Biomonitoring Expert in Guinea

We are looking for an expert in ecological monitoring for the position of biomonitoring expert in Guinea.

Background

The mission of the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation (WCF) is to improve the survival of the remaining wild chimpanzee populations and their habitat, thereby helping to safeguard the behavioral diversity of this fascinating species. WCF’s philosophy is threefold: to implement education, conservation and research projects for and by the African people.

In Guinea, the WCF supported the creation of the Moyen-Bafing National Park, adopted in 2021 by presidential decree, which is home to over 3,000 chimpanzees, the 1st hotspot in West Africa for the survival of wild chimpanzees. Since 2022, WCF extended conservation action in the Outamba-Kilimi- Kuru Hills- Pinselli – Soyah – Sabouya (OKKPS) between Guinea and Sierra Leone with the vision of a large forested corridor from the Niokolo-Koba National Park in Senegal, through the Foutah Djallon region with the Moyen-Bafing National Park to the Outamba National Park in Sierra Leone. To expand the preservation of chimpanzees within this large corridor, we plan to increase the number of surveys during this year.

Job description

Support, training, and development of ecological monitoring in WCF’s intervention areas in Guinea. Census of large mammals over at least 10 sites and 25 000 km²; Study of the impact of a railway line on the preservation and distribution of wildlife; Management of huge data base, supervision of data collection quality.

Tasks and main activities

The Biomonitoring Expert will be expected to perform the following tasks:

• Supervise WCF biomonitoring work in Guinea
• Train WCF teams and partners in data collection and analysis
• Oversee the management of databases of each survey
• Ensure correction and quality of biomonitoring database
• Support report writing for the different environmental monitoring projects in collaboration with the project leaders
• Actively collaborate with local biomonitoring staff, WCF Regional biomonitoring expert, WCF Guinea Country Director, WCF Regional Director, WCF President, WCF representatives, partner institutions, and government officials.

Qualifications/Experience

This position is aimed at a qualified and experienced individual in the field of ecological monitoring

Qualifications

• PhD/MSc in Ecology/Biodiversity/Environment/Biology or equivalent;
• Previous professional experience in the field is essential;
• Experience in ecological monitoring projects; data collection and eport writing;
• Ability to write reports in English
• Excellent skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) 

Profile / Desired skills

• Strong listening and communication skills;
• Good interpersonal skills and team spirit;
• Ability to synthesize information and have excellent written and oral expression skills in French;
• Strong interest in biodiversity conservation and the protection of natural resources in the context of a protected area;
• Knowledge of specialized computer tools (QGIS, SMART, CyberTracker, Distance, etc.);
• Willingness and open-mind to work in an international, intercultural and multidisciplinary environment;
• Be stress resistant (conflict management and handling of unforeseen events) and flexible in working hours;
• Have a sense of organization, autonomy and discipline in their work.

Language requirements

French/English (advanced reading and comprehension skills)

In all areas of activity, the employee must be proactive, i.e., be able to make proposals for improvement or adaptation. This job description includes the main responsibilities inherent to this position. However, the Biomonitoring Expert may be asked to carry out tasks other than those listed above, and to be flexible in expected work tasks without this being considered as a modification of the contract.

Workplace: Guinea/Conakry