Environmental and Social Officer - (1)

Job Reference Number: WW-ESO1026

Reports to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Chief Operations Officer (COO), with a direct reporting line to the Board's E&S Committee

Employment Type: Full-Time (Subject to Probation)

About Wuchi Wami Limited

Wuchi Wami brings together forestry, public- and private-sector actors, smallholder farmers, community leaders and other stakeholders around a shared commitment to climate and environmental investment as a pathway to sustainable development. The company works with the Board and Kwasha Indimi Cooperative.

Wuchi Wami was established to promote sustainable beekeeping through a cooperative model, supporting environmentally responsible beekeeping practices and the livelihoods of smallholder bee farmers.

Position Overview

Wuchi Wami Limited is looking for an Environmental and Social (E&S) Officer to lead the company's environmental, social, and health and safety performance.

The organisation operates to the IFC Performance Standards, the environmental and social standards set by the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

The successful candidate will bring existing E&S policies together into a single Environmental and Social Management System (ESMS), comprising the policies, procedures and records used to manage environmental and social risks.

The role will also involve managing the Environmental and Social Action Plan (ESAP), a list of planned E&S improvements, each with an owner and a deadline.

The successful candidate will have direct access to the CEO, COO and the Board, as well as the authority and resources needed to perform the role effectively.

Overall Responsibility

The Environmental and Social Officer will lead the development, implementation and monitoring of Wuchi Wami's Environmental and Social Management System, ensuring compliance with IFC Performance Standards and applicable Zambian environmental, labour, occupational health and safety and forestry legislation.
Qualifications

• A degree in Environmental Science, Natural Resources, Forestry, Occupational Health and Safety (OHS), Social Science or a related subject.
• At least three years' experience in E&S or OHS management.
• Hands-on experience applying the IFC Performance Standards.
• Good knowledge of Zambian environmental, labour, OHS and forestry law, including:

      - Environmental Management Act No. 12 of 2011.

      - Employment Code Act No. 3 of 2019.

      - Occupational Health and Safety Act No. 36 of 2010.

      - Forests Act No. 4 of 2015.

• Fluent English, written and spoken.
• Strong writing skills, with the ability to produce clear procedures and reports.
• Confidence in training groups of workers and beekeepers.
• A valid driver's licence.
• Willingness to travel to remote rural areas for several days at a time.

Desirable Requirements

• Ability to speak Lunda, Kaonde or Luvale.
• Experience in agriculture, food processing or a supply chain with small-scale producers.
• Experience on a project funded by a development finance institution (DFI).
• A qualification in OHS, for example the NEBOSH International General Certificate.
• GIS software skills.
• Experience with organic certification or food safety audits.

What Wuchi Wami Offers

• A workplace culture that values inclusion, belonging and the contributions of each team member.
• Opportunities for professional development and to contribute to work with positive environmental and livelihood outcomes.
• Training in the IFC Performance Standards and in the company ESMS.
• The chance to make a real difference at a Zambian company that works with thousands of rural beekeepers.
• Compensation and Employment Conditions

         - Compensation: Competitive compensation determined with reference to local market rates and the candidate's relevant experience.

         - Work Authorisation: This position is not eligible for employment visa sponsorship. Applicants must already hold the required permanent local work authorisation or permit to be  considered.

         - Travel: The position is based in Mwinilunga, with frequent field trips within and beyond North-Western Province and regular trips to the head office in Lusaka. Some international travel may also be required to meet with and build relationships with global partners.

         - Working Hours: As Wuchi Wami works across time zones, occasional early-morning or evening calls may be required.

Application Procedure

Interested and suitably qualified candidates should submit the following documents:

• Current CV.
• A one-page motivation letter in English explaining your interest in the role and demonstrating how your skills and experience align with the responsibilities and candidate profile outlined above.
• Send applications via email to: [email protected]
• Email subject line: Environmental and Social Officer.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Wuchi Wami is committed to building an inclusive organisation where people from diverse backgrounds, experiences, languages, ages, genders, abilities, nationalities, beliefs and socioeconomic circumstances are respected and can contribute fully.

The organisation values geographic diversity and seeks to strengthen representation of people whose lived experiences reflect the inequities affecting the communities its work aims to support.

Wuchi Wami is an equal opportunity employer, and women are particularly encouraged to apply.