Volonteer

Job description:

The association PROGRAM (Protector of the great apes of the Moukalaba) is a Gabonese NGO focused on the habituation of western lowland gorillas for sustainable tourism, with 2 main objectives: great ape conservation and community development in and around Moukalaba Doudou National Park (MDNP). As part of the Gamba Protected Area Complex, MDNP is an important priority landscape for great apes, especially gorillas, but is also home to Gabon's only population of waterbuck and other species such as elephant, buffalo, Sitatunga, several species of duiker, mandrill and red-capped mangabey, as well as hippopotamus and manatee. At the Dougetsi site PROGRAM focuses on one group of gorillas –the Musiru group - which is under the process of habituation. This camp is located 6 km from Doussala, the nearest village, and 80 km from Tchibanga, the provincial capital.

The main activities and responsibilities to be carried out by the candidate in this voluntary framework are:

a)      Assist in the identification, monitoring and habituation of gorillas including the collection of scientific data.

b)      Under the supervision of the site manager, contribute to the proper functioning of the work and reinforce tracker capacity, both in camp and in the field, by providing the necessary motivation that this work entails.

c)       Help in camp management.

Qualifications \ Experience :

1. University degree in biology, environmental science or anthropology.
2. Experience working abroad is advantageous, ideally in Central Africa.
3. Interest in animal behavior, conservation and sustainable development.
4. Knowledge of the French language or a strong commitment to learn it.

Applicants must also demonstrate an above-average physical fitness, being able to live and work in isolated conditions during considerable periods of time, in a very different culture. Access to resources such as transportation, electricity, phone network, hot water and fresh food isrelatively limited. Candidates must therefore be psychologically string, to endure challenging situations such as chance encounters with wild animals and living under very basic conditions.

Salary and funding

• 200 euros per month to cover personal expenses (health insurance is obligatory).
• Up to 800 euros towards travel expenses on completion of the 9 months term.
• In-country travel costs from Libreville to Dougetsi camp,
• Accommodation in Dougetsi camp (simple wooden huts), Tchibanga and Libreville
• Basic food in Dougetsi camp.

Volonteership duration

9 months from May 15th 2017.