Conservation Education Manager
for Chipembele Wildlife Education Trust (CWET), Zambia
Chipembele is a dynamic conservation education NGO that operates in the area of South Luangwa, Zambia. A vacancy will become available for the Conservation Education Manager on 1st January 2012. The primary aim of the organisation is educating local children about wildlife, the environment and conservation. The position is challenging and fairly demanding but can also be very rewarding and stimulating. The work is centred in the local schools and would best be suited to someone with a mature personality who is capable of and happy in working largely unsupervised. Self motivation is key to the success of the position and the programme as a whole. Tertiary education and experience of working within rural Africa, preferably for an NGO is highly desirable. Experience of teaching, facilitating, administration and management are other key skills that are sought. Knowledge of African wildlife and conservation issues would be an advantage. The position is for two years, which can be renewable as the programme is long term.
The position is primarily one of co-ordination of the Conservation Education Outreach Programme and facilitation of lessons and activities within both the junior and senior Conservation Clubs of schools local to the Mfuwe area. It is supplementary to the core programme that is ongoing at Chipembele Wildlife Education Centre (20km away). The Manager must be capable of compiling and delivering appropriate, informative, innovative and fun lessons and activities to children ranging from Grades 5 to 12 in what can sometimes be challenging physical environments such as poor classrooms, no electricity, crowds of onlookers, etc.
In addition, the position encompasses the management of the Chipembele Pupil Sponsorship programme (for orphaned and vulnerable pupils) and any other school improvement, support and development programmes that CWET may run from time to time. The amount of time engaged in these roles is less than the CEOP programme but is still significant.
Role Description
Conservation Education Outreach Programme
The Manager will
· Attend and help facilitate meetings and activities of the Chongololo and Conservation Club meetings with the Club patrons to a timetable at the 6 schools enrolled in the programme. Occasionally there may be additional schools to visit within the Mfuwe area.
· Carry out curriculum development and lesson planning for the clubs.
· Work alongside the Club patron in providing planned lessons and activities. This will include teaching and facilitating when patrons are not present (more often than not).
· Facilitate the Chipembele Rangers Scheme during the club meetings for schools who have nominated to join.
· Organise field trips and game drives into the National Park
· Maintain relationships and liaise with key stakeholders.
Pupil Sponsorship Scheme & School Improvements
The Manager will
· Administer and supervise the Chipembele Pupil Sponsorship Scheme over the school year, including enrolment, checking on pupil's progress and reporting to sponsors.
· Administer and distribute gifts and money from the sponsors to the pupils.
· Distribute monthly food parcels to some sponsored pupils families.
· Assist in the organising of and oversee improvements projects in local schools.
· Facilitate and organise any other CWET school or community projects not described above that may arise from time to time in the Mfuwe community and which fall under the general objectives of CWET.
e.g. construction of school desks and other furniture, distribution of text books, stationery and new equipment
General Administration Duties
· Keep full and accurate accounts and records of all activities and financial transactions for the above programmes and activities.
· Submit monthly written reports and spreadsheets to the Director.
· Oversee payment of wages to staff who are sponsored in schools by CWET, such as teachers and cooks.
Qualifications
Tertiary qualifications relevant to science or conservation related fields, teaching, project management or administration are highly desirable. Teaching/facilitation experience would be an advantage.
Essential Skills and Experience
· Extensive experience in project management, administration or operations management essential.
· Demonstrated experience in achieving agreed organisational and educational goals in collaboration with others.
· Ability to administer multiple mandates.
· Excellent written and communication skills in English.
· Ability to work largely unsupervised and happy to do so.
· Highly competent in Word, Excel and PowerPoint, together with excellent organisational and record keeping abilities,
· Demonstrated ability to establish effective working relationships with staff and students in a cross-cultural setting.
· Ability to use a planning process to achieve desired outcomes.
· Ability to commit to at least 2 years.
· A strong desire to work in the heart of a rural Zambian community.
Preferable Skills and Experience
· Experience of working with NGOs in Africa (or other developing parts of the world)
· 4 wheel drive experience
· Knowledge of African wildlife and conservation issues
Essential Personal Qualities
· Courteous, trustworthy and empathetic.
· Innovative and flexible.
· Quickly assess people and situations.
· Excellent problem solving skills.
· Ability to relate to a broad range of people.
· Good and appropriate sense of humour.
· Task and outcome oriented.
· Creative, honest and very patient.
· Decisive.
· Kind but firm when necessary.
· Can work largely unsupervised.
· Outgoing.
· Highly organised.
· Self resourceful and happy in own company.
· Committed to effective communication.
Reporting/Working Relationships
The Conservation Education Manager will take direction from and report directly to Anna Tolan, Director of CWET, who lives and works 20km away. The Manager will be the line supervisor for the Chipembele IT instructor and the office administrator/careers adviser who work in the same building.
Special Conditions
· Commitment to a minimum 2 year contract (renewable)
· Salary $30,000 US p.a. (pre-tax).
· Free furnished accommodation is provided (a modest one-bedroom house and adjacent office in the grounds of Mfuwe Day Secondary School.) Electricity and personal use of the phone must be paid for by the Manager.
· Some out of hours work will be required.
· A 4 wheel drive vehicle is provided; personal use permitted with conditions; a current Drivers Licence is required.
· 30 days annual leave p.a. (based on a 6 day week, at the convenience of CWET and only in the school holiday months of April, August, December).
· All air fares and full medical insurance with medical evacuation cover for emergencies must be obtained and paid for by the Manager
Closing date for applications 25th October 2011
Please send a CV and covering letter explaining your suitability for the position to Anna Tolan, via e-mail, info@chipembele.org
Short-listed candidates will be interviewed by Skype or by telephone if Skype is unavailable.
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