Vaga aberta para Coordenador de Conservação Ambiental em Ilha do Príncipe - Costa da África

JOB DESCRIPTION CONSERVATION COORDINATOR 

IN PRINCIPE FOR AFRICA’S EDEN 

Context 

Principe is a small island (142km2 ) home to 8,000 inhabitants in the heart of the Gulf of Guinea. At international level, the island is recognized for its importance in terms of biodiversity and conservation, especially due to its species-richness and percentage of endemic species, reflecting its biogeographic history of isolation. In 2012,the Autonomous Region of Principe got nominated as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. While the island is most famous for its endemic vascular plants, land birds, reptiles, and amphibians; its marine ecosystems are important breeding grounds for sea turtles, cetaceans and seabirds and include precious habitats such as rocky reefs and rhodolith beds. 

Africa’s Eden (https://www.africas-eden.com/) is further developing its Conservation Tourism programme on the island of Principe. Its key principle is that revenues generated from tourism through Africa’s Eden resort ‘the Roça Belo Monte Plantation Hotel’ pay for priority conservation actions on the island. Natural and cultural heritage are key enablers for tourism on Principe, so ensuring tourists experience the islands biodiversity first hand and hereby contribute to safeguarding Principe’s heritage is a win-win situation. In this context Africa’s Eden is currently looking for a conservation coordinator to lead and implement its Conservation Tourism programme that will consist of six pilot projects, including marine and terrestrial conservation priorities. 

Responsabilities 

 Manage the technical, financial and operational implementation of 6 conservation pilot projects in situ of Africa’s Eden Conservation Tourism Programme 

 Liaise closely and collaborate with partner organizations for the pilot projects’ implementation 

 Recruit, manage and train a small team of local guides to support the actual field work 

 Organise the practical details and logistics of field missions, expeditions and visiting researchers 

 Develop targets and work plans for each pilot project, ensure close follow up and regular reporting

 Liaise with partner organizations, regional government, tour operators, journalists, and tourists 

 Set up, manage and coordinate the functioning of the Belo Monte Research Centre and Laboratory  Give presentations on conservation issues for visiting tourists in the Belo Monte Auditorium 

 Provide technical assistance with the realization of the Belo Monte Museum (when needed) 

 Communicate on the pilot projects through social media, website, local media and in the museum 

 Perform other tasks that may be required from time to time, appropriate to skills and experience 

Profile 

 Master’s degree in Biology, Conservation, Environmental Sciences or related field 

 At least 3-5 years’ experience managing biodiversity conservation projects in the field 

 Previous experience in managing small teams 

 Excellent organizational and project management skills 

 Proven ability to collaborate effectively with partner organizations, including government, international and local NGOs, community groups and businesses 

 Experience of working with local rural communities on bottom-up conservation approaches 

 Experience building conservation capacity, developing and delivering training to local staff 

 Previous experience living in developing countries and remote settings 

 Fluent in written and spoken Portuguese and English 

 Strong and effective communicator 

 Demonstrated willingness to think creatively, to problem-solve and to try new approaches 

 Good physical condition 

 Ecotourism experience is an asset 

Terms and Conditions 

 Full-time position requiring flexible working hours 

 Salary based on skills and experience 

 Accommodation provided at staff quarters of the Belo Monte Plantation Hotel 

 2 months of annual leave (schedule of 5 months on, 1 month off), budget for flight expenses provided 

 Medical insurance allowance of 800 € (good insurance including repatriation obligatory) 

Location: Roça Belo Monte Plantation Hotel, Ilha do Principe, Sao Tome & Principe 

Duration: One year fixed term contract with possibility to extend. 3-month probation period 

Suggested start date 1 October 2017 or as soon as possible 

To apply for this position, please send a motivation letter, your CV and contact details of 3 references to Africas Eden an.bollen@africas-eden.com by 23 August 2017. Please mark your application with ‘Conservation Coordinator - your name’. Only successful candidates will be contacted for an interview.