Primate Coordinator

The Organisation

The Centre for Education, Research and Conservation of Primates and Nature (CERCOPAN) is a UK-registered Charity (Reg. No. 1116955) with operations in Cross River State, Nigeria. Since 1995, CERCOPAN has worked to conserve Nigeria’s primates and rainforests. Taking an integrated approach to conservation, CERCOPAN’s work benefits monkeys, communities, and the rainforest to ensure long-term sustainable impact. CERCOPAN has two sites: our administrative and primate rehabilitation headquarters in Calabar, and our conservation centre at Rhoko Forest, Iko Esai.

Rhoko Forest, the base for CERCOPAN’s forest conservation and research programmes, is located approximately 90km north of Calabar. It was established as a result of a long term agreement with Iko Esai community. The site is home to 60 semi-free ranging forest monkeys, and an array of wildlife including pangolins, wild putty-nosed guenons and red-eared guenons, mona monkeys, bushbabies, duikers, golden cats and drills. Forest patrols are carried out 24/7 to ensure no illegal activities take place in the area, and research and education are carried out to help us work towards our overall goal of working for primate conservation and the preservation of biodiversity.                                                                 

The Position

CERCOPAN is recruiting for a Primate Coordinator, based in Rhoko Forest, to start as soon as possible. The role of the Primate Coordinator is to supervise and manage all Rhoko Primate Care, including supervision of designated research and primate care staff, with input from the Rhoko Research and Protected Area Manager and Director/Deputy Director. We are looking for someone with a background in primatology, animal behaviour/care and/or reintroduction. The ideal candidate will be patient, dedicated, hard working, flexible, amicable, and a team player. They must also have the ability to cope well under stress and live happily in basic forest living conditions. The rainforest site is approximately 40 minutes from the nearest village and 3 hours from Calabar. This is an excellent opportunity for those wishing make a real contribution to African forest and primate conservation. 

Duties

ANIMAL CARE

•             Conduct checks on purchased supplies and monitor/attempt to limit waste and cut costs wherever possible.

•             Assist in developing improved methods of enclosure maintenance and enrichment as funding and staffing permit

•             Checking on, observing, and care for Rhoko captive primates as and when needed

•             Assist with the care, observation and medication of sick animals

•             Assisting where possible and appropriate in medical emergencies

•             Conduct checks on animal health and numbers

RESEARCH & REINTRODUCTION

•             Prepare animal background information and documentation needed by Nigerian government for releases with help from Director

•             Coordinate all aspects of primate release preparation with input for Director, Rhoko Manager and BOT.

•             Collect behavioural data on captive/ released/ wild primates

•             Ensure all research data is entered into a database

•             Prepare reports on the reintroduction as and when needed

•             Assist with monthly phenology data collection and data entry

•             Ensure that weather and rainfall data are collected and entered into  database

•             Liaise with botanists to identify trees species where appropriate

•             Collect and store samples of unidentified plants for future identification

•             Publish data on primates in posters and scientific papers whenever possible

ADMINISTRATION

•             Complete monthly report and submit to director on 25th of each month

•             Write articles for CERCONEWS and Community newsletter as and when required

•             Provide photographs and updates to Calabar for Facebook

•             Write all proposals and reports relating to Mona research

PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT

•             Supervise Primate Care and relevant Research staff based at Rhoko

•             Assist with performance evaluations of Rhoko Primate and Research staff.

OTHER

•             Provide cover for the Rhoko Research and Protected Area Manager when necessary

•             Give talks to conservation clubs, community members, students etc as and when required

•             Assist with tourists and short term volunteer activities and hosting

•             Provide educational material and in cases conduct lectures for visiting students.

•             Maintain cordial and respectful relationship with Chiefs’ Council, Village Head and Clan Head of Iko Esai

•             Ensure health and safety of staff

•             Collaborate with other Researchers and volunteers on projects when needed.

•             Represent CERCOPAN at appropriate fora, and maintain cordial relations with colleagues within and outside the organisation, and government bodies of CRS and Nigeria.

•             As directed by management, assist with any other sectors as required ensuring smooth and efficient operation, and in general, operating as a strong team player in the CERCOPAN organisation

Provisions

Room, board, flights, visa provisions and a modest local stipend will be paid for a 2 year contract. Vaccinations and insurance etc. are the responsibility of the volunteer.

Please send covering letter, references and CV to claire.coulson@cercopan.org

Position to be filled as soon as appropriate candidate found.

For further information, please see the CERCOPAN website www.cercopan.org or facebook fan page www.facebook.com/cercopan