Overview of the role**

The Program Implementation Officer will be based in Beetsha but should be willing and able to travel regularly within the District and between Beetsha and Maun offices. The primary role of the Programs Implementation Officer is to support the implementation and coordination of programs at the Beetsha Nkashi Knowledge Centre through the Nkashi Knowledge Bus. The Officer will provide on-the-ground administrative and technical support for planning, implementation, monitoring of project activities and reporting.

The Program Implementation Officer must have excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills, as well as a strong commitment to community development.

Background Okavango Eternal Project

Okavango Eternal aims to protect the source waters of the Okavango Delta and the lives and livelihoods they support. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s natural wonders, and the Okavango Basin in Angola and Namibia that feeds the Delta is the source of water for more than one million people. It also plays a key role for supporting wildlife and livelihoods, and it has the potential to play an even bigger role in southern Africa’s socio-economic development.

Since 2015, the National Geographic Society’s Okavango Wilderness Project has been working to help secure permanent, sustainable protection for the Okavango Basin. National Geographic has now been joined by De Beers to help secure protection for the Okavango Delta’s headwaters through the Okavango Eternal Project. The partnership will focus on both protecting the natural world and supporting communities across Angola, Botswana and Namibia. Beyond that, the project aims to promote gender equity by analysing the gender impact of ongoing activities and developing new activities to specifically promote increased equity.

Reporting lines

The Programs Implementation Officer will work under the overall supervision of the Programs Implementation and Knowledge Center Manager (PIKCM), and under the direct guidance and support of the Community Development Manager (CDM).

This position will have the following key responsibilities and goals:

Nkashi Knowledge Bus:

• Lead the educational and awareness raising activities using the Nkashi Knowledge Bus very regularly between the 5 villages of the Eastern Panhandle (Seronga, Gunotsoga, Eretsha, Beetsha and Gudigwa), sometimes around other villages in the district and where the bus may be requested to travel.
• Work with teachers of various schools to design lessons that are supported through the bus.
• Attend public events such as exhibitions, market days, conferences, Nkashi Classic etc.
• Coordinate asset control, inventory and operational logistics and processes for the library bus, assisted by bus the driver and Technicians.
• Supervise the care and maintenance of the bus.
• Supervise bus Technicians and the Bus driver.
• Ensure there is always sufficient fuel available for the completion of each bus trip.
• Ensure compliance with safe working practices in the bus and schools.
• Inform BWBT Management and teams and stakeholders in advance when the bus will be unavailable because of maintenance requirements or other duties to ensure schedules and plans can be successfully changed and rescheduled.

Program implementation:

• In collaboration with BWBT Management; plan, coordinate and implement activities in accordance with BWBT Community Development projects, assisted by other implementation officers.
• Help with the implementation of trainings within the BNKC.
• Assist BWBT Management in supporting the Beetsha VDC to establish the Early Childhood Programme playgroup.
• Assist BWBT Management to undertake feasibility studies as required.
• Assist in arranging and managing implementation meetings for key Community Development activities and facilitate follow-up actions from those meetings with stakeholders.
• Assist to coordinate with various BWBT Community Development teams and stakeholders to ensure smooth program operations within the Beetsha NKC.
• Collaborate with BWBT Management to ensure efficient resources allocation.

Stakeholder engagement, capacity building and networking:

• Provide training and mentorship to various stakeholders, utilizing the Knowledge Bus and the Beetsha NKC.
• Assist with stakeholder engagement and consultation activities with various government, private civil societies and community stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain a database of stakeholders relevant for Community Development project implementation.
• Ensure local and active participation and ownership of development processes at the Knowledge Centre in both meeting and servicing the needs of the local communities.
• Assist with resolving conflicts that may arise amongst stakeholders, ensuring harmonious collaboration.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting:

• Assist BWBT Management with monitoring and evaluation of project activities.
• Assist in updating of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms that assess the impact and effectiveness of project activities.
• Regularly review and adjust project strategies based on feedback and evaluation results.
• Collaborate with other Community Development teams and BWBT Management to prepare progress and budget reports.

Qualifications / Skills / Competency Requirements

Education / Qualifications / Experience:

• Minimum Diploma or equivalent in Social Sciences, Environmental Education, Natural Resource Management or a project-related field.
• Experience working in the NGO sector.
• Minimum 3 years working experience.
• Valid Class C Driver’s License.
• Experience driving 4x4 vehicles is vital.

