Organisational Development Coordinator
Gaborone, Botswana
AVI has negotiated this assignment in good faith with the Host Organisation, and the information
contained was correct at the time of acceptance of the request. However, while AVI takes
responsibility for matters under our direct control, all assignments and arrangements are subject to
change due to the inherent low levels of predictability in developing country environments. This
assignment may be amended or withdrawn to reflect changes in circumstances.
General Details
Assignment Title
Organisational Development Coordinator
Host Organisation
Cheetah Conservation Botswana
Website of Host Organisation
www.cheetahbotswana.com
Duration of Assignment
24 months
Start Date
27 June 2015
Pre-departure Briefing Date
25 – 27 March 2015
AVI Assignment Code
10533306
Australian Partner Organisation
N/A
Host Organisation Overview
Cheetah Conservation Botswana (CCB) is a long term, multidisciplinary conservation project
incorporating scientific research, community outreach and education in order to assess, monitor and
maintain healthy cheetah populations nationally. The main project base is at Kgale Siding (which is
8km from capital city, Gaborone), with satellite research camps in Jwaneng and the Ghanzi farmlands.
Rural communities are almost completely dependent upon livestock farming for their livelihoods. The
common perception that predators have a significant impact upon rural welfare can lead to
indiscriminate retaliatory killings. Wildlife/human conflict has had a devastating impact throughout the
world and it is an issue largely responsible for the loss of 90% of the cheetah population (around
90,000 individual cats) in the course of just a single century. The 10,000+ wild cheetah population in
Africa today is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN's Red Data List. Visit the IUCN website HERE.
Now Africa's most threatened 'big cat', cheetah population numbers are of an insufficient level to cope
with on-going indiscriminate removal, either in retaliation for livestock losses or poaching for illegal
trade. The cheetah is formally protected by law in Botswana and internationally, by the Convention on
International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES).
CCB was formed in 2003 to address the threat to Boswana’s cheetah population. The major challenge
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for the project, funded by grant aid and donor support, is one of improving community perceptions
towards predators and ensuring that retaliatory killings do not continue to threaten cheetah numbers,
while, at the same time, supporting and protecting rural community welfare.
CCB works with communities who live side-by-side with predators, using initiatives tailored to meet
their needs and priorities, with the aim of fostering the attitudes of coexistence that will see cheetahs
remain as an essential component in the Botswana ecosystem.
The organisation’s main activities include:

Strategy 1: Scientific research into the status of Botswana’s cheetah population
(including distribution, numbers, genetics, disease and other threats), levels of
human/predator conflict and relevant mitigation methods.

Strategy 2: Promotion of best practices in land management, through the promotion of
effective livestock husbandry, range management and non-lethal predator control
methods, to facilitate coexistence between farmers, communities and predators.

Strategy 3: Awareness raising for predator conservation through education programmes to
increase awareness among educators, students and the general public of the importance of
predator conservation.
Assignment Overview
CCB is a charity organisation that has grown over the last 10 years and has not had an experienced
Project Coordinator. The organisation has in the past been managed by the founders who are Wildlife
Biologists.
With recent developments and growth at CCB, there is need to develop capacity in this area in order to
operate more efficiently.
CCB does not have the funds to cover a competitive salary for an individual locally and it is difficult to
fundraise for management positions. CCB currently hosts an AVI volunteer.
Assignment Objectives
Work with the Director to improve and strengthen CCB’s project management, strategic planning, target
implementation and impact evaluation systems.
Work with all CCB staff to develop capacity so that local staff are equipped to take over CCB’s
operations.
Duties and Responsibilities of the Volunteer
In consultation with their line manager and relevant stakeholders, volunteers complete a work plan in
the first three months of their assignment. The duties below are an indication of the type of work that
may be involved in meeting the Assignment Objectives:



Assist the Director prepare long term and annual organizational plans and strategies
Review and improve organisational policy and procedures
Review programmatic components and improve to maximise impact and efficiency
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

