Role overview
What you'll be stepping into
The Community Engagement Coordinator will support the Rights and Communities Manager in implementing impactful community conservation initiatives around Ishasha. This role will focus on engaging communities to participate in park related initiatives and activities. This will include but not be limited to leading consultations and awareness-raising related to protected area activities, supporting mitigation of human wildlife conflict, supporting the implementation of social safeguards mechanisms for communities and building the capacity of community institutions. The position requires extensive travel to locations around Ishasha to engage directly with local communities.
Responsibilities
Plan and execute community engagement activities to reach target audiences, in accordance with the community conservation plan and social safeguards plan
Build strong relationships with communities, local and civil society organizations, community representatives and other local stakeholders
Ensure engagement of diverse groups and community members in park activities, including women, youth and other vulnerable or target audiences
Lead consultations with communities and community institutions as required and related to project activities
Support the roll-out of a grievance redress mechanism and other social safeguards mechanisms through community engagement
Support human wildlife conflict mitigation efforts through community engagement
Represent the community’s interests and concerns to the management and partner organizations
Track the effectiveness of community engagement activities and adjust the approach as needed
Provide targeted training and support to community members and organizations to build their capability to participate in PA management issues (e.g. revenue sharing)
Implement incentive programs such as wildlife scholarships, where funding allows, ensuring community engagement and transparency in the selection of participants
Conduct socio-economic research and monitoring in accordance with the community conservation plan and monitoring and evaluation plan
Qualification Requirements
Minimum Requirements and Job Skills (Required)
A Bachelor’s degree in social, rural or environmental sciences essential, Masters degree in the same desirable
At least five year’s experience working with rural or remote communities in social mobilization, community engagement, awareness campaigns or similar
Proven experience in the application of participatory methods and monitoring and evaluation of community engagements
Ability and passion to work with local communities towards a shared vision
Good written and oral skills in English and Runyakitara (i.e., Runyankore, Rukiga, Runyoro, Rutoro) and Rufumbira
Experience working with multi-faceted teams
Coordination with government, donors and partners coupled with excellent networking and communications skills
Knowledge and commitment to conservation
Ability to innovate, initiate and good adaptability and problem-solving skills
How to apply