Community Technician

Duration: Fixed Term Contract (3 years) Reporting to: Community Development Coordinator of Zinave National Park (ZNP) Location: Peace Parks Foundation/Zinve National Park, Mabote, Mozambique Working conditions: Field-based BACKGROUND Founded in 1997 by President Nelson Mandela, HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Dr Anton Rupert, Peace Parks Foundation is a non-profit organisation pioneering conservation at scale across southern Africa. Working through Transfrontier Conservation Areas that span national borders, Peace Parks connects protected areas, supports biodiversity conservation and ecological resilience, strengthens local economies and promotes regional peace and stability. Its holistic approach is built on three pillars: conservation at scale, community development and conservation finance, ensuring that protected areas deliver long-term ecological and economic value. To date, Peace Parks has supported governments in establishing 780 000 km² of Transfrontier Conservation Areas across southern Africa. It also co-manages eight parks where wildlife populations have rebounded fivefold and supports more than 280 000 people annually through its interventions. With formal government mandates and strong community partnerships, Peace Parks offers a proven model for building resilience for people and nature across southern Africa’s most significant landscapes. The Foundation’s Vision 2050 is to secure 17 fully functional transboundary landscapes spanning 980 000 km², making it one of the world’s largest land-based conservation initiatives. www.peaceparks.org Peace Parks Foundation has supported the Government of Mozambique through a co-management agreement for the sustainable development and management of Zinave National Park since 2015. As an important component of the Great Limpopo Transfrontier Conservation Area, Zinave plays a key role in maintaining ecological connectivity and supporting biodiversity conservation across the wider transboundary landscape. The Zinave Integrated Development Programme adopts an integrated approach that recognises the interdependence of ecological conservation, effective governance and community development. The programme seeks to strengthen the management and ecological integrity of Zinave while improving community resilience, sustainable livelihoods, access to services, sustainable natural-resource use and coexistence between communities and wildlife. In this context, the Community Technician will play an important role in supporting the implementation of community-focused activities, strengthening engagement and coordination with local communities and stakeholders, and contributing to the delivery of the programme's community development and conservation objectives. JOB PROFILE We are looking for a motivated and community-oriented professional with a passion for sustainable development, conservation and working directly with local communities. The ideal candidate will have experience in community development, climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry, sustainable livelihoods or natural resource management, preferably within a conservation or rural development context. The successful candidate will be highly organised, self-motivated, adaptable and results-oriented, with strong facilitation, communication and stakeholder-engagement skills. Experience working with farmers, community structures, government services and other development partners will be an advantage. The position requires a demonstrated ability and willingness to work and live in remote field environments, often under challenging conditions, while maintaining effective and respectful relationships with communities and stakeholders. The candidate should be comfortable working independently in the field, managing multiple activities and working effectively under pressure. If you are committed to supporting climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihoods, community resilience, human–wildlife coexistence and conservation and are motivated to contribute to positive and lasting outcomes for both people and the environment, we encourage you to apply. JOB PURPOSE The Community Technician will support community development and conservation activities in and around Zinave National Park, with a focus on community engagement, governance, climate-resilient agriculture, sustainable livelihoods and human–wildlife coexistence. The position will work closely with communities, local leaders and key stakeholders, particularly in remote areas, to support programme implementation and contribute to improved community resilience and conservation outcomes benefiting approximately 9 329 community members. DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES The Community Technician will be responsible for supporting the implementation of community development and conservation activities in and around Zinave National Park. The responsibilities will include, but not be limited to, the following: Support the implementation of climate-smart agriculture, agroforestry and wildlife-friendly farming practices in communities neighbouring Zinave National Park; Train and support farmers, lead farmers and farmers' associations in climate-resilient agriculture, crop protection, irrigation and sustainable farming practices; Support the identification and implementation of Human–Wildlife Conflict prevention and mitigation measures, including agricultural fencing and other approved interventions, as well as promotion of Human-Wildlife Coexistence; Support the revitalisation, training and legalisation of Natural Resource Management Committees (NRMCs) and strengthen community participation in conservation governance; Monitor agricultural activities and support agricultural and livestock initiatives, including community agricultural and livestock fairs; Support the development of alternative livelihoods and income-generating opportunities, with particular attention to vulnerable groups; Work closely with the Community Development Programme team and relevant stakeholders on HWC mitigation and support mechanisms for affected farmers; Liaise with district authorities, agricultural and livestock services, NGOs and community structures to facilitate coordinated implementation of programme activities; Support the identification of suitable locations for community water infrastructure, including water points, in coordination with relevant authorities; Provide regular field updates and prepare monthly reports and technical reports, documenting progress, challenges, lessons learned and community feedback; Contribute to technical assessments, monitoring activities and the preparation of communication and knowledge-sharing materials; Interact with communities to facilitate agreement on the community boundaries of the Park, including its demarcation; Support and implement environmental education programs; Support the monitoring of the use of the 20% of revenues allocated to the communities.