African Wildlife Foundation supports the conservation and sustainable management of priority biodiversity landscapes through the support of Protected Area (PA) authorities, and local communities living in the periphery of PAs. AWF is seeking a Technical Advisor (TA) to work with ICCN to ensure implementation of best management practices for the Lomako Yokokala Faunal Reserve (RFLY).
S/he will advise on the development and implementation of a disciplined and efficient anti-poaching and ecological monitoring (EM) strategy, providing support and capacity development to ICCN while working closely with the Chef de Site to develop and implement yearly work plans and budgets with a focus on ensuring regarding, reliable and verifiable patrolling for anti-poaching and EM.
The TA must be well trained in the use of CyberTracker/SMART, and new tracking technologies and devices like camera traps and acoustic sensors. Competency in the use of GIS, and expertise in the development and implementation of adaptive anti-poaching strategies is also required. The role of the TA is to strengthen the capacities of the ICCN further, leading to improved Performance Based Management of the RFLY. S/he will provide assistance and guidance to ICCN and other stakeholders in terms of PA management, compliance with donor’s requirements, implementation of AWF strategies while ensuring quality assessment in reporting.
The role requires a highly resourceful individual with strong emotional intelligence, self-motivation, integrity, absolute confidentiality where appropriate, and strong analytical skills. This position will be based at the ICCN-RFLY headquarters at Lingunda (Province de Tshuapa, RDC). The TA will work closely with AWF and ICCN teams, and will report on a day-to-day basis to the Congo Landscape Manager. The TA will serve as a member of the regional team of PA Technical Advisors and contribute to AWF's program for Central and West Africa.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Work with ICCN-RFLY to prepare annual operational and spending plans.
- Provide technical support for the development or review of PA management plans.
- Provide technical support and training as needed for the development and implementation of EM, surveillance plans, and anti-poaching strategies. These activities involve preparing training schedules, developing best standard operating procedures, informant networks and early threat warning strategies to ensure that the systems in place meet ICCN and AWF standards.
- Join patrols on a regular basis for evaluation of performance and report to the Congo Landscape Manager.
- Enhance and suggest improvements of the use of new technology for better management and monitoring of impact of management in the RFLY.
- Assure compliance with the implementation of and reporting on the approved Arcus Foundation grant in support of the management of the reserve.
- Support the Chief Warden with the establishment of effective coordination with the bonobo habituation site in the RFLY.
- Safeguard the relationship between AWF, ICCN and other stakeholders involved in PA management.
- Monitor RFLY management effectiveness through IMET.
- Co-organize and participate in the community feedback meetings (COCOSI).
- Produce semiannual and annual reports on training programs and indicators of PA management effectiveness.
- Report on RFLY needs assessment to improve PA management and support new proposal elaboration
- Actively share insights and lessons learned with AWF TAs in the regional program for Central and West Africa.
Qualifications
- University degree (Master or Engineer) in Biological Sciences, Protected Areas Management, Wildlife Management.
- Demonstrated ability to translate analytical/technical skills into operational results.
- At least seven years’ experience in wildlife management and anti-poaching implementation in Africa.
- Substantial experience in training, anti-poaching training, and implementation in different environments (forest, savanna, etc.).
- Fluency in spoken and written French.
- Fluency in spoken and written English is a plus.
- Proficiency in the use of CyberTracker/SMART, GIS, and anti-poaching technology.
- Ability to communicate effectively through timely high-quality scientific reports.
- Significant dexterity with computer packages including MS Word, data storage, statistical analysis, reporting and internet skills.
- Ability to work both as part of a team ensuring ecological inputs into programs, and also work independently as needed.
- Demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
- Ability to fulfill mandatory AWF operations and financial procedures.
- Experience in collaborating with governmental conservation institutions, military structures, private sector entities, and conservation/PA management NGOs.
Deadline: November 17, 2017
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