Community Development Officer Job Vacancy at the Jane Goodall Institute

The Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) is a global community conservation organization that advances the vision and work of Dr. Jane Goodall by conserving chimpanzees and inspiring communities to conserve the natural world we all share. We improve the lives of people, animals, and the environment, we strongly believe everything is connected and everyone can make a difference.

The Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania (JGI-TZ) is a reputable and rapidly expanding non-governmental organization committed to wildlife research, conservation, socio-economic development, and environmental education. The Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania (JGI-TZ) was founded in 2001 by Dr. Jane Goodall. The Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania with its partners makes a difference through landscape and community-cantered conservation, chimpanzees research, youths’ empowerment, the innovative use of science and technology, we work closely with local communities in Tanzania inspiring hope through a collective power of individual action.

Project Summary:

Tanzania’s Coastal line along the Indian Ocean is endowed with rich marine biodiversity. Like many other African countries, Tanzania is likely to become more vulnerable to climate change and biodiversity loss. The increasing human population and livelihood activities along the coastal regions contribute to the threats that affect the marine and terrestrial ecosystems of Tanzania. Adding to these challenges is the massive biodiversity loss due to climate change, weak mitigation responses, and related drivers of deforestation. The coastal zone not only sustains but is a significant contributor to the country’s economy. The livelihoods and economies of the growing population living in the rural coastal areas of Tanzania are entwined with the coastal ecosystems’ well-being for protection from natural hazards, obtainment of livelihoods and food security and fish and other marine creatures’ reproduction. Climate crisis and unmanaged human exploitation degrade the natural systems humans rely on for survival and reduce coastal communities’ adaptive capacity and resilience, especially among marginalized groups, such as women, young people, and children. Coast region communities already experience significant poverty and social inequity.

The Jane Goodall Institute Tanzania, in partnership with Jane Goodall Institute Canada and Plan International, have designed a project for Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME). It is a three (3) years project funded by Global Affairs Canada (GAC), in partnership with JGI Canada and Plan International. The project objective is to upscale community livelihoods and capitalize on opportunities for South-South learning by working between Kenya/Tanzania cross-border communities within the same Marine and Coastal Forest Eco-regions on three thematic areas: (i) Mangroves restorations and conservation (ii) Sustainable seaweed farming and (iii) locally led forest management and conservation. The project will apply an ecosystem-based approach that utilizes significant potential for nature-based solutions (NbS) for climate adaptation with biodiversity co-benefits.

JGI Tanzania is currently seeking to recruit suitably qualified and competent Tanzanian to fill the following vacant positions:

Project: Conservation and Sustainable Management of Coastal and Marine Ecosystems (COSME)

Duty Station: Tanga

Reporting Line: Project Manager

Job Position: Community Development Officer

Key Job Responsibilities & Duties:

The key responsibilities will include, but not limited to the following:

• Coordinate community sensitization and mobilization meetings that advocate for project objectives and activities.
• Conduct training sessions and develop training materials to ensure a better understanding of the project initiatives among target communities.
• Support the establishment of environmentally friendly income-generating activities in the project villages to improve the living standards of the target beneficiaries.
• Support gender by improving women’s participation in project activities through the promotion of GESI.
• Promote biodiversity conservation by facilitating reforestation and afforestation initiatives and enhancing utilization of non-timber forest products in a bid to reduce encroachment of protected areas.
• Coordinate the training needs assessment and promote the adoption of adult and children learning principles.
• Work with patron and matron teachers in supporting Roots and Shoots clubs development in target schools and villages.
• Participate in monitoring and evaluation of project activities and outcomes.
• Coordinate socio-economic surveys designed by the project.
• Prepare reports, work plans, and budgets, according as directed by the Project Manager.
• Control and make the best use of project equipment, tools and materials under your custody as directed in the JGI and Donors policies.
• Assign duties to project assistant staff and advise accordingly.
• Perform any other duties as may be assigned or delegated by the Project Management

View also: Gender Officer Job Vacancy at Solidaridad

Community Development Officer Job Vacancy at the Jane Goodall Institute

Minimum Job Requirements & Qualifications:

The minimum job requirements and qualifications will include, but not be limited to:

• A holder of at least bachelor’s degree in community development or equivalent
• At least 5 years working experience in the same field.
• Previous knowledge and experience in working with conservation and sustainable natural resources management project is desirable.
• Experience working in rural and remote areas of Tanzania implementing community development projects.
• Practical knowledge on proposal writing ability, research methodologies and engagement.
• A track record of successfully applying results-based management (RBM) and M&E frameworks to ensure effective on time implementation of complex donor funded projects in developing countries.
• Ability to work under pressure, tight deadlines and less supervision, self-motivated person, team player, reporting and presentation skills.
• Good Communication skills – fluent in Swahili and English, both verbal and written. This position involves working with a wide range of people within the institution, local communi­ties, and local & international partners, including technical and non-technical colleagues.

Application Instructions:

All suitably qualified candidates should send/submit their applications together with the most recent curriculum vitae(resume), copy of relevant certificates, testimonials, three names of reputable referees, day-time telephone number or e-mail address to recruitment@janegoodall.or.tz and include the title of the job position you are applying in the subject of your email.

Only the shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the interview.

Deadline: Applications should be submitted not later than Seven (7)days from the first date of advertisement.

JGI Tanzania is an equal opportunity employer and considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, national or tribal origin, religious belief, sexual orientation, and marital status.

QUALIFIED WOMEN ARE HIGHLY ENCOURAGED TO APPLY.