Research Project Officer vacancy (Hogsback)

Our rapidly growing conservation organisation is looking for a person with a head and heart for research and daily administrative tasks to join the Cape Parrot Project team in Hogsback, Eastern Cape to support the research team and keep us organised as we go about conserving the critically endangered Cape Parrot.

About us

The Wild Bird Trust (WBT) runs hands-on conservation projects in South Africa, Botswana, and Angola. Working from bases in Hogsback, Eastern Cape and Magoebaskloof, Limpopo, the Cape Parrot Project, founded in 2009, focuses on ensuring the survival of the Cape Parrot by undertaking research on the species to inform conservation action and to address the threat of habitat degradation of its forest habitat. The Cape Parrot Project works closely with local communities by hiring staff from within these communities and by creating community tree nurseries which supply trees needed for restoration.

We are a small but dynamic team making a practical difference to our parrots, our forests and the communities in which we are based. We are part of a bigger organisation that provides operational and human resource support. The salary is competitive and the other benefits include 21 days of leave and a beautiful working environment. This role will require someone who enjoys digging into research and who also enjoys the structure and organisation that good administration brings. On occasion, they should be willing to work early mornings on an ongoing basis - parrot observations mean being up before the parrots to get to various sites - this can be as early as 3h30 in summer but the working day will still be 8 hours - so you will usually finish up in the early afternoon. Although the post requires living in the small village of Hogsback - you will need to find accommodation in and around the area,have your own transport and you will need to be self-sufficient and comfortable in a small community.

The role

The RPO’s role is to provide research, administrative, logistical and operational support to the Project Manager and other members of the CPP team. This will include a research component with the RPO a key member of the Research team, providing for desktop research, writing and other support. From an administrative perspective, the role will include procurement, financial and human resource administration, asset management, basic marketing duties and data capturing, including capturing of research data. The role is broad and varied, and the RPO will play an integral role in the day-to-day operations of the CPP. While the RPO will seek advice and direction from the Project Manager, they should have the knowledge and skills to work independently.

**About you **

It is important that:

• Your educational background should include a tertiary qualification that supports the key aspects of this role.
• Your experience is sufficient that you can jump straight in once onboarded and can work independently with Microsoft Office and Google Suite (especially Drive) and that you can fast track new technological updates. Multi-tasking is definitely required.
• You thrive on engaging with deep diving into desk-top research.
• You are good at and like administrative tasks - this a large component of the role.
• You have a valid Driver’s Licence - driving is a must; you should have demonstrable experience with off-road driving.
• You are a competent communicator, verbally and with writing skills, and can work independently alone in remote places.

Qualifications, Skills and Competencies:

Education / Experience

• Post-graduate qualification in the Biological or Conservation Sciences, Masters preferable.
• Minimum of 5 years of administrative and financial administration experience
• Being a confident driver with a driver’s licence and the ability to drive both on-road and off-road will be an advantage to assist with collections, deliveries and dropping off staff in the field.
• High level of proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite (particularly Google Docs).
• Familiarity with working on Cloud applications, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft One Drive.
• Ability to quickly learn any new technological updates related to the role as they arise.

Application Process:

For a more detailed job description, or to apply, send the following to: susan@wildbirdtrust.com and use “Research Project Officer” as the subject line:

• Cover letter of motivation outlining your interest in applying for the vacancy.
• Curriculum Vitae including at least three contactable references

Please note: Applications close on 28 July 2024. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

The Wild Bird Trust is seeking to employ a suitably qualified, experienced and skilled Namibian citizen for the position of Community Coordinator. The role of Community Coordinator, Kavango Wilderness Project (KWP), is an essential full-time, remote-working position based in Rundu, Namibia. This permanent role is critical in the development and implementation of Ecosystem Rehabilitation Projects aimed at the sustainable conservation and restoration of the Kavango River system. By working closely with local stakeholders, the Community Coordinator ensures that these initiatives are effectively co-created to secure long-term environmental benefits. The ideal candidate for this position will demonstrate a deep passion for environmental conservation, possess strong organizational skills, and excel in collaborative engagement with diverse community members.

Wild Bird Trust organisation

The newly formed KWP (Non-Profit Association Incorporated under Section 21) is part of the Wild Bird Trust (WBT). The WBT runs conservation projects which presently have operations in South Africa, Botswana, Namibia and Angola through the presence of local operating entities. These entities in addition to the USA based, The Wilderness Project, are collectively referred to as the Wild Bird Trust family. The WBT has a collaboration agreement with the National Geographic Society for the National Geographic Okavango Wilderness Project (NGOWP) with a specific focus on the following:

• Exploration and field research expeditions to Angola, Namibia and Botswana;
• Fixed-base research;
• Organizing, implementing and supporting community-based projects;
• Infrastructure development projects;
• Developing engaging conservation media relevant to local and global audiences;
• Organizing events which support and advocate for the various causes linked to the project.

