Job Description
Major functions:
This is a field based position and responsible for studying the life processes of animals and their environment as well as wildlife population dynamics. Monitoring plant and animal habitats, determines which animals are affecting nature in a detrimental way, and helps restore and conserve animal habitats within the WMAs, buffer areas of Selous Game Reserve and the Selous-Niassa Wildlife Corridor. The officer will be the lead person for designing and conducting regular wildlife surveys, small mammal trapping, camera trapping, drones surveillance, spotlight surveys and monitor wildlife behaviors related to Human-Wildlife Conflicts within the buffer areas of Selous Game Reserve.
 

Major duties and responsibilities:

1. Evaluate wildlife habitat/range conditions, collect data, and recommend management or projects to improve terrestrial and aquatic wildlife habitat;
2. Implement quality assurance/quality control plans to ensure the wildlife data collected and products prepared to meet WWF and KfW standards and regulations;
3. Develop and share information pertinent to the protection or restoration of wildlife resources within the Ruvuma Landscape;
4. Contribute to enhancing public awareness and knowledge of the value of healthy habitats and the need to maintain diverse, productive, and sustainable watersheds to meet wildlife needs;
5. Modify or adapt established animal damage control techniques to meet local conditions concerns and address specific environmental, economic, or political considerations, especially with regard to Human-Wildlife Conflicts;
6. Establish and maintain cooperative relationships with SGR, TAWIRI, FZS, the hunting industry groups, and individuals in meeting overall SECAD program needs and goals;
7. In collaboration with District Team, support the performance of duties relating to wildlife management and use of control techniques aimed at controlling wildlife damage and provide technical and operational assistance to district councils, WMAs and SGR in the reduction of human-wildlife conflict within the landscape;
8. Contribute to the identification of wildlife-borne diseases and work to improve the management of wild mammal and bird vectors carrying pathogens that may adversely affect human health;
9. In collaboration with the M&E Officer and Communication/Outreach Officer jointly participate to prepare technical briefing papers, status updates for the SECAD and Ruvuma Landscape Programme.
10. Supports and ensures the delivery of good quality semi-annual/annual Technical Programme Reports (TPRs) and other reporting as per donor requirements; and
11. Undertake periodic review of the implementation and operation of the monitoring and reporting mechanism; including the preparation of best practices and lessons learned.
12. Undertake any other assignment in relations to WWF goals as will be directed by the Project Executant ( your immediate supervisor),  the Ruvuma Landscape Coordinator or his/her representative and the Country Director or  his/her representative
     

Requirements:

• A minimum of Bachelor’s degree or higher in Wildlife Biology, Wildlife Ecology, Zoology or related disciplines including Environmental Science, Range Management, and  Natural Resources Management;
• At least five years of experience as Biologist or Ecologist in any Protected Areas in the country (Game Reserves, National Parks or Ngorongoro Conservation Area);
• Strong analytical skills including analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data;
• Excellent organizational and time management skills required to meet deadlines;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Strong knowledge in Computer programs;
• Willing to travel extensively in the remote areas within and outside the Region;
• Displays cultural, gender, religion, race, nationality and age sensitivity and adaptability;
• An understanding of the requirements, needs and priorities of private and institutional donors; and
• Experience of facilitating individual and group learning, mentoring and or coaching with an ability to build and maintain effective working relationships.