Sanctuary Director

Vacancy: Sanctuary Director – Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary (Liberia)

Background

The Libassa Wildlife Sanctuary is a Liberian-registered non-profit wildlife rescue and release center, established in 2017 in Margibi County, Liberia. Founded by the owners of Libassa Ecolodge, the sanctuary is open daily for public tours to raise awareness and combat illegal wildlife crime in Liberia.

We are the only sanctuary in Liberia that cares for all wild species apart from chimpanzees (who are cared for by Liberia Chimpanzee Rescue & Protection). Animals arrive through confiscations from the bushmeat and pet trades across Liberia, and occasionally from neighboring countries. Our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate, and release wildlife back into protected areas of Liberia. Reptiles, birds, antelopes, and pangolins make up the majority of releases, but we are actively seeking release opportunities for our growing primate population. On average, around 200 animals are in rehabilitation at any given time, with a small percentage that are non-releasable.

We are a small but highly committed team working in a challenging environment. The role requires dedication, resilience, and strong leadership. Veterinary knowledge would be an advantage, but the position is primarily focused on management and organizational leadership.

Job Description

As Sanctuary Director, you will lead the sanctuary’s management and ensure smooth daily operations. While the position does not require a veterinary degree, veterinary skills would be considered a strong asset and allow you to provide backup support during busy periods, emergencies, or absences of the Sanctuary Veterinarian.

Responsibilities include:

• Providing leadership to ensure achievement of the organization’s mission.
• Supervising and supporting staff, fostering teamwork and professionalism.
• Overseeing sanctuary funds, financial management, and record-keeping.
• Securing new grants and funding, and preparing donor/grant reports.
• Ensuring compliance with taxes and NASSCORP payments.
• Maintaining sanctuary communications, including social media and donor relations.
• Representing the sanctuary at meetings with NGOs, government, and partners.
• Preparing and sending quarterly and annual reports timely.
• Coordinating rescues and overseeing animal releases.
• Ensuring the sanctuary is well-maintained, organized, and safe.
• (If veterinary training is present) Providing backup support in the clinic when required (routine care, emergencies, animal monitoring), in close collaboration with the Sanctuary Veterinarian.

Required Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Degree in a relevant field (e.g. biology, conservation, management, NGO leadership, or related areas).
• Demonstrated experience in grant writing, fundraising, and financial management.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred / Advantageous:

• Veterinary degree (DVM, VMD, BVSc) and/or clinical experience in wildlife medicine.
• Previous experience working in West Africa or Africa in general.
• Experience in wildlife rehabilitation and/or animal welfare.
• Experience in management or NGO leadership.
• Ability to work in challenging environments with limited resources.

What we offer:

• Salary dependent on available grants, with potential for growth through new grants.
• Food and accommodation on-site.
• Entry and working visa.
• Internet access.
• Free access to Libassa Ecolodge (www.libassa.com).
• Return flight ticket to visit home after 1 year.
• A vehicle is available, but fuel will not be provided for personal use.

What applicants will need to provide:

• Flight to Liberia.
• Necessary vaccinations.
• Health insurance.

This role is ideal for a skilled manager with a passion for wildlife conservation, who is ready to lead Liberia’s only multi-species wildlife sanctuary. Veterinary training is a strong advantage but not a requirement.

The position will remain open until filled. For any additional questions or if interested in this position, please email CV and motivation letter to libassa.wildlife.sanctuary.lib@gmail.com