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:
·
Chimpanzee Care and Protection
·
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:
220 3533337, WhatsApp 220 3533337