Competencies:

• Ability to communicate effectively at all levels, both in Setswana and English.
• Ability to communicate in one of the region’s local languages is a desirable/added advantage.
• Physical strength and fitness to pack & unpack the assets into the Library Bus and at the Beetsha Knowledge Centre.
• Highly structured, organized and systematic in your work.
• Good time management – this will be important as you will not be working in one village or in an office at all times.
• Flexible and adaptable approach to work - you will need to work in an environment where plans can change at any time.
• Good research and analysis skills.
• A natural willingness to assist and support the BWBT team - team worker who is able to work independently once instructions are clear.
• Hands-on and motivated – someone who wants to learn more and increase their skills and abilities.
• Willingness to stay and work in rural communities.

**Application Process **

If you believe that this role provides a potential opportunity for you to showcase your exceptional abilities and skills, please send your confidential application to jobs@nkashitrust.org.bw with “Programs Implementation Officer - Beetsha Nkashi Knowledge Centre” as the email subject line.

**Please note: **Salary is commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.

• Please submit your resume that includes three contactable references.

• Your application must include a cover letter explaining why you are interested in this position and what excites you most about this potential opportunity.

• The working hours are Monday to Friday 08h00 to 17h00 for an average of 40 hours per week; however there might be odd occasions as a result of project or operational needs to work outside of normal working hours in which case you will be notified in advance

• Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience

• Applications close 18th October 2024

Overview of the role

Nkashi Trust is seeking a passionate, energetic and hard-working individual to fill the position of Traditional Knowledge CBNRM Mapping Manager as a manager for this new initiative which aims to be the largest community mapping project in Africa that brings a mekoro culture back to the Delta.

The successful applicant will develop, train and lead teams who will monitor and collect data in underutilised areas of the Delta as well as in the surrounding villages. We are looking for a person with a strong interest in both traditional and innovative scientific methodologies for collecting and analysing data for internal and external reports. The successful candidate must have impressive communication and interpersonal skills, and the ability to work in a multicultural environment with diverse stakeholders.

This position will be based at the Maun Nkashi Knowledge Center but will require travel to remote program areas with limited facilities; applicants should enjoy a balance of field and office work. We anticipate the position will require equal amounts of time for the development of monitoring protocols and tools, logistic support of field data collection, and data analysis and reporting.

Background Nkashi Trust and the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP)

Nkashi Trust is a local nonprofit organisation whose aim is to advance research and monitoring of the water and ecosystem of the Okavango Delta in order to inform its conservation while seeking to enhance opportunities for Traditional Ecological Knowledge and Culture as a primary mechanism for conservation and sustainable community development. Emphasising the critical importance of community-led initiatives, the organisation provides information, training and service level support to remote communities of the Okavango Delta to strengthen local institutions and community-driven actions for natural resource management and wildlife conservation.

Nkashi Trust has a Administration, Logistics and Research Centre in Matlapana and has just built a Community development Centre in Beetsha to support the communities of the Eastern Panhandle. They focus in four major programmatic areas: 1) research and science to inform decision makers on water flow and quality, (2) youth environmental education and adult capacity building & training, (3) storytelling and communications to ensure all stakeholders are informed and engaged, and (4) environmentally-sustainable conservation enterprise and development. This last has led to a need to focus more on traditional ecological knowledge, natural resource management to increase local involvement in conservation.

The Nkashi Trust implements the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) in Botswana and under this project proposes a Delta-wide survey that will prove the benefits of continued presence in the underutilised area of private concessions or game reserves, create employment and better assess the potential for the development of trails in certain areas identified as feasible. The research will combine traditional ecological knowledge with modern monitoring systems to inform decision makers with temporal datasets and the potential for a more inclusive tourism model and conservation enterprise solutions.

Impact

This project helps lead to targets under Okavango Eternal Project partnership as implemented by Nkashi Trust:

• Communities engaged and further invested in conservation initiatives.
• Coordinated management and harvesting of natural resources in a sustainable manner in whatever manner they are used for local enterprises.
• Small business opportunities for local communities have a great chance of success as their development is supported through MERL and on-going mentorship.
• Job creation and enterprise development linked to ongoing support and expansion of Traditional Mekoro Trails (including supporting businesses to these trails) to ensure that local communities benefit more equitably from the tourism industry
• Key areas of the Okavango Delta are accessible to local communities for diversifying and expanding cultural and eco tourism products by using regulated traditional knowledge trails.
• Traditional Knowledge is captured and mapped in such a way that supports storytelling and communication to a variety of stakeholders.
• The people of Botswana, tourism stakeholders (outfitters and tourists), and the general public are aware of the direct relationship between human activity in and around the Delta and the role humans will continue to play in the long term conservation and sustainable use of the Delta.
• The voices of indigenous communities are amplified, their vital contributions to conservation honoured, and mechanisms set up to converge traditional wisdom and modern science in order to safeguard the ecological integrity and cultural heritage of the Okavango Delta, Botswana.
• Households supported by the identification of accessible and available natural resources for income generation and subsistence, with a special focus on seasonality and governance systems that influence resource distribution and access.
• Amplified role of traditional governance systems in managing access to natural resources, ensuring community-led conservation efforts are harmonised with existing land use patterns and seasonal livelihoods.

