Background

Mafisa is a Zambian non-profit organisation established in 2018. Currently focused on Mwandi and surrounding districts, Mafisa is strengthening climate-smart, productive pastoralist livelihoods in Zambia’s poorest and most climate-impacted regions. The Mafisa model helps local traditional cattle-raising communities to improve herd health, adopt regenerative rangeland management, and access fair market opportunities so they will have larger, more sustainable incomes. Mafisa also supports other sustainable livelihoods in the same communities.

From 2023, Mafisa has been expanding operations through carbon financing. This is an innovative programme – a methodology that has not been used in Zambia, rapid growth for a young Zambian non-profit, and a significant expansion in programming in the livestock sector.

The Mafisa team is committed to building an impactful and respected programme.

Job Purpose

The Programme Officer supports the Area Coordinators in developing grazing and fire management plans for farmers; maintaining records; planning land assessments; conducting meetings with farmers and explaining land usage; and the ability to analyse fire situations. In addition, the Program Officer will also support the delivery of animal health services and community development and livelihood activities to communities through the support of Area Coordinators.

Primary Responsibilities:

Programme Delivery and Reporting

• Support the formation of Community Committees in all operational areas and ensure that Community Committee Meetings are conducted, and procedures are documented, illustrating free, prior informed consent (FPIC) in line with protocols.
• Support the Area Coordinators in planning and delivering animal health services by:
  • Reviewing status reports collected by the Area Coordinators for precise delivery of animal treatments, especially vaccinations, dipping and tagging.
  • Check inventory records of all veterinary drugs and equipment, vaccines, syringes and any other such items used by the Community Agents
  • According to the agreed schedule, hold weekly check-in meetings with Area coordinators to track reporting, service delivery and disease outbreaks.
  • Where necessary, meet with government extension workers in the community as part of networking and information sharing.
• Support the Mafisa project with field-related assessments such as evaluations, studies and/or other project-related activities.
• Support other technical areas when requested

Grazing and fire management

• Oversee the development of Community Fire management and grazing plans with local farmers.
• Monitor the presence of signed Community Fire management and grazing plans agreements with each community. A
• Assist in planning grazing blocks. c
• Check grazing plans to assess appropriate grazing times. Assist the Rangland Management Specialist in monitoring community grazing and fire management plans and operating instructions, in relation to:
  • Number of livestock in the grazing block
  • Rotational grazing practices
  • Range improvement and maintenance, and
  • Availability of water in the grazing block
• Maintain communication with rangeland users/farmers to explain needed maintenance work and report noncompliance to supervisor.

Human Resources

• Under the direction of the Field Manager, manage the recruitment of Community Agents, Rangeland Field Monitors and Area Coordinators.
• Ensure all employees and contractors are familiar with the requirements of contract compliance over HSSE, Prevention of Child Labour Guidelines, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Anti-Corruption policy.
• Identify and report any potential disciplinary issues to the Field Manager.
• In liaison with the Field Manager and Human Resource Manager, ensure personnel are adequately trained for the tasks they are due to perform.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in either Forestry, Environmental Management, Animal Health or related field
• Diploma qualification may be considered with relevant years of experience
• Ability to drive a manual with a Standard Class B driving license

Experience

• Willingness to travel extensively during field season, work unusual schedules (up to 8 consecutive days), car camp, and live in rustic conditions for extended periods in remote areas of Mwandi, Sesheke, Kazungula and Mulobezi required.
• Knowledge in using digital data collection platforms on computers, tablets or phones.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work long hours in the field are required.
• Language: Fluent in English and Lozi, depending on location
• 2 years’ relevant experience in rangeland management, community development or a related field.

Ideal

• Willing to support colleagues and embrace the challenges of innovation.

• Support the formation of Community Committees in all operational areas and ensure that Community Committee Meetings are conducted, and procedures are documented, illustrating free, prior informed consent (FPIC) in line with protocols.
• Support the Area Coordinators in planning and delivering animal health services by: Reviewing status reports collected by the Area Coordinators for precise delivery of animal treatments, especially vaccinations, dipping and tagging.
• Check inventory records of all veterinary drugs and equipment, vaccines, syringes and any other such items used by the Community Agents
• According to the agreed schedule, hold weekly check-in meetings with Area coordinators to track reporting, service delivery and disease outbreaks.
• Where necessary, meet with government extension workers in the community as part of networking and information sharing.
• Support the Mafisa project with field-related assessments such as evaluations, studies and/or other project-related activities.
• Support other technical areas when requested
• Oversee the development of Community Fire management and grazing plans with local farmers.
• Monitor the presence of signed Community Fire management and grazing plans agreements with each community.
• Assist in planning grazing blocks.
• Check grazing plans to assess appropriate grazing times. Assist the Rangland Management Specialist in monitoring community grazing and fire management plans and operating instructions, in relation to: Number of livestock in the grazing block, Rotational grazing practices, Range improvement and maintenance, and Availability of water in the grazing block.
• Maintain communication with rangeland users/farmers to explain needed maintenance work and report noncompliance to supervisor.
• Under the direction of the Field Manager, manage the recruitment of Community Agents, Rangeland Field Monitors and Area Coordinators.
• Ensure all employees and contractors are familiar with the requirements of contract compliance over HSSE, Prevention of Child Labour Guidelines, Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Anti-Corruption policy.
• Identify and report any potential disciplinary issues to the Field Manager.
• In liaison with the Field Manager and Human Resource Manager, ensure personnel are adequately trained for the tasks they are due to perform.

• Ability to analyse fire situations
• Knowledge in using digital data collection platforms on computers, tablets or phones.
• Good physical condition and the ability to work long hours in the field
• Fluent in English and Lozi

• Bachelor’s Degree in either Forestry, Environmental Management, Animal Health or related field
• Diploma qualification may be considered with relevant years of experience
• Ability to drive a manual with a Standard Class B driving license