The Ghana Wildlife Society, a non-governmental conservation organization is seeking a highly motivated professional to lead its Biodiversity Research and Conservation Science Unit.

The primary function of the position is to develop and manage biodiversity work programmes to deliver GWS’s strategic objectives and national biodiversity targets; direct and coordinate the Biodiversity Research and Conservation Science unit to maintain the Society’s profile as Ghana’s leading NGO in biodiversity conservation. The position will be based in Accra but with frequent travel to the field.

Specific responsibilities:

In consultation and coordination with the Executive Director:

•   Develop GWS’ biodiversity conservation programme priorities, strategy, and approaches, including habitat, species and people based conservation.
•   Develop and implement targeted research and monitoring of species of conservation concern with particular focus on but not limited to birds.
•   Coordinate surveys to identify Important Birds and Biodiversity Areas (IBBAs) in danger and generate information needed to initiate conservation action.
•   Update and where necessary, develop national threatened species action plans and promote their implementation by all stakeholders; direct national and international attention to important sites and species of conservation concern in Ghana, and influence relevant policies towards their long-term protection.
•   Coordinate and support the logistical and financial management of relevant project initiatives, and maintenance of equipment of the Biodiversity Research Unit.
•   Promote teamwork and ensure proper collection, analysis and publication of field data; review and evaluate field reports.
•   In consultation with the Executive Director, liaise between GWS and relevant institutions including international agencies, donors and other non-governmental organizations.
•   Develop project proposals and fund-raise to sustain the unit’s activities; identify new funding sources and maintain contacts with donors.
•   Produce reports, technical papers, and other required documents (e.g., work plans, implementation plans, annual reports, financial reports) for GWS and to donors on schedule.
•   Promote biodiversity conservation through meetings, professional associations, media engagements and general communications.

Qualification Required & Experience

•   Applicants should have a minimum of a research Masters degree in a field related to Conservation Biology, Ornithology, Ecology, Zoology, Natural Resource Management, etc., with a minimum of eight (8) years relevant experience including at least 3 years in project management position.
•   Substantial experience at a professional level that demonstrates proven skills in multidisciplinary research, and active promotion of research findings; distilling information and writing effectively to engage a diverse audience.
•   Track record in securing research funding from a variety of donors.
•   Project, people and budget management.
•   Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with ability to work in a range of cultural contexts.
•   Excellent problem solving skills and be flexible to remote field work.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Application should include:

•   a cover letter
•   a-one page personal profile,
•   a full CV, and
•   a-two page vision statement for natural resource conservation in Ghana.

Applications should be addressed to:

Ghana Wildlife Society,
P.O. Box 13252
Accra.

Applications may be sent by email also to:-

gwsvacancy1@yahoo.com

Closing Date: 13 February, 2014