Job vacancy: Community Development Officer- the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF)

Job details
Description

Job Summary

The aim of this position is to promote equitable and sustainable community-based natural resource management, support adaptive management of Dja biodiversity and help improve livelihood of people around the Dja faunal reserve.

The position reports to the Landscape Manager (LM) and will be based at Somalomo, Cameroon.

Responsibilities

    Support communities to gain access to information, resources, stakeholders influence and opportunities that are likely to empower them in their livelihood not limited to Non-Timber Forest Product to claim their rights and to manage natural resources more sustainably.
    Identify and adapt existing tools and materials on social development and Community Based Natural Resource Management (and related issues) and where necessary, develop new tools and materials for use within the landscape.
    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.
    Remain abreast of topical developments and scientific studies related to community-based management of wildlife, livelihood improvement schemes and HWC and use this knowledge to continuously innovate solutions related to the human-wildlife interface.

Employ social science research methods in the landscape to support better understanding of drivers impacting key habitats and populations of priority wildlife species; HWC; community perceptions towards wildlife and conservation; community needs, aspirations, priorities, concerns as well as barriers and other factors affecting program effectiveness.
In collaboration with the conservation service (particularly the Participatory Management and Eco-Development Unit), 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 .
On behalf of AWF, 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 in the landscape.
Facilitate documentation and share experiences on lessons learned in the landscape to be shared with AWF-Network and externally.
Ensure that agro-industry and forest logging companies comply with their commitments to communities around the Dja landscape.
Undertake other related duties as assigned by Landscape Manager.

Requirements and skills

Master’s degree in Anthropology, Social Sciences related, Development Studies, Forestry, Natural Resource Management, Conservation, Eco-tourism, or related field.
At least 5 years’ active engagement and experience of working with communities on natural resource management and social development.
Familiarity with the dynamics and key issues related to community based natural resource management and rural development in Cameroon.
Working experience in forest regions in Cameroon especially local and Indigenous communities will be an advantage.
Demonstrated knowledge on conservation enterprise in relation to communities, particularly on value chain, with specific reference to Non-Timber Forest Products valorization.
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 to organize and host community meetings.
Knowledge of or familiarity with human rights-based approaches to conservation is an advantage.
Fluent in French and English with excellent report writing skills.
Strong planning and analytical skills.
Self-driven with a pro-active approach to problem solving.
Ability to work with minimal supervision and as part of a team.
Frequent field trips away from assigned location.
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.

Interested candidates are invited to view full Job Description and apply using this link: https://recruiting.ultipro.com/AFR1000AFWI/JobBoard/20e4eecc-c532-4e6a-bb5f-39ea79059f29/OpportunityDetail?opportunityId=48d44252-4b9f-4029-8ad3 -0edc43cd997a

Only shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.
CLOSING DATE: February 02, 2024

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