The WBT is in addition, named as the implementing partner under a partnership agreement between the National Geographic Society and De Beers Limited UK which is called Okavango Eternal (OE).

Overview of the Role The role of Community Manager, KWP is a full time, remote working, permanent position based in Namibia.

• The role of Community Coordinator, KWP is a full time, remote working, permanent position based in Rundu, Namibia.
• The role will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing Ecosystem Rehabilitation Projects for the Kavango Wilderness Project (KWP). With a focus on co-creating these projects with local stakeholders so that the conservation and restoration of the river system is sustainable in the long term.
• The ideal candidate will be passionate about environmental conservation, possess strong organizational skills, and have the ability to work collaboratively with various stakeholders.

Key Functions and Responsibilities

The level of restoration versus protection that will be required for the long term protection of the Kavango River will still be established, but it is clear that a multi-stakeholder approach will be required. Therefore the Community Liaison Officer will be required to implement and evaluate a variety of initiatives and activities to promote stakeholder engagement and participation on all levels, as well as measurable behavioural and social change or mobilisation.

Ecosystem Rehabilitation Projects

1. Set up and manage the 'ghost' net buyback scheme, ensuring the smooth operation of the initiative:

• Handle payments related to the buyback scheme and maintain accurate financial records.
• Track and report statistics related to the collection and disposal of 'ghost' nets.

3. Understand drivers and pressures related to riparian deforestation and develop a community natural resource management process.
4. Coordinate with NNF regarding fishery reserves. Help develop a community education system about overfishing and benefits of reserves.

Natural Resource and Impact Surveys

1. Coordinate and conduct regular surveys to assess the state of natural resources and the impact of human activities on the environment including plastic and heavy metal pollution.
2. Analyze survey data and produce reports to inform community stakeholders and guide future conservation efforts.
3. Help to develop conservation education programs suitable for schools and local communities.

Plastic Barrier Management

1. Set up and maintain a plastic barrier to prevent the spread of plastic waste in the environment.
2. Monitor the type and frequency of plastics collected by the barrier.
3. Analyze data to inform future cleanup or litter projects and make recommendations for improvements.
4. Develop a conservation education program for the community related to waste management.

Human Wildlife Conflict

1. Understand drivers of human wildlife conflict (HWC) in the area.
2. Use research data to inform mitigation recommendations.
3. Work with the WBT team to help develop communication strategies around HWC.
4. Support the development and dissemination of the HWC mitigation practices to local communities.

Student Collaboration

1. Accompany agriculture students during field visits to monitor and assess the impact of fertiliser runoff on the landscape.
2. Collaborate with Water Quality PhD students to facilitate regular water quality monitoring, providing logistical and on-ground support.

General Duties

1. Build and maintain relationships with local communities, stakeholders, and partners to promote the project's objectives.
2. Organize and participate in community outreach programs to raise awareness about environmental conservation.
3. Ensure all activities are in compliance with environmental regulations and best practices.

Requirements for the role Qualifications / Skills / Experience / Facilities:

• Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science, Conservation, or a related field.
• Experience in community engagement or liaison roles in Namibia.
• Strong organizational and project management skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
• Proficiency in data analysis and report writing.
• Fluency in English, and a local Kavango dialect is essential.
• Based in or willing to relocate to or spend significant time in Rundu

Benefits

• Competitive salary and benefits package in line with Namibian standards.
• Opportunity to make a significant impact on environmental conservation along with community involvement.
• Collaborative and supportive work environment.

Lines of Communication: The Programme Manager KWP reports to the:

• Board of Directors of the KWP for compliance and guidance.
• Regional Director NGOWP for deliverables and accountabilities.

Application Process If you think you have what it takes to make a success of this role, please send the following to jobs@wildbirdtrust.com and use “COMMUNITY COORDINATOR KWP” as the email subject line:

1. Cover letter motivating and outlining your interest in the role and why you believe you should be considered for this potential opportunity. Your cover letter must also include your salary expectations.
2. Updated Curriculum Vitae which must include:

• Contact information.
• Three role related contactable references.

Please note:

1. Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience & only short-listed candidates will be contacted for an interview.
2. Applications close 31 July 2024