Reporting lines

The Traditional Knowledge CBNRM Mapping Manager will report to the Managing Director Nkashi Trust.

This position will have the following key responsibilities and goals:

Local team development, management and capacity building

• With the help of our TEK advisors, recruit and train 4 lead technicians who will become team supervisors
• With local advisors, select and train teams of traditional knowledge holders, polers and mappers who can operate safely and respectfully in Restricted Areas within the Delta and are trained as effective enumerators within the village dynamics.
• Develop a capacity building plan for the teams so that they can transition from employees to starting their own Conservation Enterprises that provide the services of mapping data, traditional knowledge, observation and reporting etc

Operational support and logistics

• Develop a set of SOPs to ensure safe and secure operations in protected areas including the use of transponders, Gaia tracking, daily check ins, regular spot checks etc.
• Monitor activities of the teams - reporting chains and security.
• Develop a logistics plan to support multiple teams in the field: Set up and support routes - launch points, low impact campsites, aligned with other Trust operations.
• Assess security risks and ensure activities are in line with SOPs.

Scientific Data Capture

• Conduct a thorough background research and literature survey to understand what exists in the space between traditional Ecological knowledge, resource management and scientific ecological research.
• Ensure data capture is in line with existing methodologies to feed into Research and Ecological data sets for temporal expansion.
• Develop data capture methodologies and systems to inform the roll out of mekoro trails in underutilised areas of the Delta and the sustainable use of natural resources.
• Set up a data management system that works for development teams in remote locations.
• Coordinate data capture, backup, archiving and analysis.
• Develop methodologies for capturing data on natural resource availability, accessibility, and governance structures, focusing on seasonal fluctuations and their impact on community livelihoods.
• Ensure the data collection captures detailed seasonal patterns of resource use, and how these patterns support local income generation and household sustenance.

Stakeholder Engagement

Develop a stakeholder mapping and engagement plan. Some key stakeholder with their main pressure points may include:

• DWMP - outcomes contribute to the long term goal to contribute to the conservation of biodiversity and sustainable use of wildlife in Botswana by conducting exemplary research and providing scientific information and advice to policy makers, resource managers, stakeholders, and the public.
• BTO - A recent study revealed a number of challenges affecting the tourism sector of Botswana which includes lack of engagement within the tourism sector; limited participation of Batswana in the tourism sector; lack of skilled staff; limited tourism marketing; among others. The study recommended the need for aggressive marketing and promotion, reskilling, improving stakeholder consultation and engagement within the sector and tourism product diversification as key enablers to enhance the tourism sector in Botswana.
• Land Board - challenges around the effective consultation process and implementation of the Delta and Concession Management Plans have resulted in inconsistent land allocations and management.
• Head lease holders of private concessions - pressure points to maintain exclusivity and tourism standards while still effectively implementing conservation management plans for the concession.
• Community concessions and village development committees.

Traditional Knowledge Mapping

• Support traditional knowledge documentation and communication by expanding the location and scope of the existing Manqee project. Manqee Nga Muni Enda (Seyei for stories of in there or inside), is a National Geographic Explorer’s Grant project that aims to capture local stories and names, the human heritage of the Delta, and reflect it on maps (in various formats) that helps create awareness of the changing interactions of local people with what is viewed as a place for wildlife.
• Determine whether the mapping of historical island names according to historical maps qualifies as a Master of Science degree in GIS. Develop a call for proposals and oversee the work as it progresses.
• Expand the case study of TEK CBNRM mapping conducted in Gudigwa and Beetsha to other villages in the buffer zone of the Delta.
• Engage with local communities, elders, and traditional practitioners, to better understand the traditional wisdom embedded in resource utilisation practices, land management strategies, and conservation norms.
• Help to analyse the complex mechanisms by which traditional ecological knowledge sustains the delicate balance of ecosystems and fosters resilience in the face of environmental change.
• Help to develop TEK documentation and preservation Initiatives
• Support with report writing after field assessments and mapping with communities & translate the maps into useful tools for stakeholders, including community members.

