Are you a dynamic, innovative and impact driven individual who would like to contribute to conservation? Then you are the candidate that WWF (The World Wide Fund for Nature) is looking for. WWF is an International Non-Governmental Organization that deals with conservation of nature. Our mission is to stop the degradation of the planet’s natural environment and to build a future in which humans live in harmony with nature.

Duty Post: Lusaka

Duration and nature of the appointment: The appointment will be for 1.5 years, with the possibility of extension subject to availability of project funding.

 The Role:

Under the overall responsibility and direct supervision of WWF Zambia’s Freshwater Program’s Senior Hydrologist, the Freshwater Project Officer will support the WWF Zambia Freshwater team skills on the technical aspects of delivering innovative freshwater conservation initiatives. The focus will be on capacity development for environmental flows assessments and implementation (Eflows), hydrological monitoring and system scale conservation planning of freshwater landscapes. Among other things, this position will also include hydrological and spatial data collection, management and analysis in liaison with key WWF stakeholders, and some participation in hydrological modeling and spatial analysis.

The Project Officer will also have delegated duties for planning, reporting, budgeting, implementing, monitoring and evaluation, as well as on providing logistics support on freshwater program activities. In addition, he/she will relate with program staff and partners as well as stakeholders involved in freshwater conservation issues in the Zambezi River Basin.

Main Responsibilities:

Under the supervision of the Senior Hydrologist, the Project Officer will carry out the following tasks:

1. Technical Tasks (60%)

• Provide support on technical issues to the freshwater program as required, including researching, mobilising and consolidating best available hydrological and environmental data needed for problem solving to achieve conservation outcomes.
• Apply spatial and hydrological modelling techniques in processing and analysis of information for Eflows assessments and systems scale landscape planning to achieve conservation outcomes.

• Review and analyse information for environmental flows assessment, environmental impact assessments, and large systems scale planning of landscapes, including integrated water resources and infrastructure planning.

• Support the preparation of reports and technical reviews, in particular for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM), environmental flows assessments, and infrastructure project compliance with environmental and social safeguards best practice.
• Support the Freshwater Programme’s communications and policy campaigns, through technical input and contributions to the drafting of policy briefs, and researching and drafting of stories featuring Programme results.

• Develop and maintain close relationships and constructive dialogue with technical staff of key partners to ensure adequate project implementation and information and knowledge exchange with partners. Foster technical networking with partner institutions.

• Initiate and contribute to the development and implementation of research initiatives, including contributing to the development of project concept notes and funding proposals of the same.
• Communicate and report on technical concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.

2. Program Planning, Monitoring & Coordination Tasks (30%)

• Implement, together with programme team members and partners, impact monitoring plans with indicators to assess the effectiveness of project interventions.
• Support the development and maintenance of close relationships and constructive dialogue with academic partners and research institutions, for joint research, exchange of information and staying abreast with new developments in the field of water or energy policies in the region.
• Support the development and maintenance of relationships with local and regional scientific and technical organisations and networks specialised in monitoring of ecosystem goods and services associated with freshwater ecosystems, such as the Department of Fisheries, International Crane Foundation, WARMA, DNPW, local and international NGOs, private sector, communities and individuals at district and community levels.
• Conduct field visits as required to support and verify project activities.

3. Freshwater Programme Development and Implementation (10%)

• Support development, design and submission of fundraising proposals
• Support project and programme development as required, including contributing to formulation of annual work-plans and specific program activities.
• Support the convening of partners for WWF- led technical meetings and workshops.
• Contribute to the preparation of content for the Freshwater Program communication material, including content for the WWF Zambia website and supporting social media.

Required Qualifications, Skills and Competencies 

• MSc in Hydrology/Geography/Environmental Science/Civil or Water Engineering/ IWRM or related field of natural sciences;
• Good analytical skills, including ability to process large amounts of data in Excel.
• Exposure to basic GIS and modeling;
• At least 2 years of experience in a related position.
• Knowledge of the institutional and legal framework pertaining to freshwater ecosystems, as well as of relevant policy issues in Zambia.
• Excellent inter-personal and lobbying skills, including the ability to develop and maintain strong relationships with stakeholders and partners,
• Excellent oral and written communications skills in English.
• Ability to work independently, and with a diverse group of individuals in a multi-cultural environment.

Line Management:

The incumbent will report to the Senior Hydrologist. As well as being an integral part of WWF-Zambia Freshwater Team, the post-holder will be expected to work closely with the GIS Analyst and other thematic project leaders and teams.  He/she will also work in close partnership with colleagues across the WWF Network, especially WWF Namibia, the Freshwater officers in WWF US and WWF Netherlands and other relevant WWF offices such as the WWF Freshwater Practice.

How to apply?

Applications must include a cover letter and CV with full contact details of three referees sent as one file with subject line â€œ Freshwater Project Officer – Zambia”, to The People, Culture & Operations Manager – Zambia through wwfcareers@wwfzam.org to be received not later than 31^st of May 2019. We regret that only short-listed candidates will be contacted.

WWF is an equal opportunity employer and committed to having a diverse workforce.