Tacugama, Sierra Leone, is looking for a Field Coordinator!

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Conservation Manager Tacugama

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Apr 30, 2024, 6:20:26 AMApr 30

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Field Coordinator – Job Description

May 2024

Location: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone, West Africa

Position: Field Coordinator

Minimum Stay Required: 1 year;

Start Date: ASAP

Background

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) was established in 1995 by Mr. Bala Amarasekaran. The initial (and still crucial) goal of the sanctuary was to rescue and protect western chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes verus) recently declared as Critically Endangered, meaning the species is extremely close to extinction. Since its establishment TCS has rescued hundreds of chimpanzees and currently hosts a resident population of 120 individuals.

Despite one priority focus of TCS being the care of the resident chimpanzees, in 2011 TCS established its own outreach department to begin addressing the cause leading to the high number of orphans at the sanctuary. Now, another one of TCS' major and most critical objectives is the development of this department. The Tacugama Community Outreach program is responsible for conducting biodiversity and social research, as well as raising awareness and sensitizing the local people, stakeholders, government officials and others, through media engagement and environmental education.

Tacugama currently works in five project locations – all of which have a strong research component. As a Field Coordinator you will be responsible for supervising the data collection at a number of project locations – from camera trapping data management to developing SMART reports. We are looking for a highly organized individual with strong leadership skills and a passion for conservation.

The Vacancy

The Field Coordinator will work with a close team of roughly 10 outreach officers and report to the Field Manager and Conservation Manager. (Provisionally) The Field Coordinator will supervise the data collection at three project sites: Western Area Peninsular NP, Jaibui Island, and Tonkolili Chimpanzee Project.

Field Coordinator – Main Responsibilities

· Project Management - Lead the planning, development, and execution of selected research projects;

· Field work – join trips to rural communities, community forests and national parks to conduct research-related activities (camera trapping, transect work, biodiversity surveys, socio-economic surveys, community workshops, etc.);

· Supervision of team members and staff – oversee the work of both the core Outreach field officers (n = 10), as well as appointed project-site staff (community eco-guards, community liaison officers – up to 10 per site stated);

· Capacity Building - Provide capacity building to all staff though training and workshops;

· Data Management – Organize and manage the data collected in the field (including surveys, interviews and field data) in a consistent and timely manner;

· Data Analysis and Entry – analyse and enter all data collected from biodiversity surveys, interviews and related;

· Research Reports – Interpret results and prepare compelling research reports based on results and findings in the field to share with Project Funders, Stakeholders and Academics;

· Map Preparation – create maps based on the research findings;

· Office Administration – Assist the management team with financial planning and management of grant budgets at the different project sites;

· Communications – Collaborate with the communications teams to develop articles, social media posts, radio discussions points, etc.

· Stakeholder Engagement – Engage and explain project deliverables and aims with Project Funders, Government Personnel, and Community Chiefs whenever required;

· Grant Proposals – Develop grant proposals and funding applications when needed;

· Assist the team wherever else needed.

Field Coordinator Person Specification (Essential)

· Strong leadership and interpersonal skills

· Analytical and critical thinking skills

· Proactive

· Good problem-solving skills and ability to be adaptive

· Excellent communication skills

· Fluent in English (verbal & written)

· Computer literacy, including Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.

· Willingness to work long and flexible hours

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

· Ability to live and work closely with the rest of the team, comprising both International and National Staff

· Ability to live in remote communities for extended period of times to collect data in nearby forest areas

· Ability to hike and work in the forest for long hours, as well as camp in the forest whenever necessary

· Patience and a willingness to work to different cultural values

· Experience working in West Africa - an advantage.

· Experience conducting biodiversity surveys – an advantage

· Experience with socio-economic research – an advantage

· Knowledge of SMART/Cybertracker, QGIS, MS-Office, R – an advantage

· Suitable candidates must be able to commit for a minimum of 1 year

Requirements

Master’s degree in a relevant field such as Wildlife, Ecology, Conservation or similar

Contract

This is a full-time, six (6) day a week position. A reasonable stipend will be paid on a monthly basis.

If the successful applicant does not live in Sierra Leone, the contract will include: on-site accommodation; one African style meal per day; annual return airfare (subject to contract completion). The chosen candidate must provide evidence of personal health insurance, negative TB test, COVID and yellow fever vaccination.

To apply

Please send CV and cover letter to monali.tcsc...@gmail.com with copy to conser...@tacugama.com and info@tacugama.