Community Conservation Educator – Chikwa

Frankfurt Zoological Society conserves wildlife and ecosystems focusing on protected areas and outstanding wild places. FZS maintains long-term conservation programmes in Africa, South America, Asia and Europe. The Africa Programme is FZS’s largest and oldest and is active in five focal countries: the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zambia and Zimbabwe (www.fzs.org). FZS Zambia (FZS ZM) has been active in the North Luangwa Ecosystem since 1986 and Nsumbu since 2017, working to conserve these globally important wilderness areas. FZS ZM supports effective and efficient protected area management, focusing on law enforcement, conservation education and empowering communities in GMAs to manage their own resources. FZS ZM continues to seek to expand its activities both geographically and thematically.

In line with the NLCP strategy, the Community Conservation Educator (CCE) is a field-based position to support on the ground implementation of conservation education and help improve a consistent and effective bottom-up community engagement programme with the resident custodian communities in Chikwa Chiefdom. This is in line with the partnership between the Frankfurt Zoological Society and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW). This position will specifically promote knowledge building or training and messaging pertaining to conservation education within schools and mini-change groups.

This is a key role in the NLCP Landscape Integration Unit (LIU). It is expected of the ideal candidate to perform the following functions / responsibilities:

Formation of Conservation Education Clubs and Mini Change Groups
•    Engage with schools and communities in  Chikwa Chiefdom to form conservation education clubs and mini change groups (adults)
•    Conduct lesson planning and implementation on environmental and associated socio-economic topics embedded in the conservation education syllabus / curriculum
Nature Night Programme
•    Support the implementation of Nature Night activities in the GMA and or / park visits for learners and mini change groups

Environmental and social campaigns
•    Prepare and plan for environmental and social campaigns with club members, with a key focus on conservation related topics
•    Work hand in hand with CCOs, CLAs and Partners to raise holistic awareness and understanding around natural resource management inclusive of nutrition, climate change, Gender Based Violence (GBV), early marriages, and teenage pregnancy in support of health ecosystems, healthy well-being, and resilient communities

Curriculum review and development
•    Support the review and development of the curriculum to meet the needs of the present generation without compromising the ability to meet the needs of the future generation
•    Support the development of the local language (Bemba) conservation education materials and communication products alongside the CCOs, CLAs and club patrons/matrons / teachers for dissemination in local communities using various platforms, with quarterly messaging pertaining to natural resources management

Monitoring and evaluation of Teaching and Learning 
•    Prepare and administer assignments, tests, and homework to conservation education club members to test their comprehension of the topics

Education Cluster Meeting Support
•    Plan for cluster meetings for club patrons/matrons to overcome challenges faced in schools
•    Collectively develop the agenda with club patrons/matrons, take minutes/notes during cluster meetings
•    Engagement and mentorship training of educators in conservation education

General Administration and Other Tasks
•    Support management in the planning and distribution of termly timetables, letters and other schedules for Conservation Education in schools and the broader community
•    Ensure timely ordering and purchase of supplies / and teaching and learning resources/materials and keeping of detailed inventories for the equipment of Conservation Education

Experience, Qualifications & Attributes
•    At least 2 years of practical field experience in rural areas working with NGOs, private sector, government, and parastatal organizations preferably in Game Management Areas (GMA)
•    Diploma in Conservation / Environmental Education, Social Science / Teaching, Wildlife Management / Natural Resources Management, Ecology, Community Development or Rural Development (bachelor’s degree in a related field will be an added advantage).
•    Full Grade 12 School Certificate with good grades in Maths and English
•    Must possess basic knowledge and workings of community development, CBNRM, principles of good governance, and general wildlife and natural resources management in Zambia
•    Basic knowledge of existing education policies, Zambia National Curriculum Framework, natural resources and wildlife policies; legal frameworks and legislation will be an advantage.
•    Basic practical experience working with traditional authorities and Community Based Organizations (CBOs) will be an added advantage.
•    Demonstrated Community Mobilization skills will be an advantage.
•    Strong teamwork, initiative, flexibility, and integrity. Working knowledge of Microsoft word, excel, SPSS and other research tools will be an added advantage
•    Able to communicate in Bemba

•    Engaging and meaningful work with room for your own ideas and creativity
•    Opportunity to experience exceptional wilderness areas firsthand and contribute meaningfully to their conservation and protection.
•    Form part of a dynamic and motivated team as well as the larger FZS team, working to secure outstanding wild places
•    A fair and competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and experience

If you are passionate and ready to take on this challenge, please submit your Curriculum Vitae and Cover Letter detailing your relevant experience and motivation by clicking Apply for this Job below.
Applications may also be submitted by delivering physical copies of the required documents to the FZS / DNPW Office in Chama or Chikwa CRB.
Include three (3) traceable references with a short description of your working relationship and their contact details. Appointment is subject to the submission of ZAQA-certified qualifications.

Application Deadline: Wednesday, 17th June 2026.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.