Technical Advisor, Education and Research, Liberia

Technical Advisor, Education and Research, Liberia
Fauna & Flora International

Salary: USD 30,000
Start Date: As soon as possible
Duration of contract: 6 months fixed-term contract
Location: Liberia

Founded in 1903, Fauna & Flora International (FFI) is the world’s longest-established international conservation organisation.  Our vision is to create a sustainable future for the planet where biodiversity is conserved by the people living closest to it.  We aim to do this through the conservation of threatened species and ecosystems worldwide, choosing solutions that are sustainable, based on sound science and take account of human needs. We operate primarily in developing countries where there is little capacity to conserve endangered and threatened habitats and species.  We have become a trusted entity in the world of conservation.  Today FFI is active in over 40 countries.

Working closely with local partners, the Africa Programme currently includes a broad range of species and landscape targeted conservation initiatives in Liberia, Guinea, DRC, Uganda, Kenya, Mozambique and South Africa and has programme offices in Monrovia, Kampala and Nairobi. 

The Liberia office was established in 1997 and since then has become the lead country in FFI’s West Africa programme. In the past 14 years, FFI has raised and delivered over US$8 million in support of Liberia’s forest sector reform process, following the approach of integrating Community,

Conservation and Commercial interests (the 3 C’s). FFI has been a lead partner in piloting Community Forests and drafting the Community Rights Law, which was passed in October 2009.

FFI has also facilitated processes that led to negotiations between the Liberian Government and the European Union through the FLEGT (Forest Law Enforcement Governance and Trade) Action Plan under the VPA (Voluntary Partnership Agreement). Recently, FFI and the national REDD Technical Working Group assisted the Liberian Government in preparing the REDD Readiness Preparation Proposal (R-PP) in order to access the World Bank’s Forest Carbon Partnership Facility (FCPF) and is working more generally to support the Government of Liberia in developing a national REDD strategy which aligns with the national Poverty Reduction Strategy and Forest Sector Reform process.

FFI has also played a crucial role in the re-establishment of Sapo National Park operations, working closely with the Forestry Development Authority (FDA) to establish biological and socially sustainable management of the park and peripheral forests as part of landscape-level development that supports the whole Protected Areas Network.  Sapo National Park covers 180,000 Ha of one of the largest intact blocks of Upper Guinean Forest.  Known as a regional centre of endemism and biodiversity, it is home to several globally endangered species including the Pygmy Hippopotamus (Choeropsis liberiensis) and the West African Chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus). 

FFI has at the heart of its approach a strong focus on developing the skills of in-country partners, including government agencies, NGOS and community-based organisations, and has been engaged for a number of years in national and local capacity development. Building on this work, FFI has secured funding from USFWS for an integrated project entitled ‘Building the Capacity of the Next Generation of Liberian Conservation Professionals’. The project aims to build capacity in participatoryconservation and applied research to international standards in the next generation of Liberia’s natural resource managers through enhanced university education, practical field experience and mentoring from international researchers, whilst simultaneously generating baseline information on Liberia’s biodiversity.  Working closely with in-country partners, the project will:

1. Develop the capacity of Liberian students and government employees in field research methods and conservation issues through residential field courses hosted by a specially constructed research centre adjacent to Sapo National Park
2. Update the curriculums of Liberia’s premier teaching institution with conservation-focused teaching modules, in line with international standards
3. Improve knowledge of the biodiversity of Southeast Liberia through increased collaborative research and continuation of the existing bio-monitoring programme  
4. Disseminate research findings through local and national media, scientific publications, a dedicated webpage and reports

FFI is seeking a Technical Advisor (TA) to oversee the effective delivery of an exciting new education and research programme in one of the most biodiverse areas of West Africa. This position presents a unique opportunity to work with and develop capacity of the next generation of Liberian conservationists whilst simultaneously improving knowledge of Liberia’s astonishing biodiversity. The successful candidate will be responsible for overall leadership and project co-ordination in addition to mentoring partner organisations to ensure both project efficacy and legacy beyond the length of funding. S/he will be a dynamic team player with a strong background in conservation education, ecological research and project management along with excellent communication and leadership skills.

For further details and to apply please visit: www.fauna-flora.org/ourvacancies.php

The closing date for applications is Wednesday 1^st February 2012.  No agencies please.

FFI values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity