Peace Parks Foundation
DUE: 18 OCT 2024
Duration: Three-year contract (renewable)
Location: Harare (Zimbabwe)
BACKGROUND
Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit organisation established to develop transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs) in southern Africa. Peace Parks Foundation targets conservation at scale in these TFCAs through conservation, community development and commercialisation activities.
Spread across 18 515 km² of the Zambezi River Basin below Lake Kariba, the Lower Zambezi Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area (LOZAMAP TFCA) is a critical landscape for biodiversity. This area has served as a wildlife thoroughfare between the escarpment and the Zambezi River since time immemorial. The TFCA encompasses the Lower Zambezi National Park, Chiawa, and Rufunsa Game Management Areas (GMAs) in Zambia, along with Mana Pools National Park and the Sapi, Hurungwe, and Chewore safari areas in Zimbabwe. It is characterised by its valley, river frontage, floodplains, islands, sandbanks and pools nestled between escarpments. Mana Pools National Park was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and its iconic pools are designated as a Ramsar Wetland Site.
In 2023, the governments of Zambia and Zimbabwe signed a Memorandum of Understanding, formally establishing the Lower Zambezi–Mana Pools Transfrontier Conservation Area, with Peace Parks Foundation facilitating this process.
This agreement paved the way for Peace Parks Foundation’s on-the-ground involvement, leading to the signing of a co-management agreement with the Zimbabwean Government for the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem in 2023.
JOB PURPOSE
The Country Representative for Zimbabwe will be responsible for representing Peace Parks Foundation in Zimbabwe, facilitating the effective implementation of the co-management arrangement for the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem (GMPE) and supporting the LOZAMAP TFCA development. The Country Representative will work closely with ZimParks, GMPECT and international partners and will oversee the day-to-day operations of Peace Parks Foundation’s initiatives in Zimbabwe.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Representation and relationship building:
- Act as the primary representative of Peace Parks foundation in Zimbabwe.
- Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with local stakeholders: Government agencies (ZimParks in particular), the donor community, other conservation organisations, GMPECT and other key partners.
- Attend and actively participate in meetings, workshops and events to promote the organisation’s mission.
- Facilitate exchanges between Peace Parks Foundation’s Head Office and ZimParks.
Fund raising – concept note development:
- Work closely with Peace Parks Foundation’s Resource Development Department to support fund-raising efforts in favour of GMPECT; this will involve actively contributing to the development of concept notes and project proposals.
- Ensure that all proposals align with local conservation and development needs, and Peace Parks Foundation’s long-term goals.
Stakeholder engagement:
- Regularly engage with stakeholders to identify opportunities for collaboration and enhance local conservation efforts.
- Identify opportunities for partnership and collaboration to enhance conservation efforts.
GMPECT capacity building:
- Contribute to the design of a multi-year programme regarding capacity building and efficient project management of the GMPECT in co-ordination with Peace Parks Foundation’s Head Office.
- Facilitate and participate in the implementation of this capacity building programme.
- Monitor the contractual arrangements between Peace Parks Foundation and GMPECT.
Support TFCA functions
- Support transboundary conservation discussions and facilitate joint initiatives such as game counts, law enforcement and ecotourism development, contingent on funding.
Logistics
- Support the organisation of Peace Parks Foundation’s Head Office mission to Zimbabwe.
- Facilitate and participate in donor missions, ensuring effective representation of Peace Parks Foundation’s vision and activities.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Bachelor’s or master’s degree in a relevant field (eg. conservation, environmental science, etc).
- At least 10 years of experience in conservation work and a strong understanding of environmental issues.
- Prior experience in the Greater Mana Pools Ecosystem and familiarity with or having worked within the ZimParks will be advantageous.
- A track record in capacity building and sustainable conservation practices.
- Experience in engaging with international donors will be considered a valuable asset.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Experience in project development, including the preparation of concept notes and proposals.
- Strong organisational and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to work independently and as part of a global team.
TO APPLY
Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their interest in and suitability for the position and a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number, email address and contact details of at least three contactable references. These should be submitted by 18 October 2024.
A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience. Applications should be submitted to: Human Resources
Email: [email protected]
SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be contacted to attend an interview.
Should you not hear from us within two weeks from the closing date, your application was unsuccessful.