Project Manager, Wildlife Wood Project, Cameroon

West and North Africa Conservation Programme

A position is available, starting as soon as possible, as Project Manager for the ZSL’s Wildlife Wood Project in Cameroon. Recognising the importance of the tropical timber sector to biodiversity conservation in the Congo basin, the Zoological Society of London initiated the Wildlife Wood Project in 2007, establishing partnerships with timber companies in Cameroon, and working with them, alongside the Cameroonian Government and local communities to improve wildlife management in timber production forests. The project has developed, tested and implemented approaches to help companies reduce the impact of logging operations on wildlife, control illegal activities, carry out effective monitoring and thereby meet their obligations under national legal and certification standards whilst also providing them with the skills to carry these out. Under this next phase of the project we are seeking to continue our existing activities, build on project achievements 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 focused on Cameroon but with the potential for expansion into other countries in the Congo basin. This will involve continuing to work directly with timber companies, including our existing partners to develop and incorporate effective wildlife management into their operations; whilst liaising with national authorities, certification bodies, forestry sector groups and other stakeholders to have the project’s recommendations adopted and implemented more widely across the sector.

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

The post holder should have a MSc/engineering degree in forestry, natural resource management or a related discipline, good project management experience, a practical knowledge and experience of logging operations and certification processes, as well as a strong interest and understanding in wildlife and tropical forest conservation issues. The candidate should also have experience of living and working in developing countries, preferably in Central Africa, and excellent communication skills in both spoken and written French with English desirable.

A salary commensurate with experience of £22,312-£30,113 (represents gross salary) per annum will be provided. The position is to start as soon as possible.  A full job description is available from our website (www.zsl.org/jobs).

Application procedure

Applicants should send their CV and a covering letter detailing relevant experience and skills and stating why they want the position, by email to hr@zsl.org.

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

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728