Programme Officer, Francophone Africa (Cameroon)
Position: Programme Officer, Francophone Africa (Cameroon)
Based: Douala-Edea region, Cameroon
Contract: Full-time, fixed term 1 year with possibility of renewal
Closing date for applications: 16 December 2024
Start: ASAP
Salary range: 600 000 - 800 000 XAF according to skills and experience
Benefits:
• Health insurance package
• Annual leave of 20 days plus all Cameroonian national public holidays, increasing by 2 days each year of service, plus 1 personal day per year
Position overview
The Environmental Justice Foundation (EJF) is an international non-profit organisation working globally to protect natural environments and the human rights of people who depend on them. In Cameroon, since 2022, EJF has been working towards eliminating IUU fishing, with a focus on improving transparency and implementing participatory surveillance in the fisheries sector.
We are seeking a Programme Officer to work closely with the communities where our participatory surveillance solution (DASE app) is being implemented in Cameroon. Participatory surveillance refers to the active participation of fishing communities and their representatives in identifying, documenting and reporting IUU fishing and other harmful activities that impact their livelihoods (e.g. damage to local fishing vessels or other fishing gear by industrial vessels) to relevant authorities.
The successful candidate will be a determined and motivated person who has a deep understanding of community organising, knowledge of fisheries management and advocacy. You are expected to be able to work with local communities and authorities, as well as with national and international colleagues. You will be responsible for supporting participatory surveillance activities and the establishment and development of co-management associations. This position requires regular work trips within Cameroon, including in remote areas and potentially at short notice, and occasional travels within the region and abroad may be considered.
Key responsibilities:
Establish and maintain strong relationships with community leaders, groups, and local authorities to foster trust and collaboration
Act as the primary point of contact between the project team, local authorities and partner organisations
Develop and deliver regular training and monitoring programmes for community members, local authorities and other actors on the use of the DASE app, emphasising data collection techniques and the importance of participatory surveillance in combating IUU fishing
Raise community awareness on fishing laws, first aid and safety at sea, and management of protected marine areas
Create and update user-friendly training materials, to facilitate learning, ensuring the full, factual accuracy of all published information. All materials must be carefully checked for accuracy and approved prior to distribution
Track and prepare regular reports on community participation and feedback on the DASE app and other channels of communication, adjusting training and engagement strategies as needed
Lead on the logistical planning of project activities
Support the establishment and development of co-management associations
Contribute to the development and implementation of advocacy and activities plans for EJF’s work in Cameroon
Contribute to authoring briefings, reports, and other materials that set out EJF’s findings—giving clear recommendations.
Work in close collaboration with the EJF Oceans Campaigner based in Yaoundé, the Programme Manager for Francophone Africa and international colleagues
Carry out any other relevant project activity that may be assigned by EJF
Skills and attributes:
Proven experience in community engagement and participatory methods, ideally within fisheries or coastal settings
Able to work independently while staying well-connected with the project team, proactively seeking guidance and resources as needed to ensure effective implementation in the field
Comfortable with mobile and computer applications, especially data collection tools such as KoboCollect; able to assist others in learning and troubleshooting app-based technology
Excellent written and spoken French and English and the ability to convey complex ideas simply and effectively. Ability to speak Cameroonian Pidgin English is desirable.
Background in Fisheries or Environmental Science and/or knowledge of fisheries management and IUU fishing practices is highly desirable, with an understanding of how these impact coastal communities
Tactful, friendly and calm under pressure
Attention to detail and ability to manage and prioritise several tasks at the same time.
Confident, resilient, tenacious and collaborative in your approach
Passionate about environmental and human rights issues
Car driving licence is a desirable asset
Applications: please send your CV (in English) and cover letter (in French) explaining why you are the right person for this job to: recruitment@ejfoundation.org
Closing date for applications: We will consider applications as they are submitted but no later than 16 December 2024, interviews will take place on a rolling basis.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Please indicate your location and the right-to-work eligibility in your cover letter.
EJF is an equal opportunities employer, committed to diversity within the workplace. We encourage minorities and under-represented groups to apply. We are especially committed to encouraging women to apply, recognising the vital importance of increasing female representation and leadership in our organisation.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment. If you feel you would be a good fit for this role but are unsure if you meet every single requirement, we strongly encourage you to apply.