Projet Protection des Gorilles (PPG) is a joint collaboration between the Republic of Congo government and the UK-charity ‘The Aspinall Foundation’. The aim of this initiative is to protect endangered species in the Republic of Congo, notably the western lowland gorilla. Within the framework of the PPG-project, which focuses on raising awareness and the care and rehabilitation of orphaned gorilla infants, a complimentary project was initiated that seeks to restore a region of the Batéké Plateau ecosystem and return gorillas to their former habitat, located within a protected area. This project, also called Projet Lésio-Louna is a western lowland gorilla reintroduction/protected area management project based in the Lesio-Louna Reserve northwest of Brazzaville, Republic of Congo. The position is based both within the Lésio-Louna Reserve, as well as in Brazzaville, and involves co-ordinating the management of the Lésio-Louna Reserve in partnership with the Congolese Reserve Manager and other members of the management team.
Tasks and responsibilities:
· Liaison and collaboration with Congolese government officials and The Aspinall Foundation (TAF) for the management of the Lesio-Louna Reserve and other TAF activities in Congo (see also www.ppg-congo.org and http://gorilla.wildlifedirect.org/).
· Management and assessment of the PLL’s activities in accordance with TAF directives and maintaining a good woking relationship of the Congolese Ministry of Forestry Economy.
· Co-ordination of activities associated with a recently initiated additional wildlife law enforcement project (PALF) that works in collaboration with the NGO LAGA (LAst Great Ape Organization)
· Liaison with national and international NGOs.
· Responsibility for the health and welfare of the gorillas under the care of the project via liaison with the project veterinarian.
· Co-ordinating project staff activities in collaboration with the project team (conservators, administrator, and field assistant).
· Training and supervision of personnel.
· Writing the management plan for the Lésio-Louna Reserve.
· Developing and promoting tourism within the reserve
· Developing research opportunities and awareness campaigns in relation to the project’s activities.
· Liaising with national authorities and NGO’s regarding reserve management
· Liaison with local communities via the project’s social development officers.
· Fundraising and preparation of grant applications.
· Writing project monitoring reports, scientific articles and project presentations
· Providing the necessary support for surveillance activities within the reserve in collaboration with project staff.
· Responsible for logistics, administration and purchasing equipment for the project via communication with the project administrator, logistician and field assistant.
Qualifications/Experience:
The project coordinator should be a qualified forest engineer, biologist or veterinarian specializing in tropical natural resource management.
The candidate should be highly fluent in French with a solid background in written and spoken English.
The successful candidate should be physically able to withstand the rigours of life in an isolated region and tropical climate and should demonstrate a capacity to effectively direct and organise project staff.
Finally, it is necessary that the project co-ordinator be aware and respectful of the project hierarchy, both with regards to Congolese staff as well as expatriates.
Salary/funding:
To be discussed with the TAF Overseas Project Director. An additional food allowance of 10,000 XAF per day will be paid weekly whilst in country and one return plane ticket will be provided annually.
Support provided for internship/volunteer positions (travel, meals, lodging):
Accomodation, flights
Term of Appointment:
Duration of contract: 24 months, with a 3-month probation period. Contract extensions are possible.
Application Deadline:
November 2009
Comments:
Very motivated candidates are necessary!
Contact Information:
Luc Mathot
Matsiona Nzoulou, 125
Brazzaville BP 13977
Congo