MERL

• Develop indicators to report on successes.
• Integrate TEK into policy and planning
• Pilot joint management projects (scientific and TEK)
• Monitoring and Adaptive Management e,g natural resources, cattle monitoring
• Track the incorporation of Traditional Ecological Knowledge (TEK) in land use and natural resource planning processes, assessing its impact on decision-making and livelihood sustainability.
• Develop indicators to measure the availability and accessibility of natural resources such as water, wood, fisheries, and wild and medicinal plants, as well as the governance structures that regulate their use, ensuring community insights are reflected in these measures.
• Include metrics to monitor seasonal changes in resource availability and its impact on livelihoods, based on community knowledge and patterns.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of local governance frameworks in managing and protecting natural resources, with a focus on how traditional governance structures contribute to equitable access and sustainable use.
• Key Milestones and Outcomes
• Update Research Permit - draft a proposal related to this work that will ensure access to key areas of the Moremi under the NGOWP’s Research Permit.
• Sensitising and habituating people to mekoro presence
• Data adding to our understanding of the seasonal aspects of the Delta
• Informs sustainable natural resource use potential
• Informs potential trails seasonality and access
• Expanding the traditional names and stories mapping of Manqee project - Indigenous histories, names, movements are captured in map form before they are lost.
• Indigenous Voices and Knowledge are elevated as they are provided recourse to share their knowledge through maps.

Qualifications

The successful candidate should have a Master’s or equivalent degree in geospatial information systems, environmental management, natural resources management, conservation and or social sciences, or monitoring & evaluation. We are looking for an individual with the ability to learn quickly and to master new data collection systems. Preference will be given to candidates with prior experience in management of teams in remote locations.

Required:

• Master's or equivalent degree in one of the above fields
• Proven experience in data collection and analysis
• A background in logistics or operations
• Excellent skillset and implementation of the ESRI suite of geospatial analyses tools and softwares including ArcGIS Pro, Survey123 and ArcGIS Fieldmapper. Including proficiency using Google Earth, and Microsoft Excel
• Experience troubleshooting multiple types of smartphones and GPS equipment
• Strong interpersonal skills, including training and capacity building, and respect for other cultures
• Willingness to live and work in the field (must be willing to camp)
• Excellent spoken and written English skills

Preferred:

• Background in information technologies and database management
• Proficiency in Setswana language

Application Process

If you believe that this role provides a potential opportunity for you to showcase your exceptional abilities and skills, please send your confidential application to jobs@wildbirdtrust.com with “Traditional Knowledge CBNRM Mapping Manager” as the email subject line.

In addition, your application is to include:

• Cover letter motivating and outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you should be considered for this potential opportunity.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae with relevant contact details (minimum 3 contactable references) and must include remuneration expectations.

**Please note: **

Salary is commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• Applications close 15 October 2024.

Overview of the role

The Botswana Wild Bird Trust (BWBT) is expanding and seeks to employ a professional who has the relevant qualifications, skills and proven successful work experience in program implementation, operations and centre management to join the team. The position is based in Beetsha, Eastern Panhandle in the Okavango. The person will be responsible for leading the Beetsha Nkashi Knowledge Centre (BNKC) team and the implementation of BWBT activities. He/she will work closely with Managers of various streams in the organisation, which include Community Development, Science and Research, Conservation Education and others in planning and implementation of programs and projects.

The ideal candidate must have strong management and leadership skills, collaborative spirit, and an interdisciplinary background in issues which include social sciences, conservation and natural resource management and community/stakeholder engagement.

Background Okavango Eternal Project

Okavango Eternal aims to protect the source waters of the Okavango Delta and the lives and livelihoods they support. The Okavango Delta is one of Africa’s natural wonders, and the Okavango Basin in Angola and Namibia that feeds the Delta is the source of water for more than one million people. It also plays a key role for supporting wildlife and livelihoods, and it has the potential to play an even bigger role in southern Africa’s socio-economic development.

Since 2015, the National Geographic Society’s Okavango Wilderness Project has been working to help secure permanent, sustainable protection for the Okavango Basin. National Geographic has now been joined by De Beers to help secure protection for the Okavango Delta’s headwaters through the Okavango Eternal Project. The partnership will focus on both protecting the natural world and supporting communities across Angola, Botswana and Namibia. Beyond that, the project aims to promote gender equity by analysing the gender impact of ongoing activities and developing new activities to specifically promote increased equity.

Reporting lines

The Programs Implementation and Knowledge Center Manager will work under the overall supervision of the Managing Director (BWBT), with the guidance and support from team managers e.g. Community Development Manager, General Manager - Operations.

