Deputy Director

Background

CERCOPAN is a conservation and primate rehabilitation NGO operating in Cross River State, South-eastern Nigeria; the location of the oldest and most bio-diverse rainforests in Africa. Our mission is to conserve Nigeria’s rainforests, and in particular its primate inhabitants, through rainforest conservation, community partnerships, education, primate rehabilitation and research. We provide sanctuary for rescued monkeys (victims of the bush-meat trade) of 6 native species, with over 160 individuals currently in captive care as part of a Primate Rehabilitation Programme. We house the only captive breeding group of Sclater’s guenons and the largest captive group of Red-capped mangabeys, in the world.  We have an annual turnover of approximately £220,000 ($342,000). For full background on the organisation and our programmes please see www.cercopan.org.

Position

CERCOPAN is currently recruiting a Deputy Director to start asap.Upon successful completion of a 12 month probation period, this position can transition to a permanent Director. The person will report to the Board of Trustees (UK) and will be responsible for the overall operational management of the organization, which includes programmes in primate rehabilitation and reintroduction, research, environmental education, community-based conservation, forest conservation/Management and ecotourism. Duties will include project management, animal welfare management, volunteer and personnel management, administration, fundraising and public relations (For a more detailed job description contact Claire.coulson@cercopan.org).  The project urgently needs on-site management by a motivated and enthusiastic Deputy Director who can tackle a challenging setting to provide a much-needed solution for the active trade in primates as pets and bushmeat in Nigeria. The Board of Trustees will assist the Deputy Director with fundraising duties and some public relations outside Nigeria.

Person profile

This is an extremely rewarding and challenging position, suitable for someone passionate about wildlife conservation who wants to make a real difference. The ideal candidate would be a highly organised team-player with a positive outlook, strong work ethic and problem solving approach who will be dedicated to the success of CERCOPAN and the welfare of our primates. They must have excellent English verbal and written communication skills and be a true people-person, able to motivate, inspire, and lead others. The person must have the ability to multi-task and work under pressure to strict deadlines.

 Essential

• First degree and Masters in conservation, zoology, ecology or other appropriate subject
• A least 2 years of experience in conservation in developing countries
• Cultural sensitivity
• Highly organised
• Proven leadership/management skills
• Proven project management experience (including budgeting, management of grants and finances)
• Strong English communication skills (written and verbal)
• Excellent computer skills
• Full clean driving licence

 Desirable

• Wildlife rehabilitation/Animal husbandry experience
• Experience working with primates
• Experience of working with local communities
• Volunteer programme experience
• Proven history of managing organizations or large national projects/programmes, including financial management
• Experience working in sub-saharan Africa
• Experience working with partners at institutional and Government level
• Proposal writing/fundraising experience
• Experience Implementation and reporting on grants using logical frameworks and monitoring and evaluation
• Experience with social networking and blogging

Start Date: ASAP

Salary: Dependent on experience; plus food, accommodation and travel benefits.

Apply: send full CV, references and covering letter to: claire.coulson@cercopan.org