Okapi Conservation Strategy Intern

ZSL has been active in DRC since 2001, focusing its efforts on rebuilding the capacity of ICCN, the wildlife authority, to manage Congolese protected areas and biodiversity.  Following a landmark ZSL-ICCN survey in northern Virunga National Park in 2008, which captured the first-ever pictures of okapi in the wild by camera trap, ZSL resumed a link with okapi started in 1901 when the species was first formally described at a meeting of the Society, and in 2010 launched a collaborative, range-wide okapi conservation project, funded by the UK’s Darwin Initiative alongside the US Fish and Wildlife Service and the Mohamed bin Zayed Species Conservation Fund. The project is working closely with partners across the okapi range and internationally to compile and analyse new and existing field survey data on okapi, integrating results of a concurrent range-wide genetic study, in order to understand okapi population structure, distribution, connectivity, abundance and threats.  This information will then be used at a multi-stakeholder workshop to develop an okapi conservation action plan and to inform future Red List assessments.  We are seeking a hard-working, capable and enthusiastic intern to help deliver this.

The okapi conservation strategy intern will liaise closely with the Central, East and Southern Africa team at ZSL, ICCN and other okapi project partners and experts to develop the first-ever conservation strategy for the okapi and carry out other tasks related to ZSL’s okapi conservation activities.

Main duties

• Research, collate and analyse historic and new information on the okapi into a conservation status review, using historic records, recent field surveys, ecological research, genetic data, threat data, socio-economic and cultural information and knowledge of current conservation efforts
• If possible, carry out spatial analyses and prepare maps to display this information
• Liaise with technical okapi experts to collate information and review documents
• Assist with arrangements for a range-wide okapi conservation strategy workshop proposed to be held in March 2013 in DRC
• Assist with writing up of the workshop report and preparation of the okapi conservation strategy
• Assist with preparing fundraising proposals and communications materials for ZSL’s okapi-related activities

The successful candidate will ideally have:

• Undergraduate and preferably Masters-level degree in biology, conservation or a related subject
• Self-motivation, with the ability to carry out independent research and data analysis to meet deadlines
• Experience with statistical analyses, with an ability to pick up new techniques as required, given appropriate training (e.g. analysis of camera trapping data)
• High standard of written English and attention to detail
• GIS and French language skills (desirable)

We are ideally looking for Interns who can commit to six months full-time (37.5 hours, Monday-Friday), starting in September 2012. The role is based within ZSL’s Conservation Programmes department in Regent’s Park, London so candidates should ideally live within easy daily reach of ZSL London Zoo. All applicants must be able to show that they have permission to work in the UK.  Please note that this is a voluntary position.  However, ZSL will reimburse travel costs within the Greater London area (zones 1-6) and lunches.  If travel to the conservation strategy workshop in DRC is required, associated costs, including insurance, will be covered by ZSL.

To apply, please send a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role, your CV and details of two referees to hr@zsl.org by 3 September 2012.