Community Engagement and Livelihood Technician Full-Time

Background

Peace Parks Foundation, founded by President Nelson Mandela, HRH Prince Bernhard of the Netherlands and Dr. Anton Rupert, is a leader in large-scale ecological restoration across southern Africa. Through co-management partnerships that unite governments, communities and donors, it restores vast transboundary landscapes that deliver measurable conservation and livelihood outcomes. Vision 2050 will secure 18 functional landscapes spanning 980,000 km², one of the world’s largest land-conservation initiatives.

Peace Parks Foundation is currently supporting the development of conservation areas and buffer zone communities in Mozambique through partnership agreements with the National Administration of Conservation Areas (ANAC). We are now seeking to hire a Community Engagement and Livelihoods Technician based in the Mabote District as part of the Community-Based Adaptation: Scaling Up Community Action for Livelihoods and Ecosystems in Southern Africa and Beyond (CBA-SCALE+ Southern Africa+) Project. This regional climate change adaptation project aims to strengthen climate resilience in an inclusive, gender-responsive, and nature-based manner and will be implemented in ten communities in the regions around Zinave National Park (NP).

Job Profile

If you have experience in conservation and a passion for environmental sustainability, particularly through supporting community governance structures and promoting sustainable livelihoods, we invite you to apply for this position. The ideal candidate is highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work well under pressure. Strong facilitation and communication skills are essential, especially when engaging with diverse stakeholders. A genuine commitment to empowering communities and making a positive, lasting impact on both people and the environment is key to success in this role.

Job Purpose

The Community Engagement and Livelihoods Technician coordinates community mobilisation activities, plans and oversees communication and behaviour change campaigns, establishes strategic partnerships with leaders and NGOs, and ensures community participation in project development, especially in the integration of sustainable livelihoods and in data collection for monitoring and reporting.

The project runs until August 2028 with potential for an extension and will work directly with communities to plan and implement Community-Based Adaptation (CBA) actions, focusing on strengthening local capacities to ensure the sustainability of its actions. It will also collaborate with national and subnational decision-makers to secure policies, plans, and resources that enable large-scale, long-term CBA implementation.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Communication and Active Listening: Maintain open lines of communication, give and receive clear information, listen and respond empathetically to community concerns.
• Building Alliances and Collaboration: Develop and strengthen partnerships with the community and other local organizations to achieve common goals.
• Data Management: Collect, manage, and analyze data to report progress and adapt strategies, using tools such as ODK and GPS.
• Adaptability and Flexibility: Adapting approaches to local needs and conditions, remaining flexible as the situation evolves.
• Resilience and Self-Regulation: Being able to maintain focus, fulfill commitments, and inspire confidence, even in challenging and repetitive tasks.
• Empathy and Empowerment: Understanding and valuing the community’s perspectives, recognizing their resources and empowering them to make decisions.
• Livelihoods Knowledge: Understand the different types of sustainable livelihoods and how to support them to improve the quality of life of communities.
• Community Engagement Principles: Understand systematic and participatory approaches that promote trust, two-way dialogue, inclusion of vulnerable groups, and sustainable livelihoods.
• Project Development: Expertise in developing community projects using participatory tools.
• Technological Tools: Proficiency in software and applications for data collection and management, such as MS Office, GPS, and Android tools.
• Local Context: Understand local realities, structures, networks, and the challenges faced by the communities with which you work.
• Principles of Inclusion: Know how to reach and engage members of vulnerable and marginalized groups, combating power imbalances.

Minimum Requirements

• Suitable tertiary education in a project-related field;
• Minimum three years of experience in community development, gender issues, or related projects, especially in rural settings;
• Hands-on experience implementing strategies to promote gender equality and community development;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to conduct gender analysis and identify areas for intervention.
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with different teams and partners;
• Knowledge of social and environmental safeguard policies;
• Strong community mobilization and engagement skills;
• Fluent in Portuguese, with communication skills in Xitsua and English considered an advantage;
• Good administration and operational skills with experience and ability to prepare and write reports and informative documents;
• Strong commitment to gender equality, proactivity, motivation, and ability to work under pressure;
• Self-driven, results-driven personality with strong leadership ability and being able to problem-solve;
• Fit and healthy with an ability and willingness to live and work remotely; and
• Computer literate with a Driver’s License.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a Curriculum Vitae, with full address, telephone number and email address.

Please apply online.

A competitive salary package will be negotiated, based on qualifications and experience.

We appreciate the time and effort taken by all applicants in expressing their interest in this role. Due to the high volume of applications received, we are only able to contact candidates who are selected for further consideration. If you do not hear from us within 3 weeks, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. We encourage you to apply for future opportunities that match your skills and experience.