Country Coordinator West African Primate Conservation Action - WAPCA

A highly motivated and dedicated person required as Country Coordinator for West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA). Hiring Organisation: The NGO West African Primate Conservation Action, founded in 2001, is an initiative of several European zoos and conservation organisations with the aim of conserving endangered primates in the Upper Guinean Forest of West Africa. Activities are focused on target species, which are endemic to western Ghana and eastern Ivory Coast. In Ghana, in close cooperation with the Wildlife Division, NGO partners and local communities, WAPCA implements conservation activities in areas where viable populations of the target species still exist. WAPCA furthermore collaborates with the Accra Zoo where they have supported the establishment of an Endangered Primate Centre. Education campaigns in urban and rural areas are on-going to raise awareness among local people about primate conservation and the wider impact on ecosystems and climate. Further information can be found on www.wapca.org Job Description: We are looking for a long-term coordinator and representative for WAPCA who is based full-time in Ghana. Work will consist of the continuation of on-going activities, the conceptualisation and development of new projects, particularly in the area of community-based conservation. This is in cooperation with the WAPCA Europe office, local WAPCA Ghana Board, counterparts in Ivory Coast and other international partners. Activities will take place in Accra, field sites in the Western Region of Ghana and eastern Ivory Coast. Liaison with other NGOs, Wildlife Division, donors and other partners will be an important task. The person will be responsible for two full-time staff and short-term field assistants, researchers and volunteers. Additional responsibilities include fundraising, public relations, regular project reports and financial administration. Qualifications: Experience of field-based conservation and travel in tropical countries is essential. The applicant should have good knowledge of conservation issues in Africa, community-based approaches to conservation, primates and captive animal care. Previous experience of working with local partners and Government agencies in developing countries is highly desirable. The applicant should show strong leadership qualities, excellent communication and diplomatic skills, and must be prepared to work with people from a broad range of different backgrounds. The ability to work independently, be well organized and reliable is essential. The applicant must have very good spoken and written English, basic French is desirable. Good computer and practical skills (e.g. mechanics, carpentry etc.) are an advantage. Conditions: The candidate will have a handover period of four weeks, working together with the current coordinator in Ghana. He/she will be based in Accra, with regular local travel to remote places with basic living conditions. Term of Appointment: To start in February 2012, a one year renewable contract. Long-term stay is preferred. Application Deadline: 30th November 2011 To apply send a covering letter (please state preferred salary), curriculum vitae and references, to the following: Sandra Reichler, Secretary of WAPCA Europe, e-mail: sandra.reichler@heidelberg.de or Katherine Silenga, Country Coordinator in Ghana, e-mail: katherine.burns@wapca.org