DRC: Technical Advisor

Oct 18, 2020 | African Wildlife Foundation
View Original

The African Wildlife Foundation, is the leading international conservation organization focused exclusively on Africa's wildlife and wild lands.

AWF is seeking a Technical Advisor to work with Institut Congolais pour la Conservation de la Nature(ICCN) to ensure implementation of best management practices for the Bili-Uele Protected Area Complex (DCBU). He/she will advise on the development and implementation of a disciplined and effective anti-poaching and ecological monitoring (EM), provide support and capacity development to ICCN and work closely with the Chef de Site on development and implementation of efficient yearly work plans and budgets with a focus on ensuring effective, reliable and verifiable patrolling for EM and anti- poaching. The TA will equally support SMART reporting.

The TA-DCBU is well trained in the use of Cybertracker/SMART, and other new technologies like tracking devices and the use of camera traps and acoustic sensors. The TA-DCBU is competent in use of GIS, and has expertise in the development and implementation of adaptive anti-poaching strategies. The role of the TA-DCBU is to further strengthen the capacities of the ICCN in above expertise leading to improved Performance Based Management of the DCBU/MF. He will provide assistance and guidance to ICCN and other stakeholders in terms of PA management, compliance with donor’s requirements, and implementation of AWF strategies and ensure quality assessment in reporting.

The role requires a highly resourceful individual with strong emotional intelligence, self-motivation, integrity, absolute confidentiality where appropriate, and strong analytical skills. This position will be based at the ICCN-DCBU Base at Bili (Province de Bas-Uele - RDC). S/he will also work closely with AWF and ICCN team, and will report on a day to day basis to the Chief Technical Advisor. The TA will serve as member of the regional team of PA-Technical Advisors and contribute to the regional program for Central and West Africa.

Key Duties & Responsibilities

  • Work with ICCN-DCBU to prepare annual operational and spending plans;
  • Provide technical support and training as needed for the development and implementation of ecological monitoring, surveillance plans and anti-poaching strategies. This should include a training schedule, development of best standard operating procedures, development of an informant network, and early threat warning strategies and ensure that the systems put in place are consistent with ICCN and AWF standards;
  • Monitor patrols on a regular basis for evaluation of performance and report to the CTA DCBU.
  • Improve and suggest improvements of the use of new technology for improved management and monitoring of impact of management in the DCBU;
  • Assure compliance to the implementation of and reporting on the approved ECOFAC 6-program in support to the management of the Protected Area Complex.
  • Support the Chief Technical Advisor DCBU with the establishment of an effective coordination with program partners and stand in for him when he is offsite from the DCBU;
  • Safeguard the relationship between AWF, ICCN and other stakeholders involved in PA management;
  • Monitor DCBU management effectiveness through IMET
  • Co-organize and participate in the community feedback meetings (COCOSI)
  • Produce semiannual and annual reports on trainings, indicators, PA management effectiveness,
  • Report on needs assessment to improve PA management and support new proposal elaboration
  • Actively share insights and lessons learned with colleague TA’s in the regional program for Central and West Africa.
  • Develop and support implementation of high quality and efficient ecological monitoring and anti-poaching based on SMART-Cybertracker tools and new innovative technology such as Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) or drones.
  • Provide continuous support and capacity strengthening to ICCN.
  • Compile information from the region (LRA, Mbororo, etc.) to assist ICCN in decision making.
  • As needed assist the supervisor to coordinate with other actors (APN, Invisible Children and FARDC) the mechanism for sharing information about security in the BCG area and report on cases.
  • Support ICCN and guards in best security practices
  • Proactively communicate with Kinshasa and other office for mutual information sharing.
  • Monitor and oversee the Cybertracker/SMART operations and help advance AWF best practices across the region and Africa.
  • Capacity build AWF staff for improved Ecological Monitoring and anti-poaching tools and approaches.
  • Once the core area is secured, help AWF expand the program area strategically.
  • Provide semi-annual and annual narrative reports to the supervisor for compilation to the donor
  • Collaborate with AWF GIS Director in developing the modelling of BUPAC (Bili-Uele Protected Area Complex)
  • Working closely with ICCN, develop a surveillance strategic plan of BUPAC and Bili-Mbomu Central Zone (BMCZ)
  • Put in place and oversee operation rooms of Bili and Buta
  • Undertake any other relevant responses as may be requested by the CTA.

Requirements

  • University degree (Master or Engineer) in Biological Sciences, Protected Areas Management, Wildlife Management and demonstrated ability to translate analytical/ technical skills into operational results
  • Substantial experience in training, anti-poaching training and implementation in different environments (forest, savanna, etc.)
  • At least 7 years’ experience in wildlife management and anti-poaching implementation in Africa.
  • Be fluent in spoken and written French;
  • Being fluent in spoken and written English, or, minimum, a working knowledge.
  • Proficiency in the use of SMART and CyberTracker;
  • Ability to communicate effectively through timely high-quality scientific reports;
  • Significant dexterity with computer packages including word, data storage, statistical analyses, reporting and internet skills;
  • Ability to work both as part of a team ensuring ecological inputs into program and also work independently as needed;
  • Demonstrated ability to multi-task and meet deadlines.
  • Ability to fulfill mandatory AWF operations and financial procedures.
  • Experience of collaborating with governmental conservation institutions, military structures and private sector, and conservation/PA-management NGOs
  • Proven experience with SMART, Cyber Tracker, GIS, and anti-poaching technology.
  • Experience working in difficult and remote locations.
  • Willingness to be based in a remote location.