Job Description
African Parks is a non-profit organisation that takes on direct responsibility for the rehabilitation and long-term management of Protected Areas, in partnership with governments and local communities. By adopting a business approach to conservation, supported by donor funding, African Parks aims to make each park sustainable in the long-term, thereby contributing to economic development and poverty alleviation.
African Parks – Liwonde invites suitably qualified, experienced and dynamic persons to fill the position of Community Extension Manager tenable at Liwonde National Park.
Position: Community Extension Manager
Responsibilities
Reporting to the Park Manager, the Community Extension Manager will be a key member of the Park Management Unit and shall be responsible for building a constituency for conservation among local communities through (but not limited to) the following:
Promotion of Environmental Education to establish an in-depth understanding of sustainable management of wildlife and natural resources.
Mitigating the negative impact of park management on local communities, so that people are empowered to support the park by among other things promoting natural resources-based small enterprises and making infrastructural investments that have significant positive impact for the local people.
Creating a sense of ownership of the park by the local communities through establishment of effective communication mechanisms between the Park and the communities and supporting community projects.
Reduction of community pressures on the park and the surrounding resources that people depend on through implementation of resource use programs and enhancing the knowledge base of communities in relation to wildlife conservation, human population and related health issues.
Networking with other conservation organizations and community based groups to strengthen the extension program and create broad based support for wildlife conservation.
Mainstreaming crosscutting issues in Community Extension Program in collaboration with non-state partners & organizations.
Mobilize financial resources for the community engagement program especially on natural resources-based small enterprises.
Requirements
This is a senior position that calls for unquestionable integrity and sound leadership qualities, communication skills and proven track record on Extension and Enterprise Development.
The incumbent shall lead a team of extension staff and should be willing to live in a rural area, be a self-starter, transparent and accountable with a strong ability to work with people.
The successful candidate must have a Master’s degree in either Natural Resources Management or Agricultural Extension and Rural Development/ Resource Economics.
Those with lower qualifications and supported with demonstrable work experience in a similar position will be considered.
A minimum of five years’ experience, with a proven track record in the field of planning and implementation of community extension and development work, particularly related to protected areas is advantageous.
How to apply
Candidates who meet the above requirements and would like to make a positive contribution towards the conservation of Liwonde National Park, should send application letters and curriculum vitae with at least three traceable referees to the following e-mail address:
