This recruitment will be a joint process between Peace Parks Foundation and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Malawi.

Contracting Organisation: Nyika Vwaza Co-Management Trust

Term:3 years

Location: Nyika National Park, Thazima, Malawi

Reporting Line: CEO – Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust

BACKGROUND

The Government of Malawi, through the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW), and Peace Parks Foundation have signed a 20-year Co-Management Agreement (CMA) for the sustainable development and management of Nyika National Park and Vwaza Marsh Wildlife Reserve, forming the Nyika Vwaza Complex, which is an integral component of the Malawi-Zambia (MAZA) Transfrontier Conservation Area (TFCA). These two protected areas collectively cover over 4,000 km2 of land.

Under this agreement, a special non-profit and efficient legal entity, the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust (Trust) will be established in Malawi. The Trust will be responsible for the management and development of the Nyika-Vwaza complex. It will be overseen by a Board of Trustees (Board) appointed by DNPW and Peace Parks in accordance with the CMA provisions and the Trust’s Constitution.

A Park Management Unit (PMU) will be formed within the Trust to implement the Strategic Business Plan (SBP). The PMU will be led by a Chief Executive Officer (CEO) appointed by the Board.

Peace Parks Foundation has secured funds to support recruitment of a Conservation Science Research Coordinator from the Nyika-Vwaza (UK) Trust to oversee research and monitoring programmes in Nyika and Vwaza for the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust. Below is the job description for this position, which will be stationed at Nyika National Park.

While the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust is being established and capacitated, DNPW and Peace Parks Foundation will assist with the recruitment of the Conservation Science Research Coordinator.

Peace Parks will also serve as the interim employer for the position. Once the Trust becomes operational, the employment contract will be transferred to the Trust.

KEY OBJECTIVE OF ASSIGNMENT

The Research Coordinator will play a senior role in overseeing the management and coordination of management-driven research and monitoring projects within the Nyika-Vwaza Co-Management Trust. This role is vital in helping the Trust to develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based adaptive management across all key aspects of the Nyika-Vwaza landscape i.e., law enforcement, community engagement (i.e., including environmental education, Human Wildlife Coexistence management), protected area management (i.e., including wildlife, forestry, grassland and freshwater ecology) and business development (i.e., including ecotourism, forestry & ecosystem services).

 

Under the direction of the CEO, the Research Coordinator (as a senior officer) will work in close collaboration with other senior management officers in developing/designing, implementing, and managing research projects that will inform enhanced management of the Trust. This work will entail overseeing and coordinating all technical aspects of the research process, supporting/facilitating/driving the translation of knowledge to practice, as well as ongoing monitoring and evaluation of all activities related to biodiversity conservation and management of the Trust. It will also entail the development of a mid to long term research strategy for the Trust as well as an inventory of all past and existing research as well as a gap analysis.

The performance of the Research Coordinator will be reviewed annually by the CEO.

The section below provides the key responsibilities, qualifications, and skills required for the position.

 

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Please refer to the Peace Parks Foundation Website for further details on duties and responsibilities: Careers – Peace Parks Foundation.

• Developing a research and monitoring strategic plan
• Planning in line with the general business plan
• Design and implement research tools
• Periodical reporting
• Support the design, development, and maintenance of an efficient Monitoring and Evaluation system

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of a Bachelor’s degree is required. Master’s degree is preferred. Both in environmental sciences i.e. natural resource management, forestry, wildlife management, biodiversity conservation and /or any relevant discipline.
• Have at least 5 years of experience in a similar position or doing similar work.
• Has strong leadership, management, and fund-raising capability for research.
• Exhibit analytical, technical, and good writing skills through evidence of publications.
• Computer skills and knowledge of relevant software applications, including statistical packages, Microsoft Office suite (Excel, PowerPoint, Word, Endnote), and other referencing applications.
• Experience using GIS and remote sensing applications, with demonstrable cartographic skills.
• Supervisory skills including the ability to delegate work and plan, organise and evaluate the work of others.
• Good communication skills through experience in public speaking to engage with different stakeholders.
• Conflict management, and networking skills are an added advantage.
• Knowledge of and experience working in the protected areas in Malawi or Region is an added advantage.

Interested candidates are invited to submit a cover letter detailing their interest in and suitability for the position and a curriculum vitae with full address, telephone number, email address and contact details of at least three contactable references. These should be submitted by 9 September 2024.

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

Applications should be submitted to Human Resources.

Email: zamapplications@peaceparks.org

SHORTLISTED CANDIDATES will be contacted to attend an interview.

Should you not hear from us within two weeks of the closing date, consider your application unsuccessful.