Join Our Team

Job Description

Role Overview:
OWNCA is seeking a dynamic and strategic Pollution Control & Waste Management Coordinator to lead our critical initiatives in combating environmental degradation. This is a managerial role with a central mission: to oversee and drive programs that prevent pollution and promote sustainable waste management, thereby protecting the health of our rivers, land and air. The successful candidate will be a leader, an advocate and a practical problem-solver, responsible for turning our environmental vision into tangible, impactful action.

Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Management:

• Develop and implement OWNCA’s strategic plan for pollution prevention and waste management across target regions.
• Design, budget, and manage field programs that address key issues such as plastic waste, agricultural runoff, industrial discharge and air quality.
• Build and manage the program's annual budget, ensuring resources are used efficiently and effectively.

Technical Oversight & Environmental Protection:

• For Rivers: Design and oversee projects to reduce river pollution from sources like mining, inadequate sanitation and plastic waste. Promote river clean-up initiatives and sustainable watershed management.
• For Land: Develop and implement programs to combat illegal dumping, promote recycling and composting and remediate contaminated sites. Advocate for and help communities adopt circular economy principles.
• For Air: Lead efforts to monitor air quality (particularly in urban areas), identify key pollution sources (e.g. burning of waste, industrial emissions) and develop mitigation strategies and advocacy campaigns.
• Provide expert guidance on best practices for the environmentally sound management of hazardous materials and waste.

Stakeholder Engagement & Advocacy:

• Serve as OWNCA’s primary expert on pollution issues, representing the organization in meetings with government agencies, community leaders and industry representatives.
• Build strong partnerships with other NGOs, community-based organizations and private sector actors to amplify impact.
• Lead advocacy and public awareness campaigns to influence policy change and promote behavioral change within communities.
• Design and deliver educational workshops and materials for various audiences.

Team Management & Capacity Building:

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of environmental officers and field staff.
• Develop work plans, conduct performance reviews and foster a collaborative and high-performing team environment.
• Identify training needs and build the technical capacity of both the OWNCA team and local community partners.
• Design and deliver educational workshops and materials for various audiences.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A Bachelors degree in Environmental Science, Environmental Management, Environment Engineering or a related field.
• A Masters will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 5 years of proven experience.
• Demonstrable experience in project design, budgeting drafting and Executive Reporting.
• Strong understanding of the socio-economic and environmental challenges in Zambia.
• Excellent leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse groups, from rural communities to government officials.

To Apply:

Please submit your Cover Letter, Resume and Certificates to: info@ownca.org on or before 12th September 2025

Job Description

OWNCA is seeking an experienced Conservation, Biodiversity & Research specialist to lead our scientific and conservation initiatives across multiple ecosystems. This is a senior managerial role with a central mission: to develop, oversee, and implement strategies that protect biodiversity, conduct vital ecological research and ensure the long-term health of Africa's diverse ecosystems. The successful candidate will be a scientific leader, a strategic thinker and a passionate advocate for conservation, responsible for guiding OWNCA's research agenda and conservation outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement OWNCA's strategic plan for conservation, biodiversity protection, and scientific research
• Establish and maintain a research framework that aligns with OWNCA's mission and conservation goals

Biodiversity Conservation & Ecosystem Management

• Design and oversee conservation programs targeting keystone species, endangered flora/fauna and critical habitats
• Develop and implement ecosystem management plans for protected areas, wildlife corridors and community conservancies
• Establish biodiversity monitoring systems to track species populations, ecosystem health and conservation outcomes
• Lead initiatives to combat threats to biodiversity including habitat fragmentation, poaching, and invasive species

Stakeholder Engagement & Partnership Building

• Build and maintain partnerships with research institutions, universities, government agencies and international conservation bodies
• Represent OWNCA at scientific conferences, policy forums and conservation working groups
• Engage with local communities to develop community-based conservation initiatives that respect traditional knowledge
• Advocate for evidence-based conservation policies at local, national and regional levels

Team Management & Capacity Building

• Lead, mentor and manage a team of researchers, conservation officer and field staff
• Develop research capacity within OWNCA and among partner organizations
• Establish partnerships with academic institutions to create internship and research opportunities
• Foster a culture of scientific excellence, innovation and continuous learning within the team

Requirements

• Bachelors Degree in Conservation Biology, Ecology, Environmental Science, or a related field
• A Masters will be an added advantage.
• Minimum of 7 years of progressive experience in conservation research and program management, with at least 2 years in a leadership role
• Proven track record of designing and implementing successful conservation programs
• Extensive knowledge of Zamian ecosystems, biodiversity challenges and conservation approaches
• Strong organizational and leadership skills
• Knowledge of wetland ecosystems is a plus

To Apply:

Please submit your Cover Letter, Resume and Certificates to: info@ownca.org on or before 12th September 2025

Job Description

We're seeking a Community Engagement Coordinator to build relationships with local communities, facilitate participatory conservation initiatives, and ensure our programs meet community needs.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain relationships with community stakeholders
• Facilitate community meetings and workshops
• Identify community needs and priorities
• Support community-led conservation initiatives
• Document community feedback and insights

Requirements

• Degree in Community Development, Social Sciences, or related field
• Experience in community engagement and participatory approaches
• Excellent interpersonal and facilitation skills
• Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse communities
• Fluency in local languages is essential

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