Hiring Organization
Foundation for the Protection of West African Chimpanzees
Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project
Brief Description of Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project
Established on the islands of the River Gambia National Park (RGNP) in 1979, the Chimpanzee Rehabilitation Project (CRP) is one of the longest running chimpanzee rehabilitation sanctuaries in Africa. The island park is home to free ranging chimpanzees and a diverse system of plants and wildlife species, including four other primate species. Operating in conjunction with the Government of The Gambia’s Department of Parks and Wildlife Management (DPWM), the CRP is funded by external donors with additional essential revenue generated through eco-tourism.
Roughly 140 chimpanzees live in four social groups residing on 3 of the 5 national park islands. As the project no longer accepts captive-held or wild-caught chimpanzees, there is no longer any physical interaction between staff and chimpanzees. Chimpanzees are monitored daily from boats, at a safe distance, during supplementary feeding. Other than emergencies, viewing of chimpanzees is limited to a daily 2-hour time frame.
The project is comprised of the five following components:
· Research
· Environmental Education
· Ecotourism
· Community Development and Outreach
The
CRP is currently recruiting a supervisor for the ecotourism component. The
majority of tourists visit the project during The Gambia’s official tourist
season from the end of October through mid-April. However, tourists do trickle in through the
wet season. The Supervisor is based at
the CRP camp and is responsible for the general management of the ecotourism
component which includes:
- Hosting of all tourism and official guests to the project
- Management of hospitality staff and tourism guides
- Monitoring and inventory of all essential tourism supplies
- Maintenance and facilitation of repairs for essential equipment and facilities
- Development of additional guest activities
- Completion of necessary information for all guests/visitors to the project
- Conducting tours and speaking knowledgeably on local environmental issues
The Supervisor also plays a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating other project activities as the time of some staff is shared between ecotourism and other components. Scheduling is therefore vital to successful running of the ecotourism component. This position reports to the Director.
Required Qualifications and Experience:
· Minimum of undergraduate degree in natural sciences, conservation, primatology, ecotourism or a related field
· Minimum of two years of experience in wildlife conservation, wildlife rehabilitation, sanctuary management, wildlife education, ecotourism or related field with relevant work experience based in a remote field location in a developing country
· Minimum of two years of management experience; preferably with large teams of national staff based in rural areas
Personal skills:
· Ability to live and work in a remote location with minimal comforts such as an unstable phone network and limited solar power
· The ability to act independently, to identify and analyze problems and recommend cost-effective and practical solutions
· Excellent networking and negotiation skills; credibility and confidence in dealing with many stakeholders
· The ability to train and motivate local national staff
· Willingness to work hours outside of normal workday including evenings, weekends and holidays
· Ability to make guests feel comfortable and provide them with interesting yet educational information on the project and topics related to the project
CONTRACT TERMS:
Term of appointment and salary:
· This is a full-time, 6 days a week, unaccompanied position.
· A minimum of 12 months (renewable). Preference is given to those willing to make a longer commitment. Position has a 3 - month trial period.
· Salary is $1,300 monthly paid in local currency. Salary is subject to income tax deductions
Support provided (travel, meals, lodging):
· The position is based at the CRP project camp (currently a 5- hour drive from the capital) where basic on-site housing and basic food for 2 meals is provided. Breakfast and lunch (African menu) are provided for all project staff.
· A monthly allowance is provided which is sufficient to cover local accommodation for up to four 4 days per month in the capital. No food allowance is provided in the capital.
· Least expensive round-trip airfare, from point of origin, will be reimbursed on completion of contract.
· On renewal of a second contract term of at least 12 months, two weeks paid leave is provided.
Additional requirements of suitable candidate:
· Proof of personal health insurance, negative TB test and proof of Covid double vaccination and booster
- Drivers license
- Computer and smart phone
- Two references
Application Deadline: Until position is filled
Comments:
· Position will be filled as soon as possible.
· More detailed job description available on request.
· If time from project management permits, developing and implementing a personal research topic is encouraged.
Contact Information:
Interested candidates should send their application and supporting documents to the following two email addresses: janisacarter@yahoo.com and pfstirling@gmail.com
Janis Carter
PMB 371
Serrekunda, The Gambia
Telephone Number: