The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is seeking a talented professional to join our team as an ENVIRONMENTAL INITIATIVES MANAGER. The position is based out of the Karisoke Research Center, located in Musanze, Rwanda. The successful applicant will join a team of over 130 staff working at the Fossey Fund’s field sites in Rwanda. It is anticipated to be a two year position with potential for extension and/or long-term collaboration.
Job Overview
As the Environmental Initiatives Manager, you will lead the DFGFI on the development and implementation of community conservation and development projects linked directly education, agricultural techniques/food security, and livelihood development with the aim of benefiting the conservation of gorillas and the larger biodiversity of the region.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and lead the implementation of the Environmental Initiatives strategic plan which focuses on integrating environmental practices with a range of applied livelihood and education projects with local communities including, conservation education, food and water security initiatives, co-operative/association and small enterprise development;
- Facilitate supply chain development for co-operative conservation business projects, including bamboo, mushrooms, animal husbandry, agriculture products;
- Implement the community engagement monitoring and evaluation framework to evaluate current agricultural and educational activities and adapt projects as appropriate;
- Oversee preparation and execution of annual budgets and work plans;
- Manage and provide strategic guidance to programmatic staff;
- Identify and apply for grant funding to support programs;
- Develop new and manage ongoing partnerships with local governments, NGOS, and other relevant stakeholders;
- Work with the DFGFI Communications team to publicize community work;
- Support and ensure the delivery of individual project and annual reports and other reporting as per donor requirements.
- Publish and present results of studies to variety of audiences (management, scientists, tourists).
Qualifications
We are looking for a motivated individual with a strong conservation biology, agricultural sciences, community development and/or education background and excellent communication skills to join our team.
The ideal candidate will have:
- An MSc or PhD in agricultural science, natural resource management, environmental studies, conservation biology or ecology, environmental economics or related field;
- A minimum of 5 years or project management experience in community conservation or rural development, preferably in east or central Africa;
- Prior experience in implementing approaches for community-based natural resource management;
- Technical expertise or at least a solid understanding of community-based natural resource management, community forestry, participatory approaches, livelihood strategies for forest dependent communities, rural development, sustainable agriculture, sustainable value chains, private sector partnerships, inclusion of gender and indigenous people, etc.;
- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups of stakeholders, from government to small-scale producers;
- Strong organizational skills and efficient management of multiple tasks and priorities;
- Expertise developing community partnerships, including working with government agencies, NGOs, diverse stakeholder groups, and corporations.
- Proficiency in statistical tools for scientific analysis, such as, R, STATA, or SPSS;
- Ability to synthesize information from a variety of sources and communicate findings clearly to a wide scientific and non-scientific audience in technical reports, scientific publications and presentations.
- Fluent in English and working knowledge of French or Kiswahili, both written or verbal;
To apply, please send a cover letter, resume and a list of three references to hlaw@gorillafund.org. Please include “Environmental Initiatives Manager position” in the subject line of your email. No phone calls please. Closing date for all applications: June 30, 2021 at 11:59 pm (EST). Only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for an interview
About the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund: The Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund is dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats in Africa, through research, conservation action, education and partnerships. Founded by Dian Fossey as the Digit Fund and renamed after her death, the Fossey Fund operates the Karisoke Research Center in Rwanda, and maintains a staff of over 130 who work in and around the Volcanoes National Park. DFGFI also employs a staff of 30 individuals operating at two field sites in eastern DR Congo and participates in critical conservation, health, and community development projects in both Rwanda and DRC. For more information about DFGFI, visit www.gorillafund.org.
