Research Assistant in Dindefelo - Jane Goodall Institute Spain in Senegal

[Laia Dotras]

Position
Research Assistant

Hiring Organization
The Jane Goodall Institute Spain in Senegal 

Study Area
Following Dr. Jane Goodall's scientific work and humanitarian vision, since 2009 the Jane Goodall Institute Spain (JGI Spain) has carried out conservation and research programmes of chimpanzees in southeastern Senegal, as well as sustainable development and environmental education projects with the local human population. The aim of the JGI Spain in this area is the conservation of the western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verus), a Critically Endangered subspecies with no more than 500 individuals inhabiting Senegal. Their main threats in this area are deforestation and habitat fragmentation. At the same time, the JGI Spain carries out agroforestry and sustainable development projects to improve the livelihoods of the local human population and to assist them in the management of natural resources

The main study site is located within the Dindefelo Community Nature Reserve (DCNR) in the south-east of Senegal, bordering Guinea. The reserve was created in 2010 with the assistance of the JGI Spain, and it is run by the local Management Committee  and it is an important habitat for these Critically Endangered chimpanzees, among other wildlife including six primate species. The JGI Dindefelo Biological Station is located in the DCNR. This area and other two in the neighbouring regions of Dimboli and Fongolimbi make up the current JGI study area in Senegal.

Position description
The successful candidate will be responsible for managing research activities conducted in the study area. She/he will be working with local field assistants, students, volunteers and researchers, with the guidance of the research coordinator in the field. The research codirectors of the JGI Spain will overview all the work.

Responsibilities

• To participate as team leader during regular field activities and indirect chimpanzee monitoring (including being responsible for equipment and materials, data collection and logistics)
• To overview successful camera trap monitoring (including installation and maintenance) in the field
• To store and overview of images and video footage from camera traps
• To train and overview the work of the local team in charge of the first encoding of the camera trap images
• To keep camera trap databases up to date
• To conduct data analyses
• To perform land cover analysis using GIS
• To identify chimpanzee individuals from camera trap footage
• To periodically update the inventory of material and equipment
• To implement research protocols for the different research projects
• To submit monthly reports
• To attend monthly research meetings in Dindefelo with the research team
• To collaborate with other JGIS departments if needed

Requirements
The successful candidate must:

• Hold a Master’s degree in biology, primatology, evolutionary anthropology, wildlife conservation, or related fields
• Have at least two years of field work experience in remote areas, preferably in Africa
• Have good knowledge of technologies (software and applications) such as ArcGIS Survey 123, Forest Watch and Mapsource
• Have previous experience with camera trapping
• Have good knowledge of satellite image analysis with GIS
• Possess experience in conducting statistical analyses
• Have very good language skills in French and English (oral and written). Willingness to learn the local language is a plus
• Be healthy and fit, both physically and mentally. Being in top physical condition is required for hiking in difficult and steep terrain, over long distances, in harsh weather conditions (extreme heat or rain)
• Have excellent organizational skills
• Be analytical and able to meet deadlines
• Have the ability to work under stressful and harsh conditions
• Have strong social skills, a sense of leadership and a strong motivation to take on responsibility
• Have a positive attitude and be able to deal with stress
• Have the ability to work in multicultural environments. Be respectful and sensitive to cultural differences, especially in the context of rural Muslim traditional remote villages

Salary and funding:
Monthly stipend to be negotiated according to the profile and experience of the candidate.

Basic lodging and food will be provided. The chosen candidate will be based in the village of Dindefelo (1,500 inhabitants), which is the main village in the Commune de Dindefelo, and will be mainly based at the JGI Biological Station in Dindefelo. This station is equipped with electricity generated by solar panels, kitchen with fridge, filtered water, lab, garden and tree nurseries, workspace, resting areas and toilet (no-running water). The village has a health post, small shops and local restaurants, as well as lodges for tourists who come to see the highest waterfall in Senegal. The closest city is Kedougou (a 40-min drive), which hosts supermarkets, hotels, and hospitals.
Possibility for flight ticket reimbursement after completion of 12 months in the field.
Visa renewal included.

Term of Appointment
One-year duration (initial three-month trial period) with possibility of renewal

How to apply
Please send a CV and a motivation letter. Please include the name and email address of three referees.

Please send your application to Laia Dotras (laia....@janegoodall.es)
Deadline to receive applications is 31st October 2024. We will notify shortlisted candidates before 10th November 2024. Interviews will be held by Zoom.