Job Vacancy @ Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary (TCS) – Field Manager

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to conservation@tacugama.com

Location: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone, West Africa

Position: Field Manager

Minimum Stay Required: 1 year

Start Date: May 2025

Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary is looking for an experienced and motivated Field Manager to manage field research being carried out at our field sites. The Field Manager will oversee the successful implementation of conservation projects including wildlife surveys, alternative livelihood and reforestation projects through the coordination of field staff while ensuring the safe and efficient execution of tasks in alignment with Tacugama's mission to protect and conserve chimpanzees and their habitats. This role requires excellent organisational skills, community engagement skills and a passion for conservation.

The Field Manager will work with a team of outreach officers and report to the Conservation Manager. The Field Manger will supervise the research projects at the Outamba-Kilimi National Park and The Loma Mountains National Park field sites.

Key Responsibilities:

• Project Coordination & Implementation: Lead and coordinate the implementation of wildlife conservation initiatives, including monitoring chimpanzee populations, habitat restoration, and community outreach programs.
• Team Supervision: Manage and oversee a team of field staff during field trips, ensuring high standards of work, safety, and motivation. Provide guidance, training, and mentorship to staff on proper research methods and data collection including using SMART software, camera traps, restoration projects, fire management and livelihood alternatives.
• Field Logistics & Operations: Organize and manage logistics for field operations, including transportation of personnel and materials, ensuring all equipment is available and in good condition for field activities. Maintaining the equipment inventory. Manage any travel arrangements, including coordinating with the team, local authorities and communities.
• Wildlife Protection & Monitoring: Work closely with conservationists and rangers to monitor chimpanzee populations in the wild, implement anti-poaching initiatives, and ensure the protection of habitats. Conduct routine patrols to identify and mitigate any threats to wildlife in the region.
• Capacity Building: Provide capacity building to all staff though training and workshops
• Data Management: Organize and manage the data collected in the field (including surveys, interviews and field data) in a consistent and timely manner.
• Data Analysis and Entry: analyse and enter all data collected from allocated projects.
• Research Reports: Maintain accurate data on field activities, including wildlife sightings, tracking, and project progress. Prepare and submit regular reports to the Conservation Manager. Work alongside the Conservation Manager to interpret results and prepare compelling research reports based on results and findings in the field to share with Project Funders, Stakeholders and Academics
• Office Administration: Assist the management team with financial planning and management of grant budgets at the different project sites.
• Communications: Collaborate with the communications teams to develop articles, social media posts, radio discussions points, etc.
• Assist the team wherever else needed.

Requirements:

Education:

· Master's degree in Wildlife Conservation, Environmental Science, Biology, or a related field.

• Certification in first aid highly desirable.

Experience:

• Experience of at least 2 years working in remote environments, preferably in West Africa, with a focus on primate or wildlife conservation. Experience in managing teams and coordinating logistics in remote environments is highly desirable.
• Experience of leading data collection, restoration projects, fire management and livelihood alternatives desirable.

Skills & Attributes:

· Strong leadership skills, resilience and team management skills.

· Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English (knowledge of local languages is a plus).

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data collection tools (GPS software, GIS Mapping, SMART).

· In-depth knowledge of wildlife conservation practices.

· Strong problem-solving abilities and adaptability in dynamic field conditions.

· Passion for wildlife conservation and sustainable development.

· Ability to live and work closely with the rest of the team, comprising both International and National Staff.

· Ability to live in remote communities for extended period of times to collect data in nearby forest areas

· A high level of fitness in order to hike and work in the forest for long hours, as well as camp in the forest whenever necessary

· Patience and a willingness to work to different cultural values

The chosen candidate must provide evidence of personal health insurance, negative TB test, COVID and yellow fever vaccination.

Working Conditions:

• Location: Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary, Sierra Leone, West Africa. The position requires frequent travel to field sites across Sierra Leone which accommodation will be tents in local communities.
• Schedule and Stipend: This is a full-time, six (6) day a week position. A reasonable stipend will be paid every 3 months. Suitable candidates must be able to commit for a minimum of 1 year.

If the successful applicant does not live in Sierra Leone, the contract will include: on-site accommodation at Tacugama Chimpanzee Sanctuary; one African style meal per day; annual return airfare (subject to contract completion). The chosen candidate must provide evidence of personal health insurance, negative TB test, COVID and yellow fever vaccination.

To apply please send a CV and cover letter to conservation@tacugama.com