African Parks Network (APN) is hiring a Community Development Manager, Aouk, Chad

 

 

Position title : Community Development Manager

Supports (Direct Reports) : Community Development Team

Location : AOUK, Project Headquarters

Reports to : Park Manager

Starting date : As soon as possible

Context

African Parks Network (APN) is a non-profit organization that takes direct responsibility for therehabilitation and long-term management of national parks and protected areas in partnership withgovernments and local communities. By adopting a business approach to conservation, supported bydonor funding, our goal is to make each park sustainable in the long term, thereby contributing toeconomic development and poverty reduction. We currently manage 22 parks across 12 countries—Angola, Central African Republic, Chad, Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi,Rwanda, Benin, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Sudan—covering a total area of over 14 Million hectares.

1. JOB OVERVIEW:

The Community Development Manager must design a socio-economic community development plan tobe submitted to the Board of Directors of the Aouk Conservation Area (ACA) based on the guidelinesdictated by African Parks SOP and will be in charge of its implementation. The objective is to create anenvironment of trust and work with the communities bordering the Aouk-Keita Landscape. As Head ofDepartment, the Community Development Manager is a member of the Park Management Unit.

Role profile

The Community Development Manager (CD Manager) is responsible for the effective development andexecution of the Community Development plan for the ACA and the delivery of the agreed M&E goals.In fulfilling this role, the CD Manager is responsible for:

  •  Leadership of the local CD team, including management of performance and other HR processes, andfor planning and management of budgets for the department;
  •  Conducting stakeholder mapping and implementing an Engagement plan to build relations with localcommunities, traditional/local leaders, administrative authorities, and other stakeholders;
  •  Planning and implementation of the programmes in the Community Development Plan, with a focus onthe core 3Es: Engagement, Education, Economy.
  • Monitoring trends in human-wildlife conflict and sensitising communities on mitigation schemes;
  •  Ensuring implementation of the grievance mechanism – including sensitisation of communities on theprocess, and maintenance of reporting channels and records;
  •  Conducting the monitoring and evaluation of CD initiatives, and regular reporting on indicators tointernal partners (Funding, Marketing & Communications, etc.);
  •  Supporting internal and external partners in implementing local community studies, supporting theland use planning, and supporting community safeguards initiatives.

Description of Responsibilities

a. Administrative Responsibility:

  •  Elaborate the Budget and the Business Plan, ensuring their implementation (including the 5-YearBudgeted Plan).
  •  Ensure the budget management of the Department.AOUK
  •  Ensure the performance development of community development staff and build a strong team tointeract with the communities around the park.
  •  Ensure monthly and annual reporting to the Project Director.
  •  Contribute to the drafting of reports to donors.
  •  Participate in management meetings.
  • Build the capacities of the staff of the Service by supporting the HR Service in the development of careerplans for the Department’s employees.
  •  Manage the administrative functions of the community development department (preparing missionorders, validation of expenses, etc.).

b. Communication:

  •  Serve as an interface between the park and the communities to facilitate two-way communication.
  •  Maintain regular contact with communities around Aouk-Keita Landscape and public administrations.
  •  Support the different planning and management of community forums and preparation of restitutionsfor the Board of Directors.

c. Community Involvement:

  •  Manage the Community Development Fund and its activities.
  •  Structure groups and associations wishing to work in the management and protection of the naturalresources of Aouk-Keita Landscape.
  •  Monitor and evaluate the use of resources extracted from the ACA by communities.
  •  Monitor and put in place new fishing system that add value to fishermen group
  •  Mark the boundaries of the park’s zoning
  • Define the mechanism for the co-management and development of natural resources in the ecodevelopment areas and the periphery of the ACA.
  •  Establish the derogation mechanism for special ACAess permits in the different corridors;
  •  Ensure local applications are considered in recruitment processes.
  •  Implement a community health support plan with external partners.
  •  Ensure that all communities are aware of the Grievance Mechanism and ensure its implementation incoordination with the parks safeguards manager.

d. Education & Awareness:

  •  Coordinate the policy of support to the population in the field of education.
  •  Follow-up the support plan for schools in the periphery.
  •  Evaluate environmental education programs.
  •  Develop a community awareness program on various themes related to conservation and coordinate itsimplementation
  • Improve the capacity of local actors (Administration/local community) on conservation through regularvisits to the park.
  •  Facilitate the implementation of the mechanism for managing complaints and resolving conflicts withcommunities.
  •  Create synergies with the LE and Conservation departments (communication, awareness, intelligence).

e. Development (Economy):

  •  Support ASDDs in the formulation of IGAs and in seeking markets and financing for theirimplementation.
  •  Ensure collaboration with all NGOs active around the ACA and development initiatives.
  •  Develop socio-economic incentives.

f. Human-Wildlife Conflict Management:

  • Support the departments of Agriculture and Forestry in implementing the compensation process forcrops devastated by wildlife.
  •  Experiment with methods of repelling and protecting crops from attacks by wild animals.
  •  Manage the devastation insurance program and ensure its Aeptance by the communities.

