Overview

Enhancing human-wildlife coexistence through environmental land use planning in the Kilombero Valley, Tanzania
Duration: 1 year, followed by a review with the possibility to extend
Location: Based in Iringa and Kilombero Valley, plus meetings in Dar es Salaam and Dodoma
Description: STEP is seeking a Project Leader to head a conservation project to enhance human-wildlife coexistence, human livelihoods, and ecological connectivity in the Kilombero Valley.


Elephant movement and crop-raiding data collected over the last ten years have revealed long-term conflict in the landscape which the project will seek to address. Ongoing livelihood projects of STEP’s coexistence department are benefiting local farmers; however, we have identified the need for a more holistic approach involving land use planning to enhance ecological connectivity and reduce conflict within the landscape for the long term. The Project Leader will be part of STEP’s management team and will be responsible for coordinating and leading all project activities; working closely with a wide range of partners including communities, local CSOs, Central, Regional and District Government, and the National Land Use Planning Commission; as well as liaison, reporting and budget management.

Responsibilities and activities will include 

• Preparing work plans, schedules, budgets, and protocols for project activities 
• Procurement of project equipment
• Several weeks in the field conducting village and other partner meetings and participating in the land use planning process
• Advocating for landscape ecology approach to improve land use and livelihoods
• Managing consultants and consultancies
• Liaising with local tour operators and companies to develop tourism and other private sector involvement for long-term sustainability of the project
• Creating and maintaining comprehensive project documentation, plans, and reports 
• Managing funds and keeping organized accounting of all project expenses; working closely with Project Accountant; preparing financial reports 
• Communicating and developing relationships with stakeholders, partners, and Government authorities 
• Representing project at meetings, conferences, and other official functions 
• Monitoring and evaluation of the project’s progress, problem-solving
• Other tasks as assigned by the supervisor 

Requirements of the successful candidate:

• Postgraduate qualification: Minimum Masters degree in natural resources conservation or community development
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in conservation projects and 3 years of managerial experience in community conservation or development
• Strong written and oral communication skills in Swahili and English (fluent in both)
• Ability to engage with wide range of partners from farmers to Government officials 
• Excellent knowledge of MS Office
• Track record of working effectively with communities including conducting village meetings and calm conflict resolution
• Passion for community conservation  

Preferred: 

• Strong understanding of LUP laws and process in Tanzania, and other legal frameworks
• Strong ecological knowledge and ability to articulate ecological concepts to lay audience
• Strong experience in Monitoring and Evaluation and report writing
• Worked in Government and NGO/private sector

Salary will be competitive and based on experience and come with all standard benefits of a 12-month contract.
Interviews will be in two rounds and will be held at STEP offices in Iringa. The successful candidate must be able to start by end of October at the latest.

How to Apply

If you possess the skills and qualifications as contained in the position descriptions, please send your letter of application and CV with contacts of three referees to applications@stzelephants.org by 6th October 2018. Please write ‘Project Leader’ in the email subject.
STEP is an Equal Opportunity Employer.