Community Engagement Specialist

Reference Number
AP-332
Description
Position SummaryThe Community Engagement Officer plays a key role in building strong, trust-based relationships with communities and stakeholders involved in wildlife conservation and sustainable management of natural resources. The incumbent will serve as the primary liaison between the project and local communities, including Community Resource Boards (CRBs), traditional and civic leaders, relevant government departments, and civil society organizations. The role involves facilitating inclusive dialogue, supporting co-management initiatives, promoting community stewardship, and ensuring that conservation efforts align with local needs, values and legal frameworks.

The Community Engagement Officer reports to the Community Development Manager and performs other duties as assigned by supervisor and Park Manager.

Key ResponsibilitiesThe Community Engagement Officer will focus on:

Stakeholder Engagement & Coordination

Serve as the primary liaison between the project and local stakeholders including Community Resource Boards (CRBs), traditional leaders, civic leaders, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) and relevant government departments.
Develop and maintain strong working relationships with community institutions and governance structures.
Organize and facilitate regular stakeholder meetings, consultations, and collaborative planning sessions.
Support operations of Community Resource Boards and VAGs in line with project agreement.

Community Mobilization and Awareness

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communication
Education
Communication
educational
Remote job listings
Business attire online store
Recruitment software
Resume building service
Employer branding service
Office supplies and organizers
Lead community sensitization and awareness raising campaigns on key issues including the importance of wildlife and natural resource conservation, Human Wildlife Conflict, Grievance mechanism and other components of the project.
Information dissemination on project’s mandate, vision, goals, interventions and programs.

Capacity Building and Support

Identify training needs and support capacity-building activities for CRBs and other local partners in areas such as governance, financial management, natural resource monitoring, benefit-sharing and conflict resolution.
Promote community-based natural resource management (CBNRM) principles.

Conflict Resolution & Inclusion

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educational
Communication
communication
Education
Online career development courses
Interview coaching sessions
Workforce management tools
Interview preparation
Professional headshot photography
Remote work equipment
Facilitate the resolution of conflicts related to wildlife and resource use in collaboration with community leaders and other stakeholders.
Promote gender equity, youth inclusion, and representation of marginalized groups in conservation efforts.

Monitoring and Reporting

Monitor community perceptions, participation levels and socio-economic impacts of the project.
Maintain detailed records of engagement activities, agreements and outcomes.
Produce regular monthly/quarterly activity and progress reports
Capture and document success stories, lessons learnt and best practices.
Deliverables
Community engagement work plan
Records of stakeholder meetings and community consultations.
Monthly/quarterly activity and progress & impact reports.
Capacity-building session reports and participant feedback.
Requirements
Qualifications and Experience
Bachelor’s Degree or Diploma in Community Development, Social work, Natural Resource Management or related field.
Minimum of 3–5 years of experience working in community engagement, preferably in conservation or natural resource management settings.
Proven experience working with traditional leaders, community-based organizations, and government structures.
Strong understanding of community governance systems and participatory approaches to resource management.
Excellent communication, facilitation, and conflict resolution skills.
Ability to work in remote and rural areas
Fluency in English and Bemba is highly desirable.
Willingness to travel frequently within the project area. 
Core Competencies
Cultural sensitivity and respect for traditional authority systems.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills.
Analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
Commitment to sustainability and inclusive development.
High level of integrity and professionalism.

Safeguarding & Ethics

African Parks maintains zero tolerance for sexual exploitation, abuse and harassment, child labour and all forms of discrimination. All staff must comply with AP policies, codes of conduct and reporting obligations, and complete mandatory trainings.

How to Apply

Submit a single PDF comprising: cover letter, resume/CV, ZAQA‑certified educational transcripts and NRC.

Due to the high volume of applications, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Equal Opportunity

African Parks does not discriminate in employment based on race, colour, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, or disability.

Work Level
Mid-Level
Job Type
Contract
Salary
Market Related
Duration
2 – 3 YearsInternship program listings
EE Position
No
Location
Zambia