Overview

Are you passionate about animal welfare and conservation? The Limbe Wildlife Centre (LWC) is seeking a dedicated Animal Care Manager to ensure the health and well-being of approximately 250 animals, including primates, birds and reptiles.

You need to get to know the animals, and how to research their issues and needs. You need to be able to manage, on a day-to-day basis, 20 to 30 animal care and related local staff and foreign volunteers. You must navigate the complexities of LWC being a partnership between a foreign NGO and the government of Cameroon and manage that relationship appropriately. You will have to balance everything you want to do with the difficult realities of budget limitations and uncertain funding, working out how to manage these constraints and making the most of what is available, planning accordingly. It’s a big, challenging job in a hot environment. Are you up to it?

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Health, welfare, and nutrition of ~250 animals in close collaboration with the animal care team and veterinarians.
• Ensure effective performance of the animal care team, including national staff and volunteers with regards to animal care.
• Support veterinary team to deliver timely treatment and interventions to sick/injured animals, following existing veterinary standards established by Pandrillus & PASA.
• Ensure proper intake and documentation of animals and adherence to established quarantine procedures.
• Ensure all animal and staff protocols are compliant with biosecurity, safety, health, and welfare standards.
• Continually look to improve protocols and establish new ones to improve daily operations and animal welfare
• Oversee enclosure maintenance, furnishing, enrichment, design, and construction; provide recommendations for improvements reflecting individual species’ needs and ensure necessary implementation and upkeep.
• Work with other PASA members in Cameroon to place animals and/or species groups in the appropriate (geographical) rehabilitation program, according to taxonomic principles, in accordance with LWC’s regional focus.
• Assist Project Manager in preparation and implementation of quarterly and annual work plans, budgets and reporting.
• Oversee volunteer program, including professional behavior on and off site.
• Help with fundraising and partnership relations when requested.
• Work with Government of Cameroon representatives, as appropriate.
• Evaluate and review proposed research projects, as needed, and help organize national counterparts for foreign researchers.

Desired Experience/Qualifications:

• Relevant educational background.
• Extensive captive primate care experience, especially African great apes; experience with primates in the wild and their ecology is valuable.
• Captive care experience with other animals including mammals, birds, reptiles, with focus on rehabilitation, welfare, care and population management.
• Veterinary knowledge is a major plus.
• Experience working in conservation in a habitat country, and practical knowledge of the issues impacting wildlife protection.
• Developing country experience.
• Experience working in a leadership position with a diverse team in crisis-management situations.
• Ability to follow established procedures and protocols.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint, Word, and Excel.
• Good communication and writing skills.
• Willingness to conduct oneself in a professional manner in all situations, as fitting a representative of LWC and Pandrillus Cameroon.
• Physically fit and able to work in a tropical climate.
• Fluent English required; French is an asset.

Remuneration & benefits:

• Accommodation in Limbe provided, including cleaning & security staff.
• Daily living allowance of 5,000 CFA
• Small monthly salary available, depending on level of experience.
• Annual leave of 21 working days
• Annual return flight to home country, after working 1 year

Application

Please apply by email by submitting a cover letter and detailed CV to manager@limbewildlife.org and fundraising@limbewildlife.org

Deadline: 20th October 2024 but applications reviewed on a rolling basis

Your cover letter should:

• Explain why you feel you should be considered for this post: how you, your skills and your experience fit what we are looking for and would benefit the Limbe Wildlife Centre and its animals.
• Why you are interested in this opportunity (and how you heard about it).
• Your availability and for how long.

*Please note it is a requirement if selected to have a yellow fever certificate and to provide results of TB test, HIV test, and proof of Hepatitis B and Diphtheria/tetanus/Polio up to date vaccinations and health check.