Job vacancy: Community Development Assistant, Lomie – Dja Landscape – the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

Description

Job Summary

The aim of this position is to promote equitable and sustainable community-based natural resource management, to support adaptive management of Dja biodiversity and help improved livelihood of people around the Dja wildlife reserve. In addition, to assist with the development and delivery of community development initiatives and activities and working with community-based groups to empower them to secure long lasting benefits to their local environment.

The position reports to the Community Development Officer (CD) and is based in Lomie.

Responsibilities

Support the Community Development Officer in the implementation of AWF community-related work in the Dja Landscape.
Support communities to gain access to information, resources, other relevant stakeholders and opportunities that are likely to empower them (livelihood opportunity not limited to Non-Timber Forest Product) to claim their rights and to manage natural resources more sustainably.
In collaboration with Monitoring and Evaluation team, assist on the collection, collation of data on gender and socio-economic information (including a measure of “well-being”) of selected beneficiaries/Communities and updating of monitoring, evaluation and learning matrices for projects in the landscape.
Facilitate greater inclusion and participation of local communities in natural resource management decision making with a focus on wildlife conservation, including human-wildlife-conflict (HWC) mitigation measures, and land-use planning – considering the needs and priorities of vulnerable groups within communities in the landscape.
Under the coordination of the CDO, work with both community representatives and vulnerable groups to promote equitable and sustainable natural resource management, improved benefit sharing from conservation enterprises and entrench good governance and transparent financial management systems.
Work to establish good working relationships with local/indigenous communities, their leaders and relevant groups within them in the landscape and endeavor to uphold the reputation of AWF.
Ensure implementation of community-based activities are in line with respective donor requirements, expectations and planned outcomes of the relevant programs.
Facilitate documentation and share experiences on lessons learned in the site.
Undertake other related duties as assigned by Community Development Officer.

Right-based conservation

Human rights are a guiding principle in the AWF Strategic Vision 2020-2030, embedded in our core principles and core values. AWF’s mission is to ensure that wildlife and wildlands thrive in modern Africa. AWF understands a modern Africa to be an Africa in which human rights are fulfilled and commits to respect, protect, and promote human rights at all times, disrespectful of ethnic group, gender, race, sexual orientation, age, or class by adopting a rights -based conservation approach. The role holder will come in to contact with a wide range of stakeholders and will be required to demonstrate commitment to and a good understanding of AWF’s Rights Based Conservation approaches, values and principles.

Requirements and skills

A degree in Anthropology, Social Sciences related, Development Studies, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Conservation, Eco-tourism or related field.
At least 2 years’ active engagement and experience of working with communities on natural resource management and social development.
Familiarity with community based natural resource management and rural development in Cameroon.
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work effectively in a multi-cultural and diverse setting. Understanding of and support to gender issues is a must, and experience in supporting gender equality and/or women’s empowerment in conservation/development projects an advantage.
Ability to communicate, build trust and good relationships and work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including with vulnerable groups, in a respectful, participatory manner.
Experience of participatory (action) research, other participatory approaches and co-development of conservation or development initiatives with a wide range of stakeholders – particularly with local/Indigenous communities – is highly desirable.
Ability to work with community representatives/authorities.
Knowledge of or familiarity with human rights-based approaches to conservation is an advantage.
Fluent in French and a good command in English.
Experience of project planning, delivery, evaluation and keeping clear records.
Ability to work in remote areas.
Working experience in forest regions in Cameroon especially local and Indigenous communities will be an advantage.
Adherence to AWF’s values.
Proactive approach to meeting deadlines and delivering results with limited supervision.
Willingness and ability to live and work in a remote area.