Job Title: Project Officer: Human Wildlife Conflict

Number of Vacancies: One (1)

Duty Station:  Project Offices in Karenga District

Duration:             Five (5) years ‐ Full‐time with a probationary period of six (6) months

Purpose of the job

The primary objective of Project Officer: Human Wildlife Conflict is to play a role in managing and mitigating conflicts that arise when wild animals and humans come into close contact with communities, often leading to threats to human safety, livelihoods, or wildlife populations. He/she will act as an interface between protected area management and community management, as well as working with partners and DLGs.

Key Responsibilities

1. Assessing conflict  hotspots  to  identify  areas  where  human-wildlife  conflict  is frequent or likely and make necessary recommendations.
2. Developing and implement strategies to prevent or reduce Human Wildlife Conflict (e.g., barriers, early warning systems) in line with national plans, policies, guidelines, strategies.

iii.      Coordinate rapid response to wildlife incursions, such as crop raids or predator attacks on livestock.

1. Raising awareness  among  stakeholders  and  the  public about  the importance of wildlife and the benefits of conservation efforts and educating local communities about non-lethal deterrents to promote coexistence, attitude change and encourage peaceful coexistence with wildlife.
2. Providing guidance to communities on procedures to access compensation schemes for wildlife-related losses.
3. Supporting the implementation of the National Plan for management of wildlife outside protected areas.

vii.      Supporting UWA in establishment and maintenance of a human wildlife conflict database.

viii.     Building the capacity of local communities, Local Governments and communities in the management of vermin and problem animals.

Qualifications and experience

Education

1. An Honors Bachelor’s Degree in either Social Work and Social Administration, Community Development, Development Studies or Social Sciences from a recognised University/Institution.

1. A post graduate qualification in management is an added advantage

Experience

1. At least  three  (3)  years  of  working  experience  in  social  work  and  community development in national or international projects or reputable organisation
2. Working experience with the Government of Uganda donor-supported projects is an added advantage

iii.      Experience in Community Conservation Education and Awareness, Human-Wildlife Conflict Management, Revenue Sharing Program Management and Community conservation-based Enterprise Development.

Knowledge and Skills

1. Conversant with community conservation principles and practices. ii. Demonstrated background in research and development initiatives.
2. Up to date with the latest best available practices relating to human wildlife conflict mitigation and management.
3. Proficiency in computer literacy.

iii.      Excellent comprehension of policies, and ability to extract synthesize key information related to specific topics.

1. Excellent critical thinking skills, able to critically assess work for errors of omission and commission.
2. Communication skills
3. Able to work with diverse groups of stakeholders in remote areas.

Personal Attributes

1. Honesty and integrity.
2. Ability to work long hours voluntarily when necessary. iii.  Ability to gather and analyze information effectively.
3. Capability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team. v. Strong interpersonal relations
4. Team player