Head Of Research And Monitoring Department (Ecologist) at Grumeti Fund

Head Of Research And Monitoring Department (Ecologist)

Grumeti Fund

Dar es Salaam

Grumeti Fund is a private, non-profit Tanzanian conservation Trust whose mission is to help conserve the Serengeti Ecosystem by working closely with its Tanzanian Government primary partner – (TAWA), and the communities in Bunda and Serengeti Districts as well as other key public and private sector stakeholders. The Fund supports conservation work within and around Grumeti and Ikorongo Game Reserves, part of Ikona WMA, and adjoining limited-use areas in western Serengeti. Key focal areas and programs entail but are not limited to resource conservation and protection, habitat and species management, ecological monitoring, conservation awareness and education, applied socioecological research, and a set of robust need-based community outreach initiatives in the villages that immediately surround the Grumeti Concession.

Position summary

The Head of Research and Monitoring (Ecologist) is an important member of Grumeti Fund’s senior leadership team (STRATCO) and sits in or contributes to essential Committees on Environment, Special projects, and Sustainability. The Ecologist heads the Research & Monitoring Department and manages all ecological monitoring work within Grumeti Concessions and as necessary engages other Grumeti Fund Heads of Department on research and monitoring needs, program planning, and activity implementation. Further, in discharging his/her strategic duties, the Ecologist appropriately liaises with the Tanzanian conservation and research Agencies and relevant local government authorities (e.g., TAWA, TAWIRI, TANAPA, COSTECH, and Bunda & Serengeti District Councils) on matters related to ecology and research especially as regards respective regulations, guidelines, and terms governing implementation of research and monitoring activities within and around the concession. He /she will have responsibilities on day-today management of the RM department by providing technical, administrative and capacity building (training and mentorship) support, while building and sustaining important partnerships and strategic collaborations with partners and stakeholders as deemed relevant by the Grumeti Fund.

Key Qualifications and Proficiencies:

• A fully qualified Terrestrial Ecologist and or Conservation Biologist with at least 4 to 6 years’ experience.
• Preferably, 50% of the experience must have been acquired post completion of the master’s degree.
• Holder of a PhD in the above field of study from a reputable university PLUS a B.Sc. and a M.Sc. degree in Wildlife Management, Ecology, Environmental Geography, Conservation Science, or other closely related field of study prior to acquiring the PhD.
• Exceptional or at least proficient knowledge and practical skills in ecological monitoring techniques, data science and GIS principles including but not limited to use of R and other programming language, Google
• Earth Engine, proprietary and open-source GIS tools, Tableau, advanced Excel, Database design, Distance, Cartalinx, cartography for environmental management, as well as modern data management and analysis tools relevant to responsibilities in this role.
• Demonstrable ability to conceptualize, plan, execute, report, and evaluate ecological monitoring and research projects, protocols, and or interventions in a terrestrial environment setting.
• Published (at least four relevant articles as the lead/primary author) in reputable, international, peer-reviewed journals.
• Evidence, including writing samples will be required for review.
• Exceptional ability in scientific writing and communication using effective strategies for diverse audiences.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Proven track record in writing successful proposals and experience administering budgets and donor funds in a fast-paced, internationally diverse work environment.
• Proven leadership, team management, and public speaking skills.
• Clean driving license – with experience driving manual cars in remote areas and rough terrain.

Head Of Research And Monitoring Department (Ecologist) at Grumeti Fund

Other desired attributes/ competencies necessary for the job.

• A self-driven, enthusiastic, and team player able to manage or adapt to change.
• Effective communicator who is fully fluent in both English and Kiswahili languages.
• Empathetic team player and leader – able to motivate and support teams to achieve challenging goals (i.e., both professional and personal development goals).
• Efficient time manager able to effectively multi-task while ensuring high quality and timely deliverables.
• High level of personal and professional integrity and trustworthiness (checks will be done).
• Flexibility – willing and able to stay and work for extended periods in remote, wild locations where typical work schedules may transcend conventional work times.
• Post-graduate or work experience obtained both in Tanzania and any of the EAC/SADC region member States will be an important added advantage.
• Possession of good graphic design skills will be an added advantage.

How to apply: –

Please send your application to [email protected] by 30th October 2022. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.