Research Manager

Research Manager

Gorongosa Restoration Project,

Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique

AIM OF THE POSITION

 The key focus of the position is to provide day-to-day operational, logistical, and scientific support to fulfil the mission of the Scientific Services Department within the broader actions of the Gorongosa Restoration Project in the Gorongosa National Park in central Mozambique.

 STARTING DATE: from 15 February 2022

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF REQUIREMENTS AND OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

 The candidate shall have a university degree in the biological/environmental sciences, preferably with a relevant post-graduate qualification. The candidate must have excellent organisational skills to ensure the smooth functioning of the science centre and to plan and support the activities of staff, of students of the BioEducation programme, and of visiting national and international researchers. The candidate must be able to take the necessary initiative, operate independently, and devise solutions in an environment that is physically and logistically challenging. The candidate should be able to meaningfully contribute to the development and guidance of research based on the integration of his/her biological background and understanding of the Park. This person must be able to interact with operations and other departments in the Park and further afield in Mozambique, hence the importance of being able to speak Portuguese.

The Gorongosa Restoration Project emphasises capacity building and gender equality. The Scientific Services strives for mutual support and respect, and works with overlapping and fluid responsibilities rather than operating along strict hierarchical lines or in a segmented manner. The incumbent will work in a small, multi-national team of approximately 15 permanent staff with a varied educational, experiential, cultural and language background. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Scientific work
  • Oversee and carry out a variety of monitoring programs (aquatic bird surveys, wildlife camera traps, hydrology sensors, and rainwater isotopes).
  • Day-to-day supervision of the technicians in the Scientific Services.
  • Assist the Director of Scientific Services with the evaluation of external research applications for the purpose of permitting.
  • Participate in the biodiversity surveys with a focus on logistical and organizational support.
  • Install and manage automated weather stations and weather data.

• Planning and Logistics
  • Provide logistical support and advice to local students and interns in the BioEducation program.
  • Support the Associate-Director of the EO Wilson Biodiversity Laboratory with planning and logistics for the annual and ad-hoc biodiversity surveys.
  • Coordinate, advise, and provide orientation and logistical support to external researchers.
  • Liaise with the Operations Department on a wide variety of tasks related to infrastructure: vehicles, transport, accommodation, equipment, and invoicing.
  • Coordinate the use of vehicles and liaise with Operations for maintenance.
  • Work closely with the Conservation Department to schedule rangers to accompany researchers in the field.
  • Assist with logistics for field school and annual visits by the Paleo-Primate Project of Gorongosa.

• Administration
  • Liaison with the Procurement section to secure a wide variety of equipment and materials for Scientific Services and supplies for expeditions.
  • Liaison with Human Resources concerning immigration assistance for external researchers and other visitors.
  • Oversee selection and administration of small grants for Mozambican researchers.
  • Assign and oversee radios for communication with staff and visiting researchers.
  • Prepare staff for emergency protocols and maintain related equipment including first-aid kits, satellite phone, and vehicle tow kits. 
  • Co-ordinate the response to requests for information (internally and externally).
  • Work planning and scheduling as well as general administration including annual budgeting.
  • Compile quarterly and annual reports of research activities as required.

REPORTING: This position reports to the Director of Scientific Services of the Park.

STATION: The incumbent will be based in Chitengo (the central camp of the park), Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique.

DESIRED QUALITIES OF THE APPLICANT

• At least a BSc degree in an appropriate biology or conservation-oriented field. A relevant post-graduate qualification will be beneficial;
• A minimum of 3-5 years of relevant research, monitoring and/or applied science-management experience;
• Previous formal or informal experience in logistics, expeditions or the hospitality sector would be an added advantage;
• The ability to integrate knowledge and communicate across the science - management interface;
• A demonstrated ability to forge partnerships and work as part of a team with other researchers and conservation staff in support of park management and development plans and conservation decisions;
• Proven excellent written and oral communication skills and ability;
• Ability to handle conflict as well as people management skills;
• Computer literacy with a high level of competency with MS Office products;
• Fluency in English;
• Knowledge of Portuguese is required;
• Previous working and living experience in sub-Saharan Africa;
• Valid driving licence (previous experience with 4x4 driving will be a plus);
• Ability to work in a tropical climate.

WORKING HOURS AND CYCLES: This position will require the incumbent to be available at times outside normal working hours and over weekends. A flexible arrangement will be made with the Director of Scientific Services to take into account the irregular working time. This may result in longer periods of continuous working days alternated with longer time off.

The incumbent will be permitted to live and work off-base during the period of 15 December – 15 February. The incumbent will be expected to take at least 50% of the annual leave days during this period.

ACCOMODATION:  The GRP will provide accommodation to the incumbent free of charge.

MEALS: The incumbent will receive 20% discount from Montebelo on restaurant costs and will further receive a 50% subsidy by the GRP on the remaining Montebelo bills for meals and non-alcoholic drinks (effective payment of only 40% of the advertised Montebelo rate).

TRAVELLING: The GRP will annually pay for two economy return airfares between Gorongosa and the incumbent’s base. 

ABOUT THE GORONGOSA RESTORATION PROJECT: Much of the large wildlife of Gorongosa, the oldest and best known of Mozambique’s National Parks was lost during protracted Civil War and its immediate aftermath. Restoration efforts have accelerated since 2005 through the commitment of the Gorongosa Restoration Project (GRP). A co-management agreement was formally signed in 2008 with the Government of Mozambique. Following an initial 13-years of successful implementation, the LTA (or Long Term Agreement) was formally renewed in 2018 for a further 25 years. The GRP is responsible for the protection, management and development of the nearly 4,000 km² (400,000 hectares) of the Gorongosa National Park which is Mozambique’s oldest national park. The GRP follows a dual approach of conservation and human development, with the latter focused on the 6,000 km² (600,000 ha) Buffer Zone that surrounds the National Park.

DEADLINE FOR ENQUIRIES AND APPLICATION: 15 January 2022

FOR SUBMISSION OF A COVER LETTER AND CV: Marc Stalmans stalmans@gorongosa.net and Jason Denlinger jason.denlinger@gorongosa.net