Great Ape and Human Health Programme Supervisor

The Mikongo Conservation Centre (MCC) was established in eastern Lopé National Park in 1999 with European Commission funds. It aims to develop low-impact, high-revenue, forest-based ecotourism to support both park management and local community development, with a focus on the conservation of critically endangered western lowland gorillas. Our gorilla and human health programme aims to better understand the links between the health of gorillas and the people with whom they come into contact, and thus minimise the impacts of ecotourism and other human activities on gorillas.

This position will be based at MCC (which is a forest-based tourist and conservation camp), inside Lopé National Park (LNP). The great ape and human health programme supervisor (a voluntary position) will work with, and report to, the Research and Habituation Officer at Mikongo.

Candidates should have preferably a medical degree (veterinary or public health), or at least a degree-level qualification in biological sciences (microbiology, parasitology), with some research background and experience of lab work. Experience in tropical areas is a strong asset. They should be able to work in demanding field conditions, as part of a team in a small isolated research camp with few facilities. They will need to be articulate, literate and numerate and have a good working knowledge (preferably fluency) of both French and English.

This is a volunteer position for a minimum of 6 months (renewable). A return flight from Europe to Gabon, accommodation at MCC and in the Libreville staff flat, visa and insurance under ZSL’s group travel insurance policy and a stipend of £100/month will be provided. The post is available immediately.

Applicants should send their CV and a covering letter, detailing relevant experience and skills and including a possible start date, by email to hr@zsl.org.

Closing Date: 14th September 2008

We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.