Protection Officer

JOB OPPORTUNITY

Organization: Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP)
Location: Iringa office, with some fieldwork in Ruaha-Rungwa and Udzungwa-Kilombero-Nyerere ecosystems
Position Type: Full-time
Duration: 12 months with possibility of contract extension

About Us:

Southern Tanzania Elephant Program (STEP) is a leading conservation organization dedicated to the conservation of elephants, habitats, and natural resources in south-central Tanzania. We are currently seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Protection Officer. STEP works closely with several protected areas (National Parks, Nature Reserves, Game Reserves, and WMA) to enhance the protection of these areas through support to scouts and rangers. Under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy, STEP is scaling up support to the protection of the Udzungwa mountains. Our work also involves strengthening WMA governance. The Protection Officer will play a crucial role in implementing and coordinating our protection projects in and around designated protected areas and work closely with our protected area partners.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate and implement forest protection projects under the Udzungwa Landscape Strategy with protected area partners, including support for ranger patrols, ranger and VGS trainings, procurement of equipment, use of novel conservation technology, and providing technical support to PA partners including mapping and strategic patrol planning.
• Coordinate and implement governance strengthening project for a wildlife management area, including technical support to WMA Management and the WMA Authorized Association.
• Conduct regular project monitoring and proactive problem-solving.
• Oversee grants, budgets, and work plans for protection projects.
• Organize workshops and training sessions for village leaders, rangers, Village Natural Resources Committees, Village Game Scouts, and WMA partners.
• Maintain Protection department M&E and spatial databases.
• Prepare quarterly and annual technical reports and articles for projects.
• Contribute to the development and writing of grant applications.
• Contribute to the development and successful implementation of the STEP protection department strategy.
• Establish and maintain professional relationships with government authorities, communities, and partner organizations.
• Assist with community benefits assessments and other protection department duties as required.
• Report to Protection Manager and assist Executive Director in relevant organizational tasks.

Requirements and Qualifications:

• Minimum two years of experience in project management, report writing, and team management; more years of experience are advantageous.
• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (Wildlife Management, Environmental Science, Conservation, etc.); a Master’s degree may be advantageous.
• Proficiency in the use of mobile data collection applications, GPS, GIS, and mapping software; interest in learning other conservation technologies.
• Excellent organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to deliver high-quality work independently.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and environmental protection.
• Fluency in written and spoken English and Swahili.
• Prior experience working with rangers and on WMA governance will be advantageous.
• Willingness to relocate to Iringa.

How to Apply:

To apply for this position, please submit a cover letter explaining your interest and qualifications and your CV with three professional references to applications@stzelephants.or.tz. Please ensure to mention “Protection Officer Application” in the subject line of your email. We appreciate all applications, but only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process. Join us in making a difference in the conservation of wildlife and natural resources in southern Tanzania and beyond!

Deadline for applications: 8th August 2024

STEP is an equal opportunity employer. Female applicants are encouraged to apply, as we strive to promote gender equality and diversity within our organization.