Conservation Research Africa
Carnivore Research Malawi (CRM) is a non-profit conservation project based in Malawi, created in partnership with the University of Bristol, UK. The project falls under the umbrella of the UK Charity Conservation Research Africa (CRA). CRM and CRA were founded by Dr Emma Stone from the University of Bristol UK. CRM works in collaboration with Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) and the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Malawi (DNPW) and conducts three core activities:
1. Applied research for wildlife conservation management by establishing long-term carnivore monitoring and ecology projects to assess species status, threats and provide conservation recommendations; as well as a number of smaller student projects to facilitate and inform long-term conservation management of carnivore populations and their habitats. Project results are used to update IUCN species status reports and assist DNPW in long-term population monitoring and protected area management.
2. Education and awareness of the ecological role of carnivores, human wildlife conflict mitigation, biodiversity and related issues through comprehensive community based education programmes and teacher training workshops in collaboration with Lilongwe Wildlife Trust (LWT) and their Eco-schools programme.
3. Capacity building to increase project effectiveness and long-term success by building capacity in ecological research, biodiversity monitoring and management for DNPW, students from the Lilongwe University of Natural Resources through training courses, attachment programmes and postgraduate research projects at MSc and PhD level.
Duties:
We are conducting behavioural ecology field research to assess the urban spotted hyaena and other small carnivores in the capital city of Lilongwe, to inform human-wildlife conflict management. (www.carnivoreresearchmalawi.org/urbanhyaena). We are currently recruiting for an Urban Carnivore Research Assistant. The position is based in the city of Lilongwe.
• Radio tracking spotted hyaena and other carnivores in the city at night
• Conducting carnivore trapping/captures for collaring (specifically jackal, genet, serval and hyaena)
• Conducting camera trap surveys
• Conducting behavioural observations and habituation of hyaena and other carnivores
• Collecting faecal samples for diet analysis
• Creating and maintaining a photographic database of hyaena using MS Access
• Creating and updating ArcGIS habitat and sightings maps
• Developing awareness and education materials about carnivores and the project in collaboration with our community outreach team
• Assisting the outreach team in responding to community calls to our Wildlife Assistant Helpline, to assist communities experiencing human carnivore conflict
• Writing local and international press releases and international publications
• Collating public field records of sightings
• Leading and managing small teams of volunteers and students
Person Specification Summary:
Requirements:
• Minimum of BSc, in ecology, conservation or similar field
• At least 6 months experience of field research
• Excellent team-work skills, written and oral communication skills
• Clean driving license
• Passion for conservation and wildlife
• Computer literacy: MS Office, including Access; Photoshop, ArcGIS
• Positive mental attitude, resilient, ability to muck in and get on with it
• Hard work ethic, flexible and conscientious approach
• Be willing to track and observe carnivores at night in the city
Desirable:
• Experience of field research with carnivores preferably in Africa
• A good understanding of current concepts in African conservation as well as issues in environmental science, policy and management
• Experience of ArcGIS mapping, digitising and home range analysis
Contract Conditions
Timing: This is an 8-month position commencing from November 2016 with a possibility of extension to 1 year.
Location: You will be based in Lilongwe at our project staff house, which is shared with other staff and volunteers. Your accommodation will consist of a shared room in the staff house, with a living room, kitchen, shower and bathroom. There is power and a cell network.
Conditions: CRM will provide accommodation and bills, work related travel, airport transfers and limited personal use of a project vehicle. You will be required to cover your own flights, food, visas, insurance and vaccinations.
Application process
To apply please send a completed application form (www.carnivoreresearchmalawi.org/vacancies.html) and covering letter (outlining why you think you would be suitable for the post) and a CV is you wish to Dr. Emma Stone on emma@conservationresearchafrica.org