Capacity Development Officer

About the role

WeForest is seeking a Capacity Development Officer to lead organisational capacity building for Forest Trusts, Village Resource Management Committees and other community‑based organisations in the Masaiti District of Zambia. The role will design and implement participatory, asset‑based interventions that strengthen governance, financial management, programme delivery and sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Support the development and internalisation of vision, mission, values and strategic plans for partner organisations.
• Strengthen governance structures, board functionality, decision‑making processes and DEI integration.
• Enhance organisational systems including HR frameworks, risk management, records management and operational asset management.
• Improve financial governance through budgeting, controls, reporting and banking procedures, and mentor finance staff.
• Guide programme planning, implementation, monitoring‑evaluation‑learning (MEL) and evidence‑based reporting.
• Build and maintain external partnerships, donor relations, advocacy, communications and government or private‑sector linkages.
• Facilitate resource mobilisation, income diversification, reserve building and cost‑recovery mechanisms.
• Conduct organisational assessments and provide cross‑cutting support to ensure long‑term sustainability.

Required profile

• Proven experience in capacity development or organisational strengthening for community‑based or non‑profit entities.
• Strong understanding of governance, financial management and programme monitoring frameworks.
• Ability to apply participatory, asset‑based and behaviour‑centred approaches.
• Excellent communication, facilitation and stakeholder‑engagement skills.
• Commitment to DEI principles and sustainable development outcomes.

Required skills

What we offer

• Opportunity to work on impactful ecosystem restoration projects across multiple African countries.
• Collaborative, multicultural team environment.
• Professional growth in capacity development and environmental conservation.