*Job Type:* volunteer/stipend
*Opportunity Location:* Moka, Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea, Africa
*Opportunity Description:* Conservation Logistics Coordinator
*Start Date:* Flexible, ideally ASAP. Position will run for 6 months from
initial start date.
The Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program (BBPP) is part of an academic
partnership between Drexel University/The Academy of Natural Sciences
(Philadelphia, PA) and the Universidad Nacional de Guinea Ecuatorial
("UNGE," Malabo, Equatorial Guinea). Our mission is the conservation of
Bioko Island's biodiversity, with specific focus on its critically
endangered primates, through the development of a multifaceted research
program, community outreach, and educational programs that demonstrate the
greater value of wildlife alive rather than dead as bushmeat.
The BBPP is seeking a qualified individual to oversee and assist in
logistics and day-to-day operations of the Moka Wildlife Center (MWC). The
logistics coordinator will be expected to live at the MWC in the village of
Moka on Bioko Island, Equatorial Guinea.
Your overall mission would be to support the ongoing education, research,
and conservation initiatives of our core research team and act as an
on-island representative and ambassador, while assuming a lead role in
sustaining/supporting our efforts and management of our field station in
Moka. You will gain practical experience in operations, logistics, and
on-the-ground planning for a multi-faceted conservation program.
*Major Responsibilities of MWC Logistics Coordinator:*
Ø Facilitate overall MWC operations with two BBPP local employees:
· UNGE-designated (Spanish and English speaking) MWC Manager who
directs most of the day-to-day management of the MWC, including support for
research initiatives, maintenance of facilities, and training programs.
· BBPP-hired live-in watchman, who is in turn responsible for
guarding the MWC and for assisting with basic maintenance and improvement
projects at the MWC.
Ø Serve as the central logistics coordinator for all MWC operations.
Ø Serve as the BBPP presence at the MWC:
· Assist/advise the implementation of field station
maintenance/improvements, greet visitors, and plan activities that
encourage the protection of Bioko Island's wildlife. Overall, enhance the
reputation and on-island presence of BBPP within the broader community.
Ø Provide logistical support for the BBPP research team and study abroad
program:
· The logistics coordinator plays a major role in planning and
supporting research expeditions and assisting visiting scientists with
their work. The coordinator also works closely with our study abroad
director (based in Malabo) to supervise and plan programs for the students
and interns of Drexel University's BBPP-sponsored study abroad program.
Ø Live at the Moka Wildlife Center and drive (1.5 hr; 50 mi) to Malabo
(BBPP vehicle; current US driver's license required) for meetings
approximately twice per month.
Ø Report to the BBPP Program Coordinator (based in Malabo).
· Produce a monthly report along with the BBPP-manager to summarize
all major activities, accomplishments, and progress on various BBPP/MWC
initiatives.
Ø Outreach/Education/Media Development
· When possible and feasible, help to design and disseminate
educational and promotional materials highlighting BBPP, its mission, and
its ongoing work.
*Drexel University/BBPP will provide the following:*
Ø Room & board at the field station in Moka (and in Malabo during
business-related trips).
Ø Use of the BBPP vehicle for BBPP business or sanctioned activities;
maintenance and fuel costs included.
Ø Cell phone with modest monthly cell phone use.
Ø Free satellite internet access at MWC, with the understanding that
internet service in Moka can be intermittent.
Ø Monthly stipend of $100 (to be paid in the local currency).
Ø Reimbursement of airfare (up to $2,000) from home city to Malabo,
Equatorial Guinea upon successful completion of contract.
*Qualifications: *
Ø Spanish language ability: Spanish is the national language of Equatorial
Guinea, although many local people also speak some French.
Ø Ability to multi-task: manage multiple projects and duties efficiently
and in collaboration with other on-island staff.
Ø Ability to drive a standard transmission vehicle, and a valid license.
Ø Preparation of monthly progress reports: this requires excellent
organizational and record-keeping skills to assimilate information about
project(s) status, MWC maintenance/safety updates, local community
relations/events, and overall status of the program at MWC.
Ø Act as a liaison between on-island staff and US-based staff in
Philadelphia, PA.
Ø Physical fitness and a positive attitude towards physically exhausting
work in a hot and humid climate. Applicants should be prepared to work in
an environment/atmosphere that can often be extremely demanding, both
physically and mentally.
Ø Experience in remote locations in developing countries.
Ø Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to multi-task.
Ø Undergraduate degree or higher in biology, ecology, conservation,
international studies, African studies, or related fields (most fields
considered if applicant has a strong interest in ecology and/or
conservation work).
Ø Prior field experience in biology, ecology or related disciplines
(preferred but not required).
*Application:*
Please send a cover letter, CV and contact information for 3 references to
Dr. Gail Hearn, gail.he...@gmail.com.
--
Bioko Biodiversity Protection Program - www.bioko.org
Hearn Laboratory - www.drexel.edu/biology/hearn
