Program Assistant, African Apes Initiative

AWF is seeking a high performing and motivated individual to support its African Ape Initiative (AAI). Reporting to the AAI Director, this position will support great ape conservation through training and implementation of improved protection of great apes and management of the AAI priority sites.

This position will also be responsible for assisting local partners on site to improve performance, ecological monitoring and reporting. This post requires extensive field time and travel. 

Responsibilities

• In close consultation with supervisor and Director, Conservation Geography, provide on-site support for implementation of performance based management, use of Cybertracker/SMART for improved management, data collection/analysis/reporting and on site decision taking.
• On a daily basis join the park rangers or community guides during field patrols, anti-poaching/ecological monitoring to allow for first hand evaluation of effectiveness of protected area management and evaluation of potential for improvement.
• Assist with data management and analysis and train/strengthen the capacity of appointed park rangers for these tasks.
• Ensure that anti-poaching and ecological monitoring at the Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve (DRC) follows the best practices and will serve as a model for similar activities in other priority sites
• Spend time as needed at the priority great ape sites until the local partners can continue implementation of the conservation activities in a semi-independent way. Time needed at the priority sites can range between a few weeks and a few months. According to needs, evaluations on the ground will be organized.
• Be the liaison person between the local beneficiaries and AWF HQ.
• In close collaboration with supervisor and depending on the needs, undertake travel to AWF's HQ office in Nairobi for capacity strengthening and reviews on program, methodologies, and deliverables.
• Produce concise and well written field reports on a regular basis to ensure AAI Director and other AWF staff are well briefed on program activities.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated  knowledge in use of GPS and GIS-related software, Cybertracker/SMART and related tools
• Exposure to protected area management, development and implementation of anti-poaching strategies with evidence based methodologies and reporting.
• Fluency in French and English and knowledge of local languages is a plus.
• Communication skills to discuss with a diversity of stakeholders including Protected Area authorities, local communities, traditional authorities, and national authorities the program goals. Capacity to communicate transparent and respectful, focused on well-defined objectives is key.
• Available to spend extended periods of time in new environments, integrate in the working relationship with local stakeholders and work/live in new, temporary places
• Understanding of and respect for cultural differences in day to day communication and open-minded about how different cultures and social realities can work towards the same common objectives.
• Excellent written skills
• Familiarity with conservation issues in West and Central Africa, great apes, threats and conservation strategies

CLOSING DATE: AUGUST 22, 2014

Apply now