Animal Care Manager, Born Free Foundation Ethiopia

The Born Free Foundation, the internationally renowned animal welfare and wildlife conservation organisation, is seeking to recruit an Animal Care Manager to manage its animal rescue, care, rehab and release operations at its Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre in  Ethiopia. 

Having supported projects in the country since 1995, the work of Born Free expanded in 2006 when it was granted permission to establish the country’s first Wildlife Rescue, Conservation and Education Centre in response to a recognised need. The Centre remains the keystone of its operations in Ethiopia, and has taken in rescued lion, cheetah, primates, small cats, birds of prey and many other species.  The aim is to return wild animals to the wild where feasible under carefully managed programmes or if not possible then to provide care for life. 

Born Free Ethiopia’s overarching objective is to support the conservation and welfare of wild animals in Ethiopia especially by tackling illegal trade and ownership. 

With an expanding range of species requiring expert care – from lions to caracals to birds, Born Free is now looking to recruit an Animal Care Manager to manage the Sanctuary aspect of our work in Ethiopia. Reporting to the Country Representative based in Addis Ababa, the Animal Care Manager will manage a team of 7 permanent local staff and, occasionally, additional staff hired on a temporary basis, to ensure expert day to day care; organise and oversee the rescue of wild animals (in cooperation with the Country Representative) and liaise with relevant parties including our project partner, the Ethiopian Wildlife Conservation Authority (EWCA).  This role requires knowledge of the care of dangerous wild animals; the development and adherence to various protocols including health and safety, and rehabilitation and release (including Post Release Monitoring) of appropriate species with full adherence to The Born Free Foundation’s philosophy and mission.

 Core Responsibilities

1. Care of rescued, captive wild animals of multiple species, including carnivores, primates, ungulates, reptiles and birds.
2. Arranging supply of food and supplements ( this can involve the destruction, on site, of injured domestic animals)
3. Arranging environmental enrichment programmes where required
4. Ensuring the security and safety of the facilities (in consultation with the Centre Manager)
5. Arranging logistics for the rescue/ collection of confiscated animals – often driving long distances in hazardous conditions (in consultation with the Centre Manager)
6. Researching and undertaking rehabilitation and release programmes where appropriate (Inc PRM)
7. Working closely with Ethiopian colleagues to ensure the delivery of excellent care.
8. Developing a budget for feeding and care
9. When appropriate working with and supporting visiting researchers and volunteers (in consultation with the Centre Manager)

 Core Competencies

1. Experience of working at a Sanctuary for Wild Animals – preferably in Africa
2. Have an interest in and understanding of captive wild animal management.  This can involve the round the clock hands-on care of young orphans
3. Self-motivated with a flair for creativity and problem solving
4. Capability and patience to deal with protracted bureaucracy
5. Capability to arrange logistics and undertake rescues/relocations of wild animals
6. A flexible approach to work with a willingness to work weekends and / or around priorities as they happen
7. Full driving licence

Initially, this will be a two year contract starting at the end of 2014 with an opportunity to review.  A handover period will be arranged with the existing CR.  Accommodation will eventually be provided on site.  Initially it will likely mean living in Addis and commuting and camping onsite.

Born Free Ethiopia has a veterinarian on call.

Salary (c.£12.500.00) and benefits are negotiable according to relevant skills and experience.   Medivac health insurance will be included

To apply for this role please send your CV with a covering letter summarising your relevant skills to:

The Office Operations Manager, The Born Free Foundation, Broadlands Business Campus, Langhurstwood Road, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 4QP

or to recruitment@bornfree.org.uk

References will be requested

The closing date for applications is 12^th November.