Wildlife Researcher: Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT)
Deadline: 5 March 2020
About
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust (VFWT) is a Zimbabwean conservation organization. It was founded in 2008 by the local community in Victoria Falls and it now works across southern Africa, supporting community stewardship of wildlife, finding scientific solutions to conservation problems and by rehabilitating and releasing wildlife injured through human interference.
Wildlife Researcher Job Purpose
This position will work closely with our Wildlife Manager to further our efforts at conservation research on lion, vultures, elephant and Human Wildlife Conflict (HWC). The position requires that the applicant be versatile in the field collecting data as well as in the office and with data analysis. The goal of this position is to turn scientific research and data into tangible conservation outcomes.
Duties And Responsibilities
Job Responsibilities
To work in the field, including downloading data-logging collars, monitoring of specific research identified individuals, nest sites, carcasses or other relevant study subjects; Data analysis to determine outcomes on populations, trends, threats and research objectives; To assist in pulling together data analysis and project goals to develop material suitable for publishing; To work with local partners on taking research outcomes and developing wildlife management recommendations and solutions Working with our Community HWC and Liaison Manager on human wildlife conflict data collection and analysis and assisting with mitigation ideas and reporting; Development of relationships within intergovernmental sectors in Zimbabwe (DVS, CVL, PWMA, Police, HRDC, etc.) and other KAZA member Countries; Collaborations with other conservation NGO’s regionally and internationally to ensure larger conservation objectives are being achieved; Assistance with developing larger funding applications on multi-partner and single sponsor grant funding applications.
Fundraising
VFWT is a non-profit organization with sister charities in the US & UK which significantly help provide the funding necessary for in situ work in Zimbabwe. Part of this role would occasionally require assistance in fundraising with meeting key donors, visiting international collaborators and giving presentations to affiliated partners and local stakeholders
Qualifications And Experience
Qualifications
Applicant must have a Master’s Degree from a recognized and accredited university; Applicant must have published in peer reviewed scientific journals; Applicant must have a clean Zimbabwe Driver’s license, and have experience driving off-road; Applicant must have at least 5 years’ research experience
Experience & Skills
Experienced at presenting in forums and in public speaking roles at conferences (at an international level); Have GIS mapping and analysis experience; Be proficient at MS Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint; Have strong statistical analysis skills and relevant software experience; Understand Ecosystems, habitats and land use; Be able to drive 4×4 and Off-road and be confident and safe in the bush; Have telemetry tracking experience
Desirable Skills / Experience
Be proficient in local languages; Understands traditional leadership and has worked with local communities; Knowledge on TFCA’s, the processes and procedures of working groups; Experience with carnivores, birds, and elephant research regionally; Knowledge and experience with conservation education and Zimbabwe Curriculum; Understanding and experience with aerial survey design and implementation on different species
Terms and conditions
This role will be offered on a 12-month contract initially with the potential to extend based on performance of the post holder. A competitive salary will be offered commensurate with skills and experience of the successful candidate. Applicants must be ready to live and work in or near Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
How To Apply
To apply
Applicants should submit a CV (no longer than 3 pages) and covering letter (no more than 1 page) outlining their suitability for the role to: admin@vicfallswildlifetrust.org
About Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust Vacancies The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, in the Victoria Falls National Park. We are located in the center of the Kavango-Z.