Job Details

Job Description

Musekese Conservation (MC) is seeking a highly motivated and experienced individual to join our team as a Research and Site Manager. As a Research and Site Manager, you will oversee and lead the research programme and assist in the implementation of MC-DNPW ecological research projects during the 2024 and 2025 field seasons. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the conservation efforts in Kafue National Park while gaining valuable leadership experience in the field of ecology.

Duration : 2 years renewable with a three-month probationary period.

Responsibilitie s: As the Research and Site Manager, your role will involve:
Field Duties;
• Responsible for research and conservation outputs of the Research team, ensuring team members understand and meet their roles and responsibilities.
• Coordinate field activities (as per annual work plans set by senior management), resources, and relationships with partners and stakeholders to ensure project tasks are completed on time and within budget.
• Work with the Research Coordinator on the design and implementation of the overall research programme. The current programme consists of;
o Camera Trap Surveys
o Prey Transects
o Focal Monitoring of Large Carnivores
o Large Carnivore Search and Encounter Drives.
• Compile monthly reports of Research activities both for distribution and presentation for park wide partners such as GKLL and for internal use.
• Ensuring the whole research team is aligning on data collection techniques and methodologies to report though to the organisations Data Officer and aligned for donor reports.
• Providing guidance and support to interns and field technicians in field equipment maintenance and calibration. This is inclusive of capacity building of Zambian Nationals, training in specific field skills, project management skills, improving wildlife knowledge and encouraging scientific problem-solving approach.
• Ensuring compliance with safety protocols and promoting responsible fieldwork practices.

Operational and Administration Duties;
• On site grant and reporting management
• Manage Research Partner relations
o Attend meetings/presentations with collaborators and partners
o Coordinate logistical needs/requirements with parnters.
• Management of sites financial responsibilities.
o Assisting the Programme Manager with the development of the Research Sites annual budget and
allocation of funds, and ensuring all activities are aligned with the budget
o Become the point of contact for Research specific funding
o Work alongside the Administrative Officer for procurement needs and ensure the suitable receipts, invoices are collected for accounting purposes.
• Assist with social media communications and ensuring the research teams are collecting content during activities for social media.
• Oversee and manage basic camp operations – working with the junior management team on camp to ensure procurement is done in good time and there is good accountability of usage of items.
• Supervise and Manage the Research teams’ field equipment.
o Ensure regular supply inventory is completed and any damage/loss forms are on file should incidents
happen in the field.
o Implement and manage a check out system of field equipment. There will be assistance from junior team with running these tasks.

Requirements : To be successful in the role of Research and Site Manager, you should possess:
1. Master’s degree or equivalent work experience (5+ year’s experience in remote, field based positions)
2. Experience in Africa conservation is preferred.
3. A strong background in ecology, biology, or a related field, preferably with a focus on wildlife conservation.
4. Carnivore focus with an experience in monitoring and camera trapping is preferable.
5. Excellent organizational skills, with attention to detail and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
6. High standard of computer literacy, especially with Microsoft office.
7. Experience with statistical analysis, competence with QGIS/ArcGIS, R, Python, or similar.
8. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively collaborate with team members and stakeholders.
9. High physical fitness and the ability to work outdoors in challenging weather conditions.
10. Off-Road driving experience, and willing and able to drive long distances each day.
11. Demonstrated leadership abilities and the capacity to motivate and mentor a team.
12. Willingness to live remotely in tented accommodation within Kafue National Park for the duration of the field seasons.

Renumeration: To be discussed with the successful candidate.

How to Apply: If you are interested in this challenging and rewarding opportunity as a Field Ecologist, please submit your CV with a cover letter to [email protected] with the subject title: [Your full name] Application for Research and Site Manager. Please note that only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the selection process.

We appreciate your interest in joining the Musekese Conservation team and contributing to our conservation efforts in Kafue National Park.