Conservation Development Assistant

About Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund (DFGF) is a nonprofit NGO and the world’s longest-running gorilla research site with a history in Rwanda that reaches back to 1967. We are a diverse group of professionals dedicated to the survival of gorillas and their habitat through a holistic approach that stands on four key pillars: daily protection, science, education, and helping communities. In Rwanda, we are based at the Ellen DeGeneres Campus in Kinigi, Musanze District, and primarily operate in and around the western part of Volcanoes National Park.

Program Description

The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is seeking a talented professional to join our team as a Community Development Assistant. The position is based out of the Ellen DeGeneres Campus, located in Kinigi, Rwanda. The successful applicant will join a dynamic team to support our community livelihood initiatives including food security, income generating and microenterprise programs for communities adjacent to Volcanoes National Park. As the organization embarks on an exciting new chapter in its 55 year history, we seek a dynamic, energetic, and experienced individual passionate about people-centered conservation to join our expanding team.

To learn more about the Fossey Fund, please see the following videos:

Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund Overview – YouTube

Community Engagement Work

Ellen Campus overview

Job Overview

As the Community Development Assistant, you will support the Fossey Fund’s Community Engagement Programs in planning and execution of community development projects that benefit and positively impact communities living adjacent to VNP. Some of the main tasks include site visits to the communities where Fossey Fund has projects, training, facilitation, data collection, data entry, analysis, and reporting.

Key Responsibilities

Assist community development team with planning and execution of projects according to project plan(s), ensuring projects achieve goals on time, are within budget and high quality
Conduct field visits providing oversight, training and facilitation for community development projects such as the mushroom cooperatives, VSLAs and Green FCAP villages
Ensure mushroom cooperatives have a consistent supply chain of mushroom tubes by either diversifying suppliers or making their own tubes
Act as liaison between mushroom cooperatives and the community engagement program, ensuring they are on track to graduate in an appropriate timeline
Lead research and development of local mushroom tubes on Campus site
Support mushroom cooperatives in obtaining and maintaining official government registration
Develop and submit reports on field activities
Monitor project activities and update dashboard
Collect data using digital data collection tools such as Kobo collect toolbox
Co-deliver capacity building training to community members, in line with community development program curriculum
Other duties as assigned
Qualification Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in related fields including agriculture, agroforestry, business, education, wildlife conservation or community driven development
A minimum of 1-2years of experience
Technical skills with MS Office Suite and Google Suite including basic Excel functions
Experience usingdata collection tools like Kobo Toolbox
Demonstratedproject management and problem-solving skills
Demonstrated flexibility, adaptability, and ability to perform and collaborate in complex environments
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Fluency in English and Kinyarwanda(oral, writing, and reading)
Excellent report writing skills
Ability to travel to the field 3-4 days a week

Qualified candidates are invited to submit their application, including a cover letter, an updated CV with the names and contact information of at least three professional referees, and scanned copies of relevant certificates/diplomas. Applications should be sent via email to [email protected], no later than December 6, 2024. Please ensure the subject line of your email clearly states the position you are applying for.

Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Done at Musanze, 19^th Nov 2024

Felix NDAGIJIMANA

Country Director