Support the Director to develop monitoring and evaluation strategies for project components
Assist with raising funds required to support CCB’s strategic goals
Assignment Information
Line Manager
Executive Director
Staff supervision
The volunteer will be building capacity of all staff members but will most likely not have a direct
supervisory role.
Hours & Days of employment
From 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday.
The expectation is that the volunteer will work the equivalent of a 5 day week to a maximum of 40
hours per week.
Leave entitlements
Same conditions and terms as local colleagues apply, including national holidays. However, as a
minimum, Volunteers will accrue 1 week of leave for each 3 months of work.
Other Conditions
Occasionally the volunteer will be expected to travel and attend various field activities around
Botswana.
Language skill and level required
English is mainly used at the place of work. Setswana is the recommended language to learn for
communicating with the community.
Language support
Volunteers are able to access funding for language lessons after they have completed their in country
orientation program. Volunteers are encouraged to speak to the Country Manager about this.
Living as a Volunteer
Cheetah Conservation is located in Kgale Siding, 8km from the Gaborone city centre, and is in close
vicinity to residential areas. Secure parking is available at the offices. Public transport in the area is
safe and available.
Gaborone is the capital and largest city of Botswana with a population of 231,626. The city is situated
between Kgale and Oodi Hills, on the Notwane River in the south-eastern corner of Botswana, and 15
km from the South African border. The city is served by the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport.
Many languages are spoken, including English but Setswana (Tswana) is the main language used
throughout Botswana.
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Other Requirements
Selection Criteria
Please begin by writing your responses to the following three questions, in a document headed Response to Selection Criteria:
a. Why do I feel that volunteering overseas is the right thing for me to be doing at this time in my life?
(up to half a page)
b. What are the biggest personal adjustments I’m likely to have to make to be accepted as a useful
colleague and engaged community member in this assignment? (up to half a page)
c. How do I match the Essential Skills & Experience: Write a brief summary of your most relevant
experiences, results and achievements responding to each criteria in the Essential Skills & Experience
section of the Assignment Description.
Please click here for more details about preparing your application.
Please click here to learn more about the personal competencies required to be a volunteer.
Personal Circumstances Constraints
We are NOT able to accept applications from people with the following personal circumstances due to
security, cultural, legal or visa restrictions in this location.
•
Same sex partners who wish to accompany applicants as part of the AVID program may face
issues in applying for and being issued with a visa
•
Applicants with partners to whom they are not legally married and who wish to accompany
applicants as part of the AVID program may face issues in applying for and being issued with a
visa
•
Applicants with criminal offences
First–Aid Competency
Apply First Aid Certificate (HLTFA 311A) or equivalent course dated within 3 years of the start date of
the assignment.
Qualifications
•
Relevant tertiary, professional or technical qualifications and/or certification
•
Degree in Environmental discipline or Business Administration.
Essential Skills & Experience

Demonstrated success in managing projects (preferably in the NGO or conservation sector)

Previous experience in business administration and financial management

Demonstrated experience with staff management in a cross cultural setting

Previous experience in strategic planning and Implementation

Previous fundraising success

Previous experience in working alongside and building the skills of others through formal and/or
informal training and coaching
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
Previous experience in consulting with stakeholders and facilitating the work of others to achieve
an agreed outcome
Desirable Skills & Experience

Public relations and marketing skills

Previous experience conducting environmental education programs
Allowances & Support
These allowance levels are based on the Cost of Living in country. They will be reviewed periodically
and may increase or decrease. Volunteers will be given notice of any change to the allowance level.
Living Allowance
Accommodation Allowance
AUD 1400.00 per month
AUD 900.00 per month
Housing
Housing options in Gaborone vary and are suitable for a family, couple or single person. Properties
such as town houses, cottages, and apartments are available for rent at varying prices.
Other Allowances & Support
All AVID Volunteers receive the following:
•
Pre-departure Briefing in Melbourne
•
In-country Orientation on arrival
•
Pre-departure vaccination expenses
•
Visa expenses
•
Pastoral care, assignment monitoring and security guidance
•
Return airfare to country of assignment
•
Psychological and medical advice and support services
•
Re-entry Support services
•
Settling in allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
•
Re-settlement allowance (assignments longer than 6 months)
How to Apply
Should you wish to apply for this position please visit www.australianvolunteers.com.
Select the assignment you are interested in and follow the prompts at the end of the page.
This assignment is part of the Australian Volunteers for International
Development program, an Australian Government initiative.
www.australianaidvolunteers.gov.au/
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