Head of Species Conservation and Research

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is focussed on saving some of the world’s most threatened species in the most threatened places. This remains at the core of Durrell’s new vision set out in our ‘Rewild Our World’ strategy which sets ambitious targets to achieve by 2025. Central to achieving these are our ten global rewilding sites two of which are in Madagascar: Madagascan wetlands and Madagascan dry forests.

An organisational Theory of Change outlines our approach to this incorporating all operational parts of Durrell: Field Programmes, Conservation Knowledge (Science and Training) and Jersey Zoo. This role will require the post holder to engage with all aspects of the organisation’s operational structure.

Madagascar is our single largest investment, with a full time staff of over 50 people working in six field sites across the country. Durrell’s approach to conservation in Madagascar differs to other field programme regions as we place a major focus on working with local communities to save species and protect habitats. So while the post holder will be responsible for the leadership and development of our species programmes in Madagascar, they will operate within broader socio-ecological systems and therefore an understanding of landscape level conservation and community processes would be highly beneficial.

The post holder will be a member of the Management Team in Madagascar, working with the other team members to lead all activities in Madagascar. The post holder will lead a team of nine direct reports (four based in the field) including the Madagascar Programme Database Manager, with who they will work closely to manage our core assets in the form of our species monitoring data. Working with field projects in remote regions of Madagascar brings challenges and the post holder must be able to respond to unforeseen situations professionally. The role is based in our headquarters in Antananarivo, but will require travel to the field sites and at least 20% of time spent in the field working with teams on their species projects.

How to apply

To apply for this position please send your completed application form and CV with cover letter to recruitment@durrell.org, clearly indicating for which position you wish to apply for.

Download job description. 

Closing date for applications: Friday 31st August 2018