This position will have the following key responsibilities and goals:

Management, Human Resource, Finance and Admin

• Manage the day-to-day work of the Beetsha Nkashi Knowledge Center staff, approving vacation and other absences, travel, and expenses incurred by team members, conducting performance appraisals etc.
• Work with the BWBT team to co-develop, implement , manage Beetsha NKC and project budgets, ensuring that funds are utilised efficiently.
• Support the leadership of the organisation to identify Human Resource needs and hire staff and consultants to work and be based Beetsha NKC.
• Lead the Beetsha NCK based team, hold regular staff meetings ensuring that program activities are coordinated, conducted and reported on efficiently and effectively.
• Solve conflicts that may arise amongst teams, community and stakeholders, ensuring harmonious collaborations and partnerships.

Centre Management and Operations

• Oversee Beetsha NKC facility operations with guidance and support of the General Manager - Operations and the Managing Director.
• Oversee the use and maintenance of vehicles and other equipment at the Beetsha NKC.
• Oversee the care and maintenance of the Centre buildings and other infrastructural developments.
• Assist in the development and review of Center’s Standard of Operations, including the use by stakeholders.

Monitoring, Evaluation and Reporting

• Support the monitoring and evaluation mechanisms to assess the impact and effectiveness of BWBT and Beetsha NKC interventions in the area.
• Assist with the impact evaluation of the BWBT programs and support the development and maintenance of all databases.
• Ensure all metrics, indicators and reports are submitted as required.
• Ensure effective feedback loops are set up so that stakeholders are aware how information is being used and what impacts are being achieved across all programs.
• Work with the Communications and Marketing team to communicate progress and develop assets or collateral that helps connect with stakeholders and communicate the work of the project.
• Host weekly Traction meetings with the management team to report on activities calendar, team highlights, plans and budget.

Program design and implementation

• Assist the Community Development Manager in feasibility and needs assessment studies to guide strategic interventions for implementation of programs.
• Work with BWBT Management to equip the Beetsha NKC with the necessary resources for an enabling environment of support and training to local communities and implementation of other BWBT programs and projects.
• Assist BWBT Management with strengthening capacity building activities for staff and stakeholders; aligning with the utilisation of facilities.
• To co-develop participatory and inclusive community-based plans which support livelihoods and conservation and ensure ownership and benefit sharing with stakeholders.
• Work closely with stakeholders and maintain a good network with clear engagement strategy and feedback loops.
• Ensure that all projects are effectively implemented as planned in the Eastern Panhandle and across the Northern parts of the Delta.

Qualifications

Master degree (Preferred) or Bachelor degree in Development Studies, Natural Resources Management and Planning, Social Science, Community Development, Strategic Management, Sustainable Development, Business Development or a related field.

**Skills / Requirements for the role **

• At least 4 years of experience in leadership, operations and program management.
• Experience working in the Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) sector.
• Demonstrated ability to implement programs with rigorous timelines and deliverables and to track program utilising monitoring and evaluation systems.
• Strong leadership and team management skills, working on multi-faceted development programs.
• Demonstrated experience in conflict resolution and stakeholder engagement.
• Proven experience in budget planning, management and financial reporting.
• Excellent written & oral communication skills in English and Setswana.
• Experience and proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and is highly advantageous.
• Having a valid driving licence and experience to drive in rugged terrain in a 4 X 4 vehicle would be an advantage.
• A strongly developed sense of integrity, humility, and discretion, and poise, maturity, and a good sense of humour.
• Self-motivated, organised and proactive team player, able to work independently with excellent output.
• Practical community engagement experience with an understanding and passion for working with rural people.
• Willingness to work in remote communities with limited amenities.

Methodology

• Stay and work from the office at the Beetsha NKC.
• Visits to Maun NKC for strategic meetings and or events as needed.
• This is a full-time, permanent position that will require that the person works Monday to Friday for approximately 40 hours per week.
• Note that the inherent nature of the job will require that the person is both willing and able to occasionally work longer hours and over weekends to meet the operational and management requirements.

**Application Process ** If you believe that this role provides a potential opportunity for you to showcase your exceptional abilities and skills, please send your confidential application to jobs@nkashitrust.org.bw with “Programs Implementation and Knowledge Center Manager” as the email subject line.

In addition, your application is to include:

• Cover letter motivating and outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you should be considered for this potential opportunity.
• Updated Curriculum Vitae with relevant contact details and must include remuneration expectations.

**Please note: **Salary is commensurate with qualifications, skills and experience.

• Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
• Applications close 20 October 2024.