Assistant Manager Nature Reserve Programs - Republic of the Congo

Job description

Founded in 1977, the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI) USA is an international non-governmental organization that continues Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering work on chimpanzee behaviour and conservation. Its mission is to understand and protect chimpanzees, other apes and their habitats, and to work towards creating an informed and compassionate citizenry who will help to create a better world for people, other animals and our shared environment. The breadth of JGI’s mission reflects Dr. Goodall’s personal philosophy that the survival of all species, whether chimpanzee or human, depends upon the collaboration of all people.

In 2012, JGI formally adopted an ambitious 30-year goal to protect Africa’s wild chimpanzee populations across the range of their natural habitats. In reaching this goal, JGI will capitalize on its considerable strengths and experience gained from working throughout the chimpanzee range, which includes more than 50 years of chimpanzee behavioural research; nearly three decades of developing people and community-centered conservation strategies; expertise in geospatial technology to innovatively map and monitor human and chimpanzee use of forest resources; and its global environmental and humanitarian youth program – Roots & Shoots.

JGI Congo manages the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center, Africa’s largest chimpanzee sanctuary, established in 1992 through a cooperative agreement between JGI and the Government of Congo – Ministère de l’Economie Forestière (MEF). In 2010 the JGI worked with the Congolese government to expand the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve, where the Tchimpounga Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Center (“sanctuary”) is located, to 129,000 acres. The expansion included annexing three islands (Tchindzoulou, Ngombe and Tchibebe) on the Kouilou River for the purposes of providing a more natural, forest based experience to the chimpanzees.

JGI Congo also runs a range of education and awareness projects and a project that rescues, rehabilitates and releases Mandrills.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Jane Goodall Institute – Republic of Congo (JGI Congo) is seeking an Assistant Manager of Nature Reserve Programs. This position works under the direct supervision of the Reserve Manager in activities related to Reserve management, such as: staff management, monitoring data collection, conservation projects, sustainable alternative livelihoods, staff training and creation of reports.

JGI Congo manages a team of rangers in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve (TNR) in collaboration with the Congolese authorities, as well as a Sniffer Dogs Unit to detect illegal traffic of protected species. The Assistant Manager will work with the TNR rangers and will also assist in the management of the Sniffer Dogs Unit.

The Assistant Manager of Nature Reserve Programs will support the different activities in the TNR as required. Also, the Assistant Manager will monitor data collection with ArcGIS Online applications and assist in field work. Currently the main projects that involve field work are camera trap data collection and data analysis, an apiculture project, and may include other research activities. The Assistant Manager will be responsible of training local staff in topics related to sustainable alternative livelihoods, research, biodiversity monitoring, conservation or law enforcement.

Requirements

Requirements

• A Bachelor degree in environmental sciences, biology, ecology, environmental engineering or similar
• Knowledge in biodiversity conservation, working with local communities and research
• Good computer/technological skills (proficiency in Excel and Word)
• Knowledge on the use of GIS
• English and French speaking
• Valid drivers license
• Good social skills in international environments and willingness to work with people
• Proactive, patient and able to adapt to challenging situations
• Good organizational skills and capacity to manage different tasks simultaneously
• Adventurous spirit, love for nature and ability to work under challenging situations and with limited connection if necessary
• Sensitivity towards animals, especially dogs
• Previous experience in conservation and research projects, with experience in Africa is preferred

Duties and responsibilities

• On site supervision of the law enforcement, community-based conservation and monitoring activities in TNR.
• Training of Biodiversity Conservation Department staff in topics related to law enforcement, conservation, research, GIS, monitoring & evaluation and others as required.
• Support in the organization/work of the JGI supported Sniffer Dogs Unit and other activities approved by JGI within TNR.
• Support in the expansion of the Sniffer Dogs Unit to other sites and ensure correct development, as required.
• Ensure the best performance of canine guides and sniffer dogs of the Canine Unit, as well as best welfare for the dogs.
• Advance the camera trap monitoring project (installation, monitoring and analyses).
• Provide support in other environmental research initiatives in TNR or other protected areas when needed.
• Monitor data collection with ArcGIS Online applications at all levels of JGI workflow.
• Monthly and quarterly report writing, with specific activity reports as needed.
• Other related tasks as identified and agreed to with the Reserve Manager and the Executive Director of JGI Congo.

Please note: The position will be based in the Tchimpounga Nature Reserve with travel to other JGI sites as agreed to and subject to requirement (mainly Conkouati-Douli National Park and Dimonika Biosphere Reserve).

All JGI sites are in remote and challenging locations but offer basic accommodation and amenities. The role will require a high level of physical fitness and mobility.

This paid position with basic benefits will be for an initial 12-month period starting February 2023.

Please apply online through the Careers Page of our website: www.janegoodall.org by the 18th of December 2022 (included).