Closing date for applications 8th February 2018. All applications that fulfil the above criteria will be answered. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed by Skype or by telephone if Skype is unavailable. Chipembele is an equal opportunities employer.

Applications from women and from African nationals, particularly Zambians, are encouraged.