Conservation Based Economies Manager (CBE) – West Lunga Conservation Project (WCLP)

Job Description

ABOUT WEST LUNGA CONSERVATION PROJECT AND OUR CULTURE:
The West Lunga Conservation Project (WLCP) is a Zambian Registered Public Benefit Organisation working in the West Lunga Ecosystem (WLE) in the Northwestern Province of Zambia.  The mission of the organisation is to rehabilitate the ecological functions of the West Lunga Ecosystem and restore the complex of wildlife species that have become locally extinct or endangered, whilst preserving the integrity of the hydrological ecology and indigenous woodlands. This is a partnership project with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), Traditional Leaders and Community Governance Institutions.

The organisation works to achieve three main objectives:
a)       The natural resources of the WLE are well managed, with reducing drivers of ecosystem degradation;

b)      Effective conservation-based economies are developed, providing economic incentives for local communities to reduce drivers of ecosystem degradation and protect the WLE;

c)       Strong governance structures and partnerships are established to underpin effective and sustainable natural resource management.

WLCP are seeking professionals that align themselves with the goals of the organisation and will support the achievements of these objectives in conjunction with the existing team and our partners.

Find out more about us at: www.westlunga.org

JOB PURPOSE

Reporting to Parks Manager, the Conservation Based Economies Manager will provide technical support to the Community Business Units (CBUs), Field Officers and stakeholders in the WLE. The job will form part of the WLCP management team and work to develop the Conservation Based Economies Programme focusing on the Community Game Ranches, Abattoir and Butchery, Honey outgrower programme and processing Factory, Community based tourism, Fisheries and the development of Community Business Units (CBUs). The incumbent will also search for new and innovative economic opportunities for communities that stimulate the conservation of natural resources whilst delivering economic advantages for communities. The position also requires an aviation component and the candidate will develop the WLCP aerial surveillance programme including the procurement and operation of the surveillance aircraft. This will be in conjunction with the existing WLCP teams, community governance structures, CBUs and stakeholders.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES:
CONSERVATION BASED ECONOMIES

1.Develop SOPs for the management of Community Game Reserves (CGRs)

2. Work with the Community Business Units (CBUs) established for the CGRs to develop management plans, financial, commercial and accounting procedures

3. Coordinate wildlife capture and release operations into the CGRs

4. Source available wildlife resources for stocking the CGRs

5. Develop future CGRs in line with the WLCP strategic plan

6. Coordinate harvesting of wildlife for commercial utilisation including bow hunting to minimise invasive harvesting and disturbance to surrounding wildlife

7. Develop SOPs for wildlife harvests from CGRs and processing systems in the abattoir ensuring health and safety compliance

8. Operationalise the Ntambu CGR abattoir and butchery and develop the SOPs

9. Develop market linkages for the various CBUs and Conservation Based Economy initiatives associated with the project (bushmeat, honey, tourism, fish, agriculture etc)

10. Work with the Kafunfula Community Tourism Camp staff and committee to develop SOPs, marketing materials, financial and commercial systems

11. Oversee the WLCP honey outgrower programme and work with the Ntambu CFMG Network and associated staff to develop the honey processing plant

12. Coordinate activities of field officers involved in the Conservation Based Economies Programme

13. Work with strategic partners to develop the West Lunga Fisheries Management Area under the Fisheries Act including coordinating engagements with Village Fishing Management Committees in the landscape

AERIAL SURVEILLANCE PROGRAMME

1. Develop the WLCP aerial surveillance programme including the construction of an airstrip and hangar in Nsangi, management of Jivundu airstrip and procurement of an appropriate aircraft

2. Management of the aircraft and development of the aviation SOPs

3. Conduct aerial surveillance within the West Lunga Area Management Unit

4. Provide aerial top cover for elephant darting operations

5. Coordinate aerial wildlife counts in association with the annual ground counts

6. Develop aviation communication SOPs and facilitate communication installations

SPECIFIC JOB REQUIREMENTS 
QUALIFICATIONS

• Diploma /Degree or equivalent tertiary qualification in Game Ranch Management, Wildlife and Biodiversity Management and Business Development.
• Holder of current pilot’s license and driving license

TECHNICAL EXPERIENCE

• Previous relevant experience working on commercial game ranches, abattoir and butchery, wildlife hunting and harvesting using firearms.
• Proven experience within remote areas in Africa EP
• Proven ability to selectively hunt wildlife using bow and arrow.
• Proven track record developing aviation systems.
• Excellent record keeping and report writing skills
• Strong experience with financial management, budgeting, procurement, flight planning and aircraft record keeping, stores management and financial / project tracking tools.
• Previous experience with wildlife or conservation related programmes and game ranch management.
• Experience with procurement, stores management and kit issuing
• Willing and able to develop the project from inception through to operation and bring an individual and innovative strategic approach to achieve the objectives.

PERSONAL ATTRIBUTES

•  Adaptable to a complex working environments with multiple stakeholders across diverse cultures and with numerous pressure points.
• Bring a strategic perspective to the West Lunga Conservation Project.
• Highly competent, organised and performance oriented.
• Ability to work independently and remotely whilst also being part of the WLCP management team and help to develop the institutional culture.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and team leadership.
• Good integrity, trustworthy and with respect to subordinates and superiors.

APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS:

• Email your CV, one page cover letter and contact details for three references to: info@westlunga.org on or before June 20th 2025
• Indicate the subject line of the email: Job Application WLCP – Conservation Based Economies Manager
• Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.