Note: This list of tasks is not exhaustive; the Community Development Service Manager may berequired to perform other tasks reasonably associated but not included in this job description whenassigned by the supervisor or any other member of the coordination team.

3. Accountability and Supervision

a. Work Environment:

  •  The Head of the Community Development Department is responsible for his team, which currentlyincludes Assistants and Facilitators as well as Community focal points and animators; Echo-Tangomanager; community Educators.

b. 2-Year Targets

  •  Local communities feel respected and involved in the management of the ACA.
  •  The attitude of the communities towards the ACA is positive and collaborative, as proven by the risingCommunity Conservation Index.
  •  Communities have a good understanding of the ACA use and their area of activity.
  •  The community development fund is well structured, and the management committee is functioningwell.
  • Communities have sustainable means for crop protection, significantly reducing devastation as provenvia the AP HWC tracker.
  •  The environmental education center is set up and functioning properly.
  •  Land use plans for all villages on the periphery of the Park are available, and management protocolplans are well executed.
  •  The plan for the collection of natural resources in the park is well executed, especially with fishermenand NTFP collectors.
  •  The grievance mechanism is well executed and known by the communities and local authorities.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Languages: French, English, National languages (Arabe).
  •  Software: Proficient in the Office suite.

Indicator of Success (Evaluative Tasks) • Who looks like success in a year

  •  Community Engagement: Increase in CCI score with 5YBP targets achieved.
  •  Project Implementation: 100% of socio-economic projects completed on time and within budget.
  •  Conflict Resolution: 100% of conflicts with communities resolved and effectiveness of the complaintmanagement mechanism.
  • Resource Management: Efficiency in managing the Community Development Fund and other resourcesas set in the 5YBP.
  •  Education and Awareness: 100% of educational programs conducted and community awareness levelson conservation topics as set in the 5YBP.

Key relationships:Internally:

1. Park Manager
2. AP Community Director
3. Others PMU members

Externally:

Required Skills for Community Development Manager:

  •  Communication Skills: Proficient in both written and verbal communicationin French and English; ability to engage with diverse community groups,local dialects will be a plus.
  •  Project Management: Strong skills in planning, executing, and monitoringcommunity development projects.AOUK

 Local authorities

  •  Budget Management: Experience in creating and managing budgets,including financial reporting and analysis.
  •  Conflict Resolution: Ability to mediate and resolve conflicts between thepark and the communities.
  •  Team Leadership: Proven leadership skills to manage and develop a teamof community development staff.
  •  Cultural Competency: Understanding and respect for local cultures andtraditions; fluency in local languages (e.g. Arabe) is an advantage.
  •  Analytical Skills: Ability to assess community needs, develop strategicplans, and evaluate the effectiveness of implemented projects.
  •  Networking and Relationship Building: Strong networking skills to liaisewith NGOs, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
  •  Adaptability: Flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and handlemultiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
  •  Computer Proficiency: Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and otherrelevant software.

Academic Qualifications for Community Development Manager:

  •  Bachelor’s Degree: In fields such as Community Development, Social Sciences, Development Studies,Environmental Studies, or a related field.
  •  Master’s Degree: Preferred in Community Development, Public Administration, EnvironmentalManagement, or a related discipline.
  •  Relevant Certifications: Additional certifications in Project Management, Conflict Resolution, or BudgetManagement are advantageous.
  •  Experience: At least 10 years of relevant experience in community development or a related field, witha track record of successful project implementation and team management.

How to Apply:

To apply, the application must contain the following elements in a single PDF file:

  •  Up-to-date curriculum vitae with at least 3 easy-to-contact references

Applications should be sent to

centralafrica.hr@africanparks.org

before 24 December 2024

We strongly encourage female and locals’ candidates to apply.

If you do not receive a response from us within two weeks of the closing date, please consider that yourapplication has not been successful.

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