About Company
The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is a public interest non-governmental organization that seeks to promote environmental justice, sustainable and equitable utilization of natural resources, democracy, and good governance in the natural resources and environmental sectors. ZELA advocates for responsible mining practices, sustainable resource management, and the empowerment of communities, particularly those affected by resource extraction. Through rigorous research, strategic legal aid, impactful advocacy, and tailored capacity-building initiatives, ZELA collaborates with local communities, civil society organizations, and government agencies. Our core objective is to ensure that environmental laws and policies are not only robust in their design but also implemented effectively, thereby contributing significantly to improved livelihoods and comprehensive environmental protection across Zimbabwe. Our dedicated work with artisanal and small-scale miners (ASM) is specifically designed to formalize this crucial sector, enhance environmental compliance, and secure better economic and social outcomes for these vital stakeholders, fostering a sustainable future for all.
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Job Description
Are you a passionate and experienced development professional driven by the desire to foster sustainable livelihoods and environmental justice? The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) is actively seeking a dynamic and dedicated Artisanal Miner Livelihood Coordinator to become an integral part of our committed team. This pivotal role is central to our organizational mission of promoting responsible natural resource management and significantly enhancing the socio-economic well-being of artisanal and small-scale mining communities throughout Zimbabwe.
The Artisanal Miner Livelihood Coordinator will play a crucial role in the entire program lifecycle, from designing and planning to the meticulous implementation and continuous monitoring of initiatives specifically aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of artisanal miners and their dependents. This comprehensive mandate includes developing innovative strategies for diversifying income sources beyond direct mining, actively promoting sustainable and environmentally sound mining practices that minimize ecological footprint, facilitating crucial access to viable markets and essential financial services, and advocating tirelessly for supportive policies that underpin the formalization and responsible growth of the ASM sector.
You will be expected to forge strong collaborative relationships, working closely with affected mining communities, relevant local authorities, various government departments, and a diverse range of other civil society organizations. This collaborative approach is essential for identifying prevalent challenges, co-creating sustainable and context-appropriate solutions, and ensuring community ownership of interventions. This role demands a proactive, results-oriented individual with exceptional community engagement skills, a profound understanding of the complex socio-economic context of artisanal mining in Zimbabwe, and an unwavering commitment to upholding human rights and environmental protection principles. You will be instrumental in leading targeted capacity-building initiatives, facilitating multi-stakeholder dialogues to build consensus, and contributing robustly to research and policy briefs that are critical for informing and strengthening ZELA’s advocacy efforts. Success in this challenging yet rewarding role will be measured by tangible improvements in the resilience, safety, and economic stability of artisanal mining communities, alongside a demonstrable reduction in negative environmental impacts often associated with informal mining practices. Join ZELA in making a lasting and profound difference in the lives of thousands and contributing to a more just and sustainable future for Zimbabwe’s invaluable natural resources.
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Key Responsibilities
- Lead the design, planning, and implementation of livelihood diversification and economic empowerment initiatives for artisanal mining communities.
- Conduct regular and thorough field visits to mining sites and communities to accurately assess needs, build trust-based relationships, and continuously monitor program progress and impact.
- Facilitate comprehensive training and capacity-building workshops for artisanal miners on sustainable mining practices, robust environmental management, essential financial literacy, and critical occupational health and safety standards.
- Support communities in developing effective market linkages and value addition strategies for their products, encompassing both mining-related outputs and diversified livelihood ventures.
- Advocate strategically for policy reforms and their effective implementation that formalize and regulate the artisanal mining sector, ensuring improved working conditions, enhanced environmental compliance, and secure tenure.
- Collaborate extensively with government agencies, private sector partners, NGOs, and other key stakeholders to leverage resources, share knowledge, and build powerful, effective partnerships.
- Contribute significantly to the development of rigorous research, insightful policy briefs, and compelling advocacy materials focused on artisanal mining livelihoods and related environmental justice issues.
- Monitor and evaluate all project activities meticulously, ensuring timely, accurate, and transparent reporting on outcomes and impact to both internal and external stakeholders.
- Manage project budgets and resources effectively, adhering to strict financial guidelines, ensuring accountability, and promoting transparency.
- Represent ZELA at relevant forums, workshops, and conferences focused on artisanal mining and sustainable livelihoods, projecting the organization’s vision and expertise.
Required Skills
- Bachelor's degree in Development Studies, Environmental Science, Social Sciences, Rural Development, Economics, or a closely related field.
- Minimum of 4 years of progressive experience in community development, livelihood programming, or natural resource management, with a preference for experience within the mining sector or with vulnerable communities.
- Demonstrated experience in comprehensive project management, including meticulous planning, effective implementation, continuous monitoring, and thorough evaluation.
- Strong understanding of the socio-economic and environmental dynamics, challenges, and opportunities within the artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector in Zimbabwe.
- Excellent communication, facilitation, and negotiation skills, with the proven ability to engage effectively and sensitively with diverse stakeholders (e.g., community members, traditional leaders, government officials, NGOs, private sector).
- Proven ability to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a dynamic team, often in challenging field environments with limited resources.
- Fluency in English and at least one predominant local Zimbabwean language (e.g., Shona, Ndebele) is essential for effective community engagement.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other relevant project management or data analysis software.
Preferred Qualifications
- Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Development Studies, Environmental Management, or Public Policy.
- Demonstrable experience in policy advocacy, lobbying, and engagement with legislative processes.
- Familiarity with human rights-based approaches to development and community-based natural resource management (CBNRM).
- In-depth knowledge of environmental law, mining regulations, and related policy frameworks in Zimbabwe.
- A valid class 4 driver’s license with a clean driving record.
Perks & Benefits
- A competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package tailored to attract top talent.
- An unparalleled opportunity to contribute directly to highly impactful projects that empower vulnerable communities and drive positive change.
- Significant professional development and continuous growth opportunities within a leading environmental justice organization.
- A dynamic, inclusive, and highly supportive work environment that values innovation and collaboration.
- The profound satisfaction of directly contributing to environmental justice, human rights, and sustainable development initiatives across Zimbabwe.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are cordially invited to submit a detailed curriculum vitae (CV) and a compelling cover letter outlining their qualifications, relevant experience, and specific interest in this challenging yet rewarding role. Please ensure your application vividly highlights your passion for community empowerment, environmental justice, and sustainable development. Encourage applicants to click on the link below to apply for the job.
