Project Manager, Wildlife Wood Project, Cameroon

A position is available, starting as soon as possible, as the Project Manager of ZSL’s Wildlife Wood Project in Cameroon. Recognising the role that the timber sector could play in biodiversity conservation, the Zoological Society of London initiated the Wildlife Wood Project in 2007, establishing partnerships with two timber companies in Cameroon, and working with the Cameroonian government and local communities to improve wildlife management in timber production forests. To date, the project has carried out research on the impacts of logging on wildlife and identified management actions required to avoid or minimise these impacts, whilst providing technical advice and training to our partners to enable them to implement these actions. Under this next phase of the project we are seeking to continue our existing activities and expand the scope of our work to ensure that timber production forests contribute to biodiversity conservation.

The successful candidate will be responsible for the management and development of the Wildlife Wood Project, primarily in Cameroon, and its potential expansion into other countries in West and Central Africa. This will include continuing to work with our private sector partners to develop and test management actions, whilst liaising with national authorities, certification bodies, forestry sector groups and other stakeholders to have the project’s recommendations adopted and implemented.   

The post will be based in Yaoundé with regular trips to field sites in East Cameroon and to Douala. Some travel within Central Africa may be required.

The post holder should have a postgraduate qualification in forestry, conservation science, natural resource management or a related discipline, at least 2 years project management experience and some experience in biodiversity research. Experience of working with the private sector, preferably with the forestry sector, is desirable as well as a demonstrated knowledge of certification schemes and forestry related policy initiatives. The candidate should have experience of living and working in developing countries, preferably in Central Africa, a good understanding of tropical forest conservation issues, excellent communication skills and fluency in spoken and written French and English.

A base salary of £23,701-£27,734 p.a., plus benefits including, annual return flight from Europe to Cameroon, visa, housing contribution and insurance under ZSL’s group travel insurance policy will be provided. The position is to start as soon as possible.

Applicants should send their CV (maximum 3 pages) and a covering letter, both in English, detailing relevant experience and skills and stating why they want the position, by email to ZSL’s HR Department (hr@zsl.org) by 29^th January 2012.  Terms of reference for all the positions can be found on the ZSL website (www.zsl.org/jobs). This post is being re-advertised - previous applicants need not apply. We regret that we will only be able to contact applicants who have been selected for interview.