Overview

Position Description:
The Lilongwe Wildlife Centre is the only wildlife rescue, conservation and education centre in Malawi. We have about 200 animals at our centre including primates, antelopes, carnivores, reptiles and birds. Almost every week new animals are coming in, mainly coming from illegal trade. Whenever possible and suitable we endeavor to release those animals back into the wild again. To accomplish this we follow as close as possible the guidelines provided by the IUCN. For more information about the centre and our activities please visit our web-site: www.lilongwewildlife.org 

In 2012 the LWC has set up a complete new Primate Release Program (PRP) which so far has resulted in the release of a group of 26 yellow baboon and 25 vervet monkeys. Prior to their release all individuals have been extensively monitored and assessed on their suitability for release. This included an assessment of several individual survival skills as well as a social network analysis of the group. Post-release both groups have been monitored for a period up to a year and the first results so far are very promising.

To continue our program we are looking for a new Primate Release Project Manager.

The project manager is responsible for the selection of suitable release sites, the implementation of the releases as well as the post-release monitoring of the primate groups. During each phase standardized scientific methods are used to obtain the best results and data sets. Data collection includes behavioural, ecological as well as spatial data of resident as well as released groups of primates. The project manager is responsible for the quality of the data collection, data entry and prepares all data for publication.

During most of the year the project manager will be based in a research camp in one of Malawi’s national parks where he/she works in close collaboration and shares facilities with the camp manager and other researchers. On the project the project manager works together and supervises several academic students and volunteers which participate in the project.

Qualifications/Experience

• The candidate has at least a MSC degree in biology/ zoology or any related study;
• The candidate has extensive field experience and proven knowledge of collecting behavioral data on primates;
• The candidate is physically and mentally fit, able to spend long periods of time away from more developed areas and is comfortable with living under basic conditions;
• The candidate has good analytical skills and proven knowledge of working with statistical programs;
• The candidate is self-sufficient, able to work independently and capable of making decisions on its own;
• The candidate is practical and creative and likes the challenge of working in a developing country with sometimes limited resources;
• The candidate has good communication skills and is able to work in a team and shares resources with other researchers;
• The candidate is willing and capable to work with and supervise academic students and volunteers who work on the project.

Terms of position:

We are looking for a candidate who can fill this position latest by the 1st of December. The position is initially for 12 months, after which it will be reviewed. The position includes free (basic) accommodation in the research camp, meals and a monthly stipend of $500,-. On completion of a 12 month period a contribution towards a flight will be provided up to $1000,-.